The Flesh And The Spirit

From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries

Romans 8:5-6 "Those who live according to the flesh are intent on the things of the flesh, those who live according to the Spirit, on those of the Spirit. The tendency of the flesh is toward death but that of the Spirit toward life and peace."

When you decide to follow Jesus your old nature becomes Spirit controlled, not Spirit destroyed. Paul said, "While we are in this body, we… are burdened, because we… wish to be… clothed with our Heavenly dwelling, so… what is mortal may be swallowed up" (2 Corinthians 5:4). Note the words, "we are burdened." Struggle all you want (and most of us do!) to bring about a sudden transformation, but lasting change happens on God's timetable, not ours. We grow up Spiritually while we're grappling with the burden of our lower nature. That's because our weakness is the perfect showcase for His power.

Paul says, "Even though I received wonderful revelations from God… to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given… a messenger from Satan to torment me… I pleaded with the Lord… that it might depart … And He said… 'My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in your weakness'" (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Dealing with your old nature is a time-consuming, grace-developing, ego-destroying, character-building process that happens day-by-day, and sometimes moment-by-moment. When God's grace rubs against our stubborn wills and self-serving ways, a refining process happens that can't be rushed or accomplished any other way.

The Bible says, "The war between the house of Saul (which represents your old nature) and the house of David (which represents your new nature) lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger while… Saul grew weaker and weaker." Only as you're willing to strip away the facade, get down on your knees day by day and ask God to work in you, will you experience His life-changing power.