(Gal) 5:16-17, 24-25 CJB “What I am saying is this: run your lives by the Spirit. Then you will not do what your old nature wants. For the old nature wants what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is contrary to the old nature. These oppose each other, so that you find yourselves unable to carry out your good intentions. Moreover, those who belong to the Messiah Yeshua have put their old nature to death on the stake, along with its passions and desires. Since it is through the Spirit that we have Life, let it also be through the Spirit that we order our lives day by day.”
Living by the Spirit is not reserved for a handful of mature believers. It is God’s expectation for every follower of Jesus.
Paul tells us that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh and are now called to order their lives day by day according to the Holy Spirit. This is the only path to becoming more like Jesus and faithfully accomplishing His mission.
The Spirit and the Flesh Are at War
Every Christian experiences a daily battle.
The flesh craves what opposes God.
The Holy Spirit desires what glorifies God.
Victory doesn’t come through stronger willpower. It comes through greater surrender to the Holy Spirit.
The question is simple:
Which one are you feeding?
The Holy Spirit Feeds on God’s Word
Just as your body weakens without food, your spirit weakens without Scripture.
The Holy Spirit never leads apart from the Word He inspired. He uses Scripture to:
- Renew our minds.
- Expose our sin.
- Strengthen our faith.
- Direct our obedience.
- Form the character of Christ within us.
A starving Christian should never be surprised by spiritual weakness.
Jesus Himself said we live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Stop Feeding the Flesh
Our culture encourages us to define truth for ourselves.
God commands us to submit to His truth.
Society applauds self-expression.
The Spirit produces self-denial.
The world tells us to follow our hearts.
Jesus tells us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.
Every day we choose which voice we will believe.
Live Like Jesus
The Holy Spirit’s purpose is not simply to make us feel better.
His purpose is to make us look more like Jesus.
He produces His character in us.
He empowers His mission through us.
He transforms us as we obey God’s Word and serve others.
This transformation is God’s work, but it requires our daily participation through surrender, obedience, fellowship, prayer, and faithful feeding on Scripture.
Run Today’s Play
Don’t simply hope to walk by the Spirit—take intentional action today.
- Read God’s Word before checking your phone.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one area where your flesh is winning.
- Confess that sin immediately.
- Memorize one verse that strengthens your obedience.
- Encourage another believer toward greater faithfulness.
- Ask yourself tonight: Did I feed my flesh today—or did I feed the Spirit?
The Holy Spirit has been given to make you like Jesus. Feed your soul with God’s Word. Crucify the flesh. Walk in joyful obedience. Living by the Spirit is not just the Christian ideal—it is the Christian life.
