Beyond the Weekend

July 2 | Power

July 2, 2015

Text: Galatians 5.16-21

We’re prone to anger, gossip, lust, and greed. The Apostle Paul calls these the “desires of the flesh”—or sinful nature (Galatians 5.16-17). When we become a child of God, we’re given a new nature, one that opposes our inherent sin nature. But until we reach heaven, these natures will continue to war within us (a struggle with which Paul was very familiar as we see in Romans 7.14-25).

Because the Holy Spirit is the source of our power to obey God and live according to our new nature, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us when we’re tempted to obey the desires of our sinful nature.

Today, practice this simple, yet powerful way to pray: When you’re tempted, tell God exactly what you’re feeling and what you’re thinking of doing. It might not be pretty, but he already knows. By confessing these things out loud to God, we tend to see our temptation more clearly. Then, submit yourself to the Holy Spirit by simply asking, “How should I be feeling about this situation and how would you like me to respond?” Don’t be surprised when he answers! By obeying his leading, you’ll put to death the desires of the flesh and begin living by the Spirit!

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