Galatians 3:24-6:18
Acts 15:1-21
Paul continued his case against the false doctrine that one needs to
follow Jewish regulations in order to be saved from sin. “You are trying to
find favor with God by what you do or don’t do...,” which is impossible (Galatians 4:10). “If you are
trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut
off from Christ... Christ has set you free, so don’t get tied up again in
slavery to the law” (5:1, 4).
We have been called to a new life of freedom, both freedom
from religious requirements and freedom from our sinful nature. Before we were
saved from sin, we were slaves to it; no amount of self-determination could
overcome its power. However, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome
our desire to fulfill our sinful passions.
Since our sinful nature and the Holy Spirit are both present in our
lives, these forces wage a war in us and, thus, living a life that honors the
Lord is a constant struggle for Christians (see Romans 7:14-25). Though our
hearts have been made new by Christ, we are justified before God because of
Him, this new life is trapped inside of our sinful bodies (flesh). Therefore,
both forces can influence us at any time.
Paul challenged his readers “to live according to your new life in the
Holy Spirit, then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old
sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just the opposite from what the Holy
Spirit wants; and the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful
nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and
your choices are never free from this conflict” (5:16, 17).
However, Paul provided a list of fruit that helps us to identify the
source that influences us the most (v.19-23, 26). It is also a way to help identify who has or
has not given his life to Christ. It is important to note that the desires of
the sinful nature can be present in the life of a Christian, but they will not be his
practice.
Likewise, in the life of an unbeliever, spiritual characteristics can be
present, but they will not be his practice. While fruit in one’s life is not a definitive
marker of one’s salvation, it is certainly a help. The
pattern one exhibits over time is a helpful indication of who or what is influencing
one’s actions.
Daily Reflection
“Those who belong to Christ,” Paul wrote, “have nailed the passions
and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. If we
are living by the Holy Spirit, then let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in
every part of our lives” (5:24, 25).
How would you describe this battle in your life? Have you crucified
your sinful desires on the cross or are they still causing you to stumble? What
pattern is most evident in your life?
Let it be obvious for others to see that you are a child of God. Let
there be no doubt, when others watch you or listen to you, that you are
under the influence of the Spirit and that you are genuinely seeking to live a life
worthy of the One who saved you. Don’t send mixed messages that cause others to
wonder about your salvation, but rather let them be assured of it by the fruit
in your life.
BiAY.org | Day 318 — 47 Days to Go
No comments:
Post a Comment