By Illustrated Theology
Why do we keep falling into the same sins? Even after promising we wouldn’t ever again! It’s not a lack of willpower, & it’s not because we don’t love God. The truth is, that there is a war going on inside us. And if we don’t learn to walk in the Spirit now, our enemy will always win. But take heart, the Bible shows us the way.
merlin: Again, as prior, if technology works, you may either read the script, or scroll down for the YouTube version at the bottom. Your choice. As always, your comments are appreciated, and everything posted, is first & foremost, written to myself, so don’t cob an attitude as time is short and THE night is coming!
Step 1: Recognize the Inner War
First of all, we need to face the reality there is a war going on inside of us, and it’s not an occasional conflict, that only shows up in times of crisis. Rather, it’s a constant daily and inevitable battle. Paul makes this clear in Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary the one to the other, so that you cannot do the things that you would.”
In other words, there is no neutral zone. It’s not maybe; it’s an actual struggle! It is always happening! Every day your flesh pulls one way and the Spirit pulls the other. It’s as if there were two voices inside of you fighting for control of your life and this conflict shows up in the simplest things. Your flesh says, sleep 30 more minutes, the spirit says, get up and pray. Your flesh shouts, just one more episode, the spirit whispers, go read the word. Your flesh demands, respond in the same measure, the spirit calls, offer forgiveness. Your flesh cries out for immediate pleasure, the Spirit reminds you, of eternal joy.
Understand this is essential, because many people feel being a Christian means no longer feeling the desire to sin. But that’s a myth. Conversion does not eliminate the desires of the flesh. It puts you on the battlefield against them, the difference now is that you are no longer unarmed. Before without Christ, you had no choice; the flesh commanded and you obeyed. But now with the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, there is power to say No! The desire of the flesh still exists, but obedience is no longer inescapable. This tension will not disappear while we are in this body. Paul himself confessed, for the good that I would, I do not. But the evil which I would not, that I do. Even the apostle fought daily against this inner war. So, walking in the Spirit, begins by recognizing there is no neutrality. There is a war inside of you, but just being aware of this war is not enough.
Step 2: is Essential, Feed the Spirit Daily.
Joshua received this clear command from God. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth but thou shalt meditate therein day and night that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein, for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success.” Notice the principle. Joshua’s victory would not come merely from military strategy or courage before enemies, but from his faithfulness to the Word of God. Victory begins with obedience and dependence on the Scriptures. Now think with me. No one wins a war with starving soldiers. In the same way, no one wins the spiritual battles of life if the Spirit is malnourished. If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, He needs to be fed and the food is the Word of God. Jesus said,
“It is the Spirit that quickeneth the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I speak unto you; they are Spirit and they are life Without this daily nourishment our faith weakens and the flesh takes control. It’s simple. If the Bible stays closed, the flesh grows. If the Bible is opened every day, the Spirit speaks louder, and here’s the practical test, what is the first thing you feed in the morning? The mind, with social media, or the Spirit, with the Word? This seemingly small choice reveals who is getting stronger inside of you, the flesh, or the Spirit?
I realized that one of the greatest changes in my spiritual life was something very simple; replacing the habit of waking up and grabbing my phone with the habit of opening the Bible. Now, besides my devotional time, I begin my day by reading at least a Psalm or a passage from the Gospels. It’s amazing how this, changes the tone of the entire day. Before being bombarded by work, bad news, demands and daily problems, I’ve already set my feet on what is eternal. This simple choice has helped me start the day walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
Step 3: Pray Without Ceasing.
Many people have a distorted idea of what it means to walk in the Spirit. Some imagine it’s living in a trance, levitating, having visions every moment, or experiencing spectacular manifestations every day, but the reality is much simpler, and at the same time much more important than that. Walking in the Spirit is living, while seeking God’s direction in every moment of life. Paul summarized this brilliantly when he wrote “Pray without Ceasing.”
