Galations 5: 16 - 26

Life by the Spirit
(emphasis added)

"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.


The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.


But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." Galations 5: 16 - 26

How can we know if we are living by the spirit? What are your desires? Where do you fit into the lists above.

Yesterday I posted a video about asking for the Holy Spirit. We can ask for the Holy Spirit! We can ask, seek & knock. If you ask but don't seek and don't knock, then you are just waiting for a miracle. The Holy Spirit is the only one who can change our desires, you can't do it on your own.

^"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Revelations 3: 15 -16

I liked Pastor Driscoll's metaphor. If you need a job Pray First! But then you have to ask, you have to knock. You can't just sit at home waiting for someone to bring you a job. There is a reason God gave you a body and mind that functions, we're not puppets.

If you read that passage and see things that are sinful in your life, what should you do? Just sit back and say, well if God wants me to live a different way then he will change me? If you have or know a child you will know that you cannot change them. You can lead, direct & encourage them in the right direction but you can't acutally change their desires. If you have a desire to live a spirit filled life - PRAY FIRST. Then seek & knock. Go to church, talk to Christian friends, read the bible.