Journey - May 3rd, 21

The way we overcome sin and our old sinful nature is not through striving, straining, or promising one more time to do better. Victory doesn't come by slugging it out with the flesh and hoping for a better result. Paul says that these two forces are constantly fighting each other. And the result is always the same. We are not able to carry out our good intentions. fighting in the flesh is not the answer. walking in the Spirit is.  when we are walking in the Spirit, we are awakened to the completed work of Christ, and our new identity in Christ as God's children. The spirit always points us to the victory that is already ours in Christ, and who we have become in him. Verse 24, Paul says, "those who belong to Christ Jesus, have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross, and crucified them there." You belong to Christ, you are his and you have been crucified with Christ Jesus. Not only were you crucified with Him, you were also raised to new life with him. in 1st Corinthians, Paul says, "For all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ." Paul is saying, wake up to what God has done, and to what you have become, you have been joined together in Christ. Now, by the power of the Spirit, you're able to walk in the Spirit, no longer fulfilling the desires of the flesh, able to live out the victory that is yours. your old self has been nailed to the cross and crucified with him there. So agree with what God has already done for you. And begin to live your life in the spirit. 

You are loved!