The Battle Within by David Jeremiah

Friday, July 28

The Battle Within 

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 
Galatians 5:17 

Recommended Reading Romans 7:18-23

A Native American elder told his grandson about two wolves who live in every heart. One is Evil—anger, jealousy, pride—and the other is Good—joy, love, peace, humility. The grandson asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?” The elder replied, “The one you feed.”

While not exactly a biblical illustration, it makes an important point: There is a battle raging in the heart of the Christian. As the apostle Paul put it, the flesh wars against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh. Becoming a Christian does not mean the flesh—our sinful human nature—is eradicated. Instead, we have been given power by the Spirit to overcome the flesh and conquer it. But the battle will not cease until we have been glorified in the presence of Christ in our new, resurrection body. The more we feed the Spirit by faith in Christ—by obedience, prayer, Bible study, worship, and holy living—the weaker the flesh becomes.

Don’t be discouraged if you cannot escape the struggle within. Instead, feed the Spirit! Give the Spirit complete access and lordship over your life.

The flesh ever seeks to be glorified before it is crucified. 
Martin Luther