Paul teaches us to live according to our new life [born again] in the Holy Spirit. Then we won't be doing what our sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. But when we are directed by the Holy Spirit, we are no longer subject to the law [this is not a rejection of the law, rather an emphasis that when we are born again, Christ's Holy Spirit will enable us to live according to the law under his grace and mercy].
When we follow the desires of our sinful nature, our lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in our own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before , that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce these fruits in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law [reaffirming the parenthetical note earlier]. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to this cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another. Galatians 5:16-24.
Are we alone in this struggle? The man whose heart the Bible says was fashioned after God's own heart, king David, pleads with God, "How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep me from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and redeemer." Psalms 19:12-14.
God's not going to abandon us in our daily conflicts and struggles and Paul assures us, in Philippians 1:6 - And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again. So let us not be cadaver Christians, but examine ourselves, ask God to help us in this walk to live in the power of his Holy Spirit.
Hillsong United - Let there be light
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