Just recently I heard someone say, “I can’t win”. Unfortunately, for many, there is a lot of truth in that statement. Their focus, energy, and efforts, have always been…I…
- I
need to do this… - I made a decision…
- I have to…
- I can’t…
- I have rights…
- I know whats best…
In fact, scripturally, they aren’t entirely wrong. If our continual focus is upon ourselves, then we are likely living each day according to the flesh. But there is another way, a better way, a winning way!
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
ESV
Gal 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
Gal 5:21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Gal 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
So jump with me to verse 24, if we are claiming to belong to Jesus, the entire focus shifts from I can’t win to…
I always win!
I can’t win (flesh) becomes I always win (Spirit), Amen! Verse 16 plainly states that if we “walk by the Spirit” you won’t loose, “you will not gratify the desires of the flesh”. The flesh and the Spirit are opposed to each other for a reason, according to vs. 17.
“to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
There will always be loss if we do the things we want to do (flesh); and there will always be victory if we walk by the Spirit! The issue is really simple yet complex! As people of the earth, our natural desires are fleshly, we want what we want. But if we have truly given ourselves to Christ Jesus, we want what He wants.
Gal 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
ESV
The challenge for each of us every moment of our lives, is to WIN! How do we do that? Trust in whom you belong, Christ Jesus, and choose to “keep in step with the Spirit”! For more encouragement, check out this article: The Flesh