Of course, he wasn’t saying we should spend 24 hours on our knees isolated from the world without working, studying, or talking. What he meant is that we can turn each ordinary moment of our day into an opportunity for prayer. It’s like living with the heart always online with God, without losing connection. That means when you thank God for your food, even in a quick meal, you are walking in the Spirit. When you ask for guidance before a meeting or an important decision you are walking in the Spirit. When you choose to pray instead of complaining, you are giving space for the Spirit to guide your reaction.
And here comes the practical application, create prayer triggers throughout your day, small habits that remind you almost automatically to turn your mind back to God. For example, every time you open the door to leave the house, thank him for your family, and your home. Before answering a difficult message, pray for wisdom and calm. In traffic, instead of letting irritation take over, turn it into praise. Play a hymn. Thank him for transportation. Ask for patience. These gestures may seem small but they allow the Spirit to guide your life. Here comes the most radical part and at the same time, the most forgotten by many, Paul wrote “And they that are Christ’s, have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts.
Step Four: Crucify the Flesh Daily.
Pay close attention. He didn’t say the flesh must be educated, disciplined, or improved; he said crucified. Walking in the Spirit is not only about doing good deeds, attending church services, or performing right actions. It is also about denying what draws us away from God. It is choosing to die to impulses that may feel natural, but in reality, lead to spiritual death. You will need to make a value exchange. The flesh says, “Follow your heart; the Spirit says, “Deny yourself. The flesh says, “Do what makes you happy.” The Spirit says, “Do what glorifies God.” The flesh says, “Enjoy today because tomorrow is uncertain.” The Spirit replies “Sow today to reap in eternity.”
Crucifying the flesh means taking concrete steps against sin. If laziness is your weakness, impose discipline, set schedules, complete tasks, even without desire. Defeat apathy with consistency. If pride rules your heart, practice acts of service in secret, without seeking applause, doing it only to please God. Many people reduce the idea of walking in the Spirit to simply avoiding sin. Of course, resisting sin is fundamental, but that is not the complete picture. Paul explains that the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Long-Suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, & Temperance.
Step 5: Produce the Fruit of the Spirit.
Notice two important things. First, he uses the word fruit in the singular, not fruits. This shows that it’s not about separate qualities but a complete character that the Holy Spirit forms within us. The fruit is one, but with several aspects, that together reveal the life of Christ in us. Second, this fruit is not produced by your willpower. You cannot by human effort consistently become a person full of love, joy and peace. The fruit is the work of the Spirit. He produces it in you as you surrender, abide in Christ, and feed on His word. Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without me, you can do nothing.”
In every situation of life, don’t just ask what should I not do; instead go further, and ask which aspect of the fruit of the Spirit, can I manifest here? In conflict, can I show meekness? Instead of an outburst, in waiting, can I display patience instead of anxiety? Under pressure, can I live with self-control, instead of giving into impulse? In pain, can I choose the joy that comes from the Lord? Do you see the difference?
BOTTOM LINE:
Those who live only running from sin live on the defensive, like someone who is always putting out fires, but those who walk in the Spirit, live on the offensive, revealing Christ in every detail.
So, what should you know about walking in the Spirit? Remember that it’s not a privilege for a select few, but the calling of every Christian. You do this when you recognize the inner war! Feed the Spirit daily with the Word. Live in constant prayer. Crucify the flesh every day. Produce the fruit of the Spirit. And here is the greatest truth, you don’t walk in the Spirit alone. It is the Spirit Himself who enables you. Your part is to choose to surrender, to hand over the direction of your life to Him every day. Remember the flesh promises quick pleasure but delivers a pervading, enduring & disgusting emptiness, not to mention eternal death! The Spirit may lead you through the narrow path, but in the end, He brings you to abundant life, forever! So, the decision is yours. Will you keep giving in to the impulses of the flesh, or will you choose to walk filled with the Spirit?
NEXT UP: How To Differentiate Your Voice and God’s Voice