June 6, 2019
Galatians 5:16-25 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Yesterday, we explored the meaning of “Let go and let God.” If we are honest, every human being craves freedom, satisfaction, and power of some kind; we like to hold onto certain things that make us feel “good,” don’t we? Letting go may feel like we are sacrificing something good for us. Remember, the Lord has given us freedom, so how will we use it? We like being able to stand in a place of independence, influence, or power and honestly, in Christ, we were created to do so. Yet, our will has to be supported by righteous attitudes in our minds, righteous motives in our hearts, and the power needs to be used to exalt Christ not our flesh. Sometimes believers experience an internal war, because our flesh craves something the Spirit is not free to give because the Anointed One says it is contrary to God’s will for our lives. We cannot flow in the power of the Spirit and selfishness at the same time.
Today, the Apostle Paul teaches us about the benefit of letting go and embracing the realm and reign of God. Only when we flow in the Spirit will our lives produce an eternal and holy victory. The Spirit wants us to connect in power and oneness with God. In fact, the Spirit craves that oneness in the holiness of God. Not everything we may have a desire to say or do will bring a holy victory; not everything is good according to Christ the Anointed One. In fact, we are free, yet that freedom misused can cause us to forfeit the Kingdom realm of God.
Galatians 5:16-25 The Holy Spirit, Our Victory
16 As you yield freely and fully to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self – life. 17 For your self – life craves the things that offend the Holy Spirit and hinder him from living free within you! And the Holy Spirit’s intense cravings hinder your old self – life from dominating you! So then, the two incompatible and conflicting forces within you are your self – life of the flesh and the new creation life of the Spirit.
18 But when you are brought into the full freedom of the Spirit of grace, you will no longer be living under the domination of the law, but soaring above it!
19 The cravings of the self-life are obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, 20 chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, 21 being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior. Haven’t I already warned you that those who use their “freedom” for these things will not inherit the kingdom realm of God!
22–23 But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions:
joy that overflows,
peace that subdues,
patience that endures,
kindness in action,
a life full of virtue,
faith that prevails,
gentleness of heart, and
strength of spirit.
Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.
24 Keep in mind that we who belong to Jesus, the Anointed One, have already experienced crucifixion. For everything connected with our self – life was put to death on the cross and crucified with Messiah. 25 We must live in the Holy Spirit and follow after him.
Prayer: Lord, living in your realm comes with a cost; Jesus taught following him would be costly to our souls. I want to live near you, so Holy Spirit help me to let go of wrong thoughts, motives, and desires. In Jesus’ name. Amen.