Keep the Faith: Turning away from our fleshly inclinations and toward the spirit of God
"The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God." — Romans 8:6-8
There are numerous examples, both in the lives of believers when they stumble and nonbelievers, of what it is to be controlled by our fleshly inclinations, that is our sinful nature. The mind focused only on what it wants demonstrates a childish tantrum like desperation to have its own way. I can think of a recent rant in the media which demonstrates an inability to show tolerance for the Bible or those who believe in it.
This mind is hostile to God, and to God’s word and does not submit to God’s law. It cannot submit to God, according to scripture. The mind governed by the sinful nature cannot please God.
However, Romans 8:1-2 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
This is how we are freed from the putrefying death which controls our minds and hearts. We are released by the unselfish sacrifice which Christ made when he offered himself as a ransom for our sins. A love that is at friction with our selfishness. A death which gives us life and a resurrection which defeats the power of the grave.
"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” — Romans 8:14,16
Many Christians experience a deep knowing that they are the children of God, even though they can’t quite put it into words. Trying to explain it or testify to it simply sounds like nonsense or religious cliché to a secular mind.
It is the Spirit of God who communicates deep in our spirit and convinces us that we belong to God. The Spirit of God also helps us in our weakness and guides us in prayer when we don’t know what to say.
The writer of Romans is confident that nothing can separate us from the love of God. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 8:38-39
Major Paul Pelletier is the Commanding Officer of the Worcester Salvation Army.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Keep the Faith: Spirit of God is at odds with our sinful nature
