Friday February 3, 2023
Galatians 5:16
Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Jesus is come that we might have life and have it abundantly. He saves us, not that we should enter into heaven after a life of defeat, but that we should be victorious, unto the praise of His glory who purchased victory for us at such a great price.
This is the way the disciples understood Jesus. It is true that they tell us that never in this life will we be able to rid ourselves of our old flesh, whose mind is enmity against God. But the apostle tells us in our Word for today that if we walk by the Spirit we shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
There is a great deal of weak and emaciated Christianity among us, the kind that simply marks time and never makes any progress in sanctification. Old character failings are carried along from year to year. Our good deeds, which Jesus expects should shine before others, are conspicuous only by their absence.
There is some striving against sin. But, as is the way of the world, only against those sins which are “dangerous” because they deprive people of their good name and reputation.
My friend, do you know that you are asleep and on the way to spiritual death? Have you not read of the thorns and thistles which gradually choke the good seed? What is your will? Shall the thorns or the good seed be permitted to live in your heart?
But what shall I do? you ask. I have neither the power nor the will that I should have. I am like a lame person unable to rise.
My friend, you have forgotten that there is something known as the grace of God.
Cast yourself down before the God of grace. Confess your lukewarm will-lessness, and He will forgive you for this terrible sin for the sake of the precious blood of Jesus.
Moreover He will give you that grace which is known as the Spirit of God. And when you begin to walk by the Spirit, you will not have to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 