The War Within

Galatians 5:17-18 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

For any one of us who is a born again believer, it becomes obvious very quickly that there is a war that begins to rage the moment we call upon Jesus to be our Savior and Lord. At that moment, when the Holy Spirit indwells us and seals us, the battle immediately begins. As He begins to work in us, as new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), to make us more like Jesus, we come face to face with how sinful we really are. No longer being slaves to the devil, the world, and our flesh, the war begins in an attempt to recapture us, and oppress us; in order to keep us enslaved to the guilt of our past, and cripple our walk with, and service to, Jesus. The attacks intensify in those moments when we stumble. Praise be to God that in Christ we have the Spiritual Armor we need in order to stand in the battles (Ephesians 6). In the process of making us more like Jesus, the Holy Spirit produces His Fruit in our lives. That Fruit has several parts, much like an orange or grapefruit when it is peeled. The more these parts begin to manifest, the more evidence there is of the Spirit working in us. Over the next few devotionals we will take a closer look at the Fruit of the Spirit, and its makeup. If we expect to be victorious over the flesh, the world, and the devils' attacks, we must be careful to walk in the Spirit every day, so that He can grow His Fruit in our lives.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).