What practical steps can we take to live by the Spirit, not flesh? Living by the Spirit: Lessons from Galatians 4:29 “At that time, however, the child born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit. It is the same now.” (Galatians 4:29) Seeing the Contrast • Isaac, “born according to the Spirit,” represents life birthed by God’s promise. • Ishmael, “born according to the flesh,” pictures human self-effort. • The conflict between the two still plays out in every believer: Spirit-led living versus flesh-driven impulses (cf. Romans 7:23). Recognize the Ongoing Battle • Romans 8:5-6 — “Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh… the mind of the Spirit is life and peace.” • Galatians 5:17 — “For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit.” • Expect tension; don’t be surprised when the flesh “persecutes” the Spirit-born desires. Practical Steps to Walk in the Spirit 1. Cling to Identity in Christ • Galatians 2:20 — “I have been crucified with Christ.” • Daily affirm: “I belong to the promise, not the performance.” 2. Saturate Your Mind with the Word • Psalm 119:11 — “I have hidden Your word in my heart.” • Schedule unhurried Scripture intake; memorize key verses that address recurring temptations. 3. Cultivate Continual Dependence • Galatians 5:16 — “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Start each decision with a silent, “Holy Spirit, lead me.” 4. Pray According to God’s Promises • Jude 20 — “Pray in the Holy Spirit.” • Turn promises (e.g., Ezekiel 36:27) into petitions: “Cause me to walk in Your statutes.” 5. Practice Immediate Obedience • John 14:21 — “Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” • Act on Spirit promptings before fleshly reasoning talks you out of obedience. 6. Engage in Mutual Accountability • Hebrews 10:24-25 — “Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” • Invite trusted believers to ask, “Where are you choosing flesh over Spirit?” 7. Reject Legalism and License Alike • Galatians 5:13 — “Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.” • Guard against self-made rules and against careless indulgence; both empower the flesh. 8. Keep Short Accounts with God • 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins…” • Confession breaks flesh’s grip, restoring unhindered fellowship with the Spirit. Expect Spirit-Formed Fruit • Galatians 5:22-23 — Love, joy, peace, and the rest blossom naturally in a surrendered life. • Over time, the “Isaac” life grows stronger, and the “Ishmael” ways are “driven out” (Galatians 4:30). Celebrate the Promise • “So then, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.” (Galatians 4:31) • Freedom in Christ empowers consistent Spirit-led living, making our lives a visible testimony to God’s faithfulness. |
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