NEW LIFE, NEW PATH
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Galatians 5:24-26 (NLT)
All of us are being led by either our sinful nature or the Spirit of God.
When you follow your sinful nature, the results are quite clear. You can see what Paul lists in the verses that precede what we’re examining today (Galatians 5:19-21). Allow me to summarize. Self-indulgence. Broken relationships. Being driven by unregulated emotions. Selfishness. These things do not honor God.
When the Spirit of God indwells us and guides us, we begin to see His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). There’s a distinct difference in our lives when we’re surrendered to Him. Look at your own life, and I’m sure you can see it. Who you were is not who you are. This is because God is helping you to walk a new path.
Paul says this a few chapters earlier in Galatians 2:20 (NLT): My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Let us follow the leading of the Spirit in every area of our lives, not just the convenient ones. Let us honor Jesus as our Lord every day, not just on Sundays. Let us live in the fullness of the life that He has granted us, not attempting to keep one foot in the world and one foot in the Kingdom. Let us be wholly committed to the new path He has set us upon.
APPLICATION:
Where are you feeling tempted? Where are your old ways rearing their ugly heads? What desires do you need put to death that you may walk fully in the ways of God? Confess to Him where you are struggling. Ask His Spirit to strengthen you.
PRAYER:
Father, my life is no longer my own. You have purchased it with the lifeblood of Your Son Jesus. Please help me to live in a manner worthy of my calling. Help me to continuously put to death anything within me that would lead me away from You and the path You have set me upon. Bless me, that I might advance Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?