Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6 NLT
We are created beings. We were created with a body and a soul. The soul has a mind, will and emotions. The combination of those two things, the body and soul, is known as the flesh. It is our carnal nature.
The flesh was born into sin. It is corrupted by the environment it is born into. The whole world is corrupt. There is only One who is incorruptible, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Accepting Jesus into your life as your personal God is the beginning of a new life. We become a new creation. God gives us a deposit of His Spirit. We become a triune being with a body, soul and spirit. And thus, we are born again and a new life begins.
The spiritually dead do not understand these things because only the spiritual understand spiritual things.
The carnal certainly understand carnal things. The natural understand natural things.
The secret of the spiritual life is allowing God to be your God. Worship God with your life and He will redeem you, body, soul and spirit.
We can be controlled by only one thing at a time. Our bodies cry out for attention and for their needs to be met. Feed me! Our animal instincts do not suddenly disappear simply because we are now spiritually aware beings.
Our mind, will and emotions still exist in these bodies. To deny that would be to deny that we are human beings. Even Jesus took the form of a human.
God gave us free will. That is the power we possess, the power to choose. In recovery circles we say, use your will to choose God’s will. Do it everyday, all day. That is the way to stay sober-minded.
We surrender our rights and privileges as independent, free moral agents. We become submissive to the Spirit of God to lead our lives. And that my friends is the New Life that God promises to those who choose to place their trust in Jesus Christ as Lord.
Our independent analysis has confirmed that Jesus Christ truly is God’s Son and the Savior of the world. The Holy Spirit is more than capable of relaying God the Father’s instructions to us continually. Therefore, pray continually. Do not break fellowship with the Holy Spirit if you want to abide in Christ.
Let us pray.
Father in Heaven, we surrender to Your will for our lives today. Redeem us. Sanctify us. Make us holy as You are holy. We give You all the glory. Amen. In the Mighty Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Peace be with you.
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.
For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
Romans 8:12-14 NLT
For further study: Read Romans 8.
Igniter Ministries 