From Calvary Chapel of Roswell

Pastor Jim Suttle

Msg #495                       Wednesday, February 06, 2008

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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.  (Gal 5:17)

There is a war going on.  Christian, right now – you are involved in a war.  I have a sense, that you know this well.  Just seeing that war identified here in Scripture may even be an encouragement.  No, it is not a physical war with tanks, planes and guns.  This is a war that is going on inside of you.

Take a moment to examine the two sides of this battle. 

On one side, you have your flesh with all of its base desires and sinful tendencies seeking to pull you into sin.  When we become a Christian, our flesh still remains with us – and is not redeemed.  Sin, its pull and ugliness is present in our flesh. 

On the other side,  the Spirit – the Spirit of God is in you, working in You, dwelling in You.  This is one of the great realities to real Christianity – it is not just a philosophy – but a living relationship with God – God in us!   

These two are at war in you.  Much we could say  – but what I want you to see afresh is there is an ongoing battle between your flesh and the Spirit.

Because of this battle – we don’t live like we want to.  I am draw to just the simplicity of the way it states this…you do not do the things that you wish. 

This battle will, at times, keep you from doing what is right, what God has for you.  That is an understatement that many of us can testify to.  Do you see this in your life?  Do you see the problem? 

So which side in this battle is winning in you today?   Perhaps, the key to victory is not that complicated.  In many ways they key to ongoing victory depends on you.   As is often true even in physical wars – the issue is supplies. 

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked;

for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption,

but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."

(Gal 6:7-8)

Do me a favor, read this verse above again…slowly, and think about it.

The picture is easy to see.  In a battle , the side that gets food for its soldiers, gas for its tanks, and ammo for its weapons will be able to fight on.  But if you can cut the supply lines – then even a powerful weapon, like a tank, is useless.   Supplies then, is one of the key issue in this battle. 

So…which one are you supplying?  Which one are you feeding? 

Honestly, take a moment to consider this.   What you take in as “input” in your heart and mind – is feeding something – either your flesh or your Spirit.

Consider it practically….

   Is what you watch feeding your flesh or your spirit? 

     Is what you are reading feeding your flesh or your spirit? 

       Is what you listen to feeding your flesh or your spirit? 

I challenge you to look at the supply lines in your life.  You may be quite surprised to see the power and impact they have in your life.

Supply…feed the Spirit in your life!

Jim

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