Walking in the Spirit Part Two
In our journey through the book of Ephesians, we find ourselves in chapter five, exploring the profound concept of walking in the Spirit. This journey is not about adhering to a set of rules or legalistic practices but about cultivating a dynamic, living relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. As we delve into this topic, we are reminded of the words from Galatians 5:16, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
The Apostle Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, highlighting the internal battle between our flesh and the Spirit. The works of the flesh—such as sexual immorality, idolatry, and selfish ambition—are in stark contrast to the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, and self-control. This battle is not just external but deeply internal, affecting the very core of our being.
Proverbs 4:23 urges us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our hearts are like wells, and the issues of life flow from them. It’s easy to maintain a public image of having it all together, but true healing and transformation come from addressing the private brokenness within.
In our spiritual journey, we encounter three types of people: the unsaved, the saved walking in the flesh, and the saved walking in the Spirit. The unsaved have not yet experienced the spiritual rebirth that comes from knowing Jesus. Those who are saved but walking in the flesh rely on their own strength, often finding themselves in cycles of frustration and defeat. However, those who walk in the Spirit learn to depend on God’s grace, experiencing transformation and sanctification.
The battle between the flesh and the Spirit is a civil war of the soul. It’s not about external circumstances but an internal struggle. The flesh, a remnant of our old nature, desires comfort and control, while the Spirit desires surrender and transformation. The Bible calls us not to train our flesh but to crucify it, to say no to its desires and yes to Jesus.
Guarding our hearts is crucial because everything flows from them. In a world obsessed with security, we must prioritize the security of our hearts. The enemy targets our hearts because if he can discourage, deceive, or defile them, he can derail our spiritual growth and relationships.
When we don’t get our way, our flesh reacts in predictable patterns, leading to anger, bitterness, and grudges. These reactions can become more sinful than the wrongs done to us. Our responsibility is to guard our hearts, uproot lies, and embrace God’s truth.
To guard our hearts, we must identify and reject the lies we’ve believed, renounce any vows made in the flesh, and invite the Holy Spirit to plant truth and healing. This process involves breaking agreement with the enemy and embracing the truth of who God is and who we are in Him.
As we partake in communion, we are reminded of God’s immense love and grace. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was not just to forgive us but to restore us to a right relationship with God. We are invited to the table, not as distant observers but as beloved children, welcomed and wanted by our Heavenly Father.
In closing, let us commit to walking in the Spirit, guarding our hearts, and embracing the transformative power of God’s grace. May we learn to live in the freedom and joy that comes from a heart aligned with His truth. Amen.