26/08/2024
SHOULD WE START LIVING IN THE SPIRIT AND FINISH IN THE FLESH?
As believers, we are called to live by the Spirit from start to finish. The Apostle Paul addresses this very issue in Galatians 3:3, where he asks, "Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?" This rhetorical question highlights the futility of starting our Christian journey by relying on the Spirit and then attempting to continue or complete it through our own human efforts or fleshly means.
The Christian life is one of continual dependence on the Holy Spirit. From the moment we place our faith in Christ, the Spirit indwells us, empowering us to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Him.
Galatians 5:16-18 NLT
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. [17] The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. [18] But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
Our growth and maturity in the faith are not achieved through self-effort or adherence to the law but through the Spirit's work in us.
Paul further emphasizes this in Galatians 5:25, where he writes, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
This means that our daily walk should be characterized by reliance on the Spirit, allowing Him to guide and empower us in every aspect of our lives.
Living by the Spirit involves trusting in God's grace and allowing His Spirit to produce His fruit in us, such as love, joy, peace, and patience.
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
It is about recognizing that our strength and ability to live the Christian life come from God, not from our own efforts.
THE BIG PICTURE:
We should not start with the Spirit and end up with the flesh. Instead, we are called to continually rely on the Spirit from beginning to end, trusting in His power and guidance to live out our faith authentically and effectively.
-AMAGUILAR