When we live by the law, we are still in our flesh. How can we overcome the desires of our flesh when we are in Christ? Paul tells us that when we live by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of our flesh. God’s Spirit is His gift to us. When we live by the Spirit, we are no longer under the law. But when we live by the flesh, our deeds and lives are destructive. We hurt God, others, and ourselves. Those who live as such cannot inherit the kingdom of God, no matter their religious activities.

A life led by the Spirit is keenly different. It is marked by fruit. It is filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Do we have these fruits in our lives? We can learn to crucify our flesh by keeping in step with the Spirit every moment of each day. He will transform us to bear good fruit that reflects God’s kingdom and love on earth.
Application: Father, thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit. Help me to walk by the Spirit and bear good fruit in my life.
One Word: Live by the Spirit