MONDAY July 26, 2021
The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
Romans 7:18-20
Paul declared that in his flesh––the old man––was found nothing good. There was always a constant battle between his flesh and spirit. Like Paul, Christians desire to do what is right, but they do not always choose to do it! Please come to this realization. There is nothing good that dwells in us, which shows just how much we need Jesus Christ in our lives. A believer cannot have victory over their flesh, their carnal desires, all by themselves––no possible way!
Paul used the Cross as an analogy to show believers how they can overcome the flesh: And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. The Cross is the instrument of death. Our flesh needs to be crucified. It needs to die!
Understand, Christians have been born again through the Holy Spirit. They are set free from sin and walk in newness of life. Believers identify themselves with the risen Christ:
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3).
Therefore, Christians, continue to walk by faith and obedience with the Cross before them. Never walk away from the Cross! Are you winning the battle against your flesh or losing it? Are you living the crucified life?
We must do something about the cross and one of two things only we can do — flee it or die upon it.
~A. W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!