THE BATTLE FOR CONTROL
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)
One of the biggest battles in our house is over the television remote. It’s amazing to watch two young boys passionately fight over control for something that will soon disappear from their attention. But boy, is it a fight!
When it comes to our lives, who has control? Do we wrestle with our flesh in the same way? The Scriptures refer to our flesh, which is our human body. We must remember that it was created good. Often, our desires are good, but they usually don’t stop there. Desires tend to cause us to outpace our created limits and then encourage us to dive deep into sin.
But the Spirit provides another way of living. This comparison between our sinful nature and the Spirit-led life is a great motivation for us in our fight to live lives that honor God:
your sinful nature…leads to death.
But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
While our flesh leads us to temporary pleasure, its end is death, but the way of the Spirit is life and peace.
APPLICATION: Ask God to share one area where your flesh can get out of control. Money, food, sex, power and influence are all possible areas. Then, take some time and ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop a battle plan to war against this desire.
PRAYER: Lord, I need the Spirit’s influence to overcome this sinful desire. Lead me to follow You fully in this area. Give me life and peace. In Your name. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?