June 17, 2024
There are some things that are so complicated that most of us cannot grasp them. And other steps that are so hard that we cannot possibly fulfill them.
But not the Christian life. It is simple and possible for even the youngest child or the newest believer. Paul boils it down to a simple phrase.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)
IF WE LIVE BY THE SPIRIT
Some people profess to be Christians, but they are not. They suffer under the deadly delusion that we must earn our salvation by our own good works. The tragedy, of course, is that this is completely impossible. The Bible makes that abundantly clear.
By the works of the Law, no flesh will be justified in His sight … for we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. (Romans 3:20,28)
These pseudo-Christians may work hard, but their sin is still separating them from God. They have yet to be born again by humbly trusting in Christ alone to save them.
Every true believer has come to the end of themselves and been saved by grace through faith. This Divine transformation happens through the work of God’s Spirit, who comes to live in them, making them spiritually alive.
LET US ALSO WALK BY THE SPIRIT
It is this same way that we are to live every day. Paul uses the word “walk” so that we can all understand the simplicity. We are to follow the Holy Spirit. Whatever He says in His Word and prompts in our hearts, we are to obey.
We lack the human strength or wisdom to do this alone. So Paul reminds us to walk “by the Spirit.” Because He lives in us, we can know His direction and be empowered by His sufficient strength to follow, however challenging.
The word “walk” does, though, imply a choice. We can walk by our own strength and after our fleshly desires or the enemy’s incessant temptations. We must see the foolishness of this direction and turn to the Spirit within to lead us.
Here is the daily, hourly question we should constantly ask: Am I walking by the Spirit? By His leading and by His empowering?
If we are, He will lead us in all the right paths, empowering us with His sufficient strength. Nothing could be more clear or more gloriously effective.
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
March 04, 2025
As you evaluate your faith, is it “God and?” God and others. God and the world’s ideas. God and my best thoughts thrown in. God and some money. God and a clear path. Or simply: God. Are you vainly clinging to the idea that you need more than Him?
