"Walk in the Spirit"

[Jim]

I was thinking on Galatians 5:16 tonight, and replaced my signature with it.

Quote:5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

The only way we can keep from sinning is by walking in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Notice this verse's use of "spirit" with an upper case "s" and not lower. This show the reference to the Holy Spirit, not man's spirit.

Of course you as a christian probably know that we must walk in the spirit and not in the flesh. You have been told this, annd read it many times. But how many of us do it throughout our daily lives?

How many of us consciously think about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as we actively interact with the world-system each and every day of our lives?

Another way of "walking in the Spirit" is to secure your mind upon Jesus Christ.

Quote:2 Corinthians
10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
10:6
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

When your mind is on something else besides Godly things, then it is ripe for an oportunity for Satan to tempt you in the eyes, flesh, or pride.

We are to be "ready"(1 Pet 3:15); We are to be "pressing toward the mark"(Phil 3:14). We are to be "sober" and "vigilant"(1 Pet 4:7; 5:8 )

Charles H. Spurgeon wrote well:

Quote:Satan can climb housetops, and enter closets, and even if we could shut out that foul fiend, our own corruptions are enough to work our ruin unless grace prevent. Reader, beware of evening temptations. Be not secure. The sun is down but sin is up. We need a watchman for the night as well as a guardian for the day. O blessed Spirit, keep us from all evil this night. Amen.

Love in Christ,

Jim

[IM4given]

Quote:When your mind is on something else besides Godly things, then it is ripe for an oportunity for Satan to tempt you in the eyes, flesh, or pride.

And if that does not work, Satan will prey on your fears, doubts, and insecurities!

Psalm 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

[Bro. Chuck]

This is an excellent portion of Scripture my friend! I was prompted to read and study this chapter by your mention and application of the particular verse. As I kept reading, I came to verse 17, "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." Wow! No walking after the Spirit if I walk after the flesh. The Word of God is so forthright in it's own exegesis. Your verse intoduces this thought so well. The way to not fulfil the lust of the flesh is to walk in the Spirit. The entirety of this chapter deals with the fruit that a Christian's walk should produce. Please pray for each of ourselves that we meditate upon this chapter and live it because we are accountable for it! Hallelujah!
In Christ,
Bro. Chuck

[Jim]

Amen brother! When I saw this in my study, it really struck a chord wherewith I was struggling with areas of my life where i just didn't understand why I couldn't gain victory. And I realized I was trying it in my own power of obedience and not allowing the opportunity of the working power of the Holy Spirit to do it instead.

Love in Christ,

Jim

[candlelight]

Amen... Amen! Great thread Bro. Jim and wonderful posts. Walking in the Spirit also means to "walk by faith, not by sight." These scripture verses have been tugging at my heart, and ringing in my ears for some time now.

2 Corinthians 5:7-8...7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. "Heavenly Bodies for Believers"

With this ever so changing country and world--- I need to constantly remember who is "In Charge." Jesus Christ has everything in control. No matter what sinful man does, I know that God is reigning on the "Throne." He lives in our hearts and should present himself publicly, as we strive to live a life that is pleasing unto Him. Faith is what leads us to Christ. I have to remember that... it is "faith" that will keep me on the path of righteousness. No man can destroy what God has created and saved; the Savior is all too powerful.

Hebrews 10:21-25...21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. "Patience is Faithful Obedience"

[IM4given]

This was the first scripture I ever memorized:

Psalm 23
1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever °.


To me this is what walking with the Lord is supposed to be like - we walk in the Spirit and we let God take the lead - he leads us to everything that we need and take the right paths in our lives, and when we go through the scary times, he will lead us through that too.

[Bro. Chuck]

Psalm 23 is the first one that the Lord enabled me to memorize as well sister.
The Word of God is truly a shield against ungodliness. We Baptists are blessed of God for our forefathers who followed the leadership of the Holy Spirit into putting the emphasis on not only reading it and studying it, but hiding it in our hearts also.
Sadly, we have fallen away from this practice and look where the world is now. You ask, "are you saying it's our fault?" I'm saying that it's my fault that I haven't memorized enough Scripture to be able to answer each and every one's questions that I've been asked and that I don't live better (more godly) than I do. The Word of God does that! If we hide it in our hearts we won't sin against God. Just one person that sins less than he or she used to sin will help! Anyone remeber that song, "Brighten the Corner where you are?" Galatians 5:16 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." Glory to God for His Word, I feel encouraged to memorize. Pray for me that I'll stick with it for the glory of God!!!
In Christ,
Bro. Chuck

[Jim]

Brother Chuck, another verse came to mind thinking on Galatians 5:16.

Romans 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

I just wanted to share that with you.

Love in Christ,

Jim

[Bro. Chuck]

Brother, I do believe that you are trying to get something started in Grovetown, GA. God bless you for the encouragement, I can't wait for church tomorrow night and witnessing the rest of the day!
In Christ,
Bro. Chuck

[Jim]

You make me wish I were there.....

May the Lord receive all the honour glory and blessings!

Love in Christ,

Jim