Sunday, June 6, 2021
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) The design of the Holy Spirit, as He develops in us fruit characteristic of the divine nature is to constrain us forward a life in which the tendencies of the flesh are both undesirable and unproductive.
The word walk means to walk at large, especially as proof of ability; to be occupied with or engaged in. The tense of this verb implies progression or steady progress in grace. The Holy Spirit both monitors and empowers, enabling practical godliness. Discernment on our part teaches that some sins are driven by carnal nature and others by carnal nurture, depending on the way one is fed or bred.
Some sins are avoided because of divine prohibitions and others by divine (Holy Spirit) inhibitions, when the indwelling Spirit brings the Word or personal warnings to mind. Growth in Christ increases resistance to all that is uncharacteristic of Him.
We become more internally motivated as our hearts learn to inhibit disobedience, instead of relying on our minds to memorize rules and wrestle to obey. Learning to walk in the Spirit will bring a gradual movement from mental rules and disciplines to an obedience rooted in the heart’s judgments and convictions.
The Holy Spirit is the key to dynamic devotion and to living under God’s grace. Only the indwelling Holy Spirit can fulfill the Law through us, reproduce the dynamic life of Christ in us, and truly free us from the Law.
You are Loved, Pastor Don
Cornerstone Worship Center 