Many times in life, we come face to face with situations and challenges that seem impossible. We face situations and circumstances in which it seems like the only way out is to take the back door; to lie, cheat, steal or simply do nothing. I have come to realize that in some cases, inaction could be as disastrous as negative decisions. We have often heard people lament about how powerless they are regarding certain weaknesses that they have. They shrug their shoulders; throw their hands in the air and say “I had no chance against it”.
“Therefore, bretheren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:12-14.
Many years ago while in primary school, I misplaced a treasured toy of one of my classmates. After expressing his disappointment in me in very clear terms, he demanded that I pay him the value of this toy of his so he could buy another one. Not wanting to get into a fight with my much muscular classmate, I agreed to pay him a certain amount every day of school till the debt was fully paid off. In much the same way, before we became Christians, we were debtors to the flesh; having to do everything it dictated to us. Simply put, the flesh is any thought pattern or action that does not line up with the thought pattern or desired action God expects of you. So also, when we were not born again, we owed it to the flesh to act, speak and think in the manner it dictated through the various circumstances of life. However, after we became followers of Jesus and got filled with his Spirit, we no longer owed the flesh such allegiance. As Christians, we owe it to the Spirit of God to act, speak and think in the way he dictates; all of which is contained and expressed in his Word.
Returning to my story, I remember school days when I did all I could to avoid this classmate of mine so I could spend my lunch money on food. However, there were also days when I was not so lucky and still ran into him by accident. Once I had completely paid him for his toy; money that he instead used to buy sweets, I no longer owed him. Even though he did try to continue extorting money from me, I made it clear to him that my debt had been paid and I now owed it to myself alone to do whatsoever I pleased with my lunch money. As Christians, we are not debtors to the flesh, to bad habits or actions we know are wrong. Jesus paid the debt on our behalf and so we are free to serve the Lord as the Spirit of God leads. The quoted scripture passage above mentions that to avoid living after the flesh, we must follow the leadings and directions of God’s Spirit.
As I conclude, I feel the need to mention again that we are not debtors to the flesh, to negative thoughts, bad habits and sinful ways. As born again Christians, we have a choice! You can say no to the negative impulses, thoughts and feelings you face from day to day. Being in Christ frees you from your debt and gives you the right to choose to do what God wants. The problem is that many don’t realize this. As you read these last few words, whisper this short prayer to God:
“Father, thank you for paying my debt of sin through Jesus Christ. I believe that I am no longer in bondage to the flesh; to act or speak in ways that don’t please you. I ask you to lead me by your Spirit so I can be your child indeed, in Jesus Name. Amen.“
Debtors To The Spirit
Posted by davidluiz in Family, Messages, You must be Born Again
Many times in life, we come face to face with situations and challenges that seem impossible. We face situations and circumstances in which it seems like the only way out is to take the back door; to lie, cheat, steal or simply do nothing. I have come to realize that in some cases, inaction could be as disastrous as negative decisions. We have often heard people lament about how powerless they are regarding certain weaknesses that they have. They shrug their shoulders; throw their hands in the air and say “I had no chance against it”.
“Therefore, bretheren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:12-14.
Many years ago while in primary school, I misplaced a treasured toy of one of my classmates. After expressing his disappointment in me in very clear terms, he demanded that I pay him the value of this toy of his so he could buy another one. Not wanting to get into a fight with my much muscular classmate, I agreed to pay him a certain amount every day of school till the debt was fully paid off. In much the same way, before we became Christians, we were debtors to the flesh; having to do everything it dictated to us. Simply put, the flesh is any thought pattern or action that does not line up with the thought pattern or desired action God expects of you. So also, when we were not born again, we owed it to the flesh to act, speak and think in the manner it dictated through the various circumstances of life. However, after we became followers of Jesus and got filled with his Spirit, we no longer owed the flesh such allegiance. As Christians, we owe it to the Spirit of God to act, speak and think in the way he dictates; all of which is contained and expressed in his Word.
Returning to my story, I remember school days when I did all I could to avoid this classmate of mine so I could spend my lunch money on food. However, there were also days when I was not so lucky and still ran into him by accident. Once I had completely paid him for his toy; money that he instead used to buy sweets, I no longer owed him. Even though he did try to continue extorting money from me, I made it clear to him that my debt had been paid and I now owed it to myself alone to do whatsoever I pleased with my lunch money. As Christians, we are not debtors to the flesh, to bad habits or actions we know are wrong. Jesus paid the debt on our behalf and so we are free to serve the Lord as the Spirit of God leads. The quoted scripture passage above mentions that to avoid living after the flesh, we must follow the leadings and directions of God’s Spirit.
As I conclude, I feel the need to mention again that we are not debtors to the flesh, to negative thoughts, bad habits and sinful ways. As born again Christians, we have a choice! You can say no to the negative impulses, thoughts and feelings you face from day to day. Being in Christ frees you from your debt and gives you the right to choose to do what God wants. The problem is that many don’t realize this. As you read these last few words, whisper this short prayer to God:
“Father, thank you for paying my debt of sin through Jesus Christ. I believe that I am no longer in bondage to the flesh; to act or speak in ways that don’t please you. I ask you to lead me by your Spirit so I can be your child indeed, in Jesus Name. Amen.“