Contrary the One to the Other (Galatians 5:16-18)

2022-08-24

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18)

The Lord has saved us. Quickly we find after the moment we were born again that our propensity to sin has not diminished. Being crucified with Christ and risen with Him, we are new creatures, but the element of the old man seems much alive.

Forget trying to follow any law, be it God’s law or any standard put up by men, in your own strength. We now have the indwelling Spirit sent by the Son ascended on high. Still being unable to do anything in ourselves to please God, we must recall our position in Him. Then we trust the Spirit to produce in us His perfect will.

Lord, we remember what You did. You died, were buried, arose, ascended, and were enthroned on high. We were in You in those days, and our place is in You. These facts are realized in the sending of Your Spirit to dwell within us.

It is imperative that we trust the Spirit. The flesh is dead; the Spirit is alive. The Spirit is the master to trust. Every task must be entrusted to Him. Everything else is contrary to Him.