"Life by the Spirit" vs. 16-26

In verses 16-26, Paul deals with the flesh versus the Spirit. Our challenge and joy is to live by the Spirit. In this text, he says that we are to be "led by the Spirit," we are to "live by the Spirit," and we are to "keep in step with the Spirit." Our harsh reality is that too often, we find ourselves led by our "sinful nature." How many times have you found yourself on your knees saying, "Dear God, It's me again. You know that sin I have prayed about over and over. Well, I need to pray about it again. Please forgive me and help me never to commit it again." Why is it that we sometimes seem to be spiritual schizophrenics? Yet, was this not true of Paul? If you want to read about someone who had a struggle between the flesh and spirit, read his autobiographical account in Romans 7. Some interpreters want to understand Romans 7 as referring to the pre-Christian Paul. That certainly makes the text of Romans 7 more palatable. The problem is, Paul nowhere hints that Romans 7 is a past reference. In fact, if you were a Roman Christian reading that chapter, could you have any other idea than that Paul was referring to his present struggle? Plus, even as a Christian, Paul was terribly self-deprecating. He referred to himself as the "worst of sinners," in I Corinthians 15:9, and as "less than the least," in Ephesians 3:8.

Paul then gives us a list of the acts of the sinful nature, in verses 19-21. It is a list of 15 sins, some which horrify us and others that hardly raise an eyebrow. When was the last time you heard a strong sermon on jealousy or selfish ambition or envy? When was the last time you heard of the shepherds of any church confronting folks for these sins? Most of us could very easily categorize this list of sins into category 1, category 2, and category 3 sins, based on our human wisdom. Yet, Paul indicates that every sin on this list will do one thing...keep you out of the kingdom of God! He never categorizes sins. In Paul's eyes as in God's eyes, sin is sin is sin! There are no little sins and big sins. There are no inconsequential sins. All sin has one huge consequence: it separates us from God.

The fruit of the Spirit is Paul's next list. It is juxtaposed against the acts of the sinful nature. Paul puts nine items on the list as fruit of the Spirit. How do you measure up with this list? Introspectively rate yourself on a 1-10 scale to see where you stand. Then ask your wife or your husband or your kids or your best friend to rate you. You might be surprised by how differently others would rate us, compared to how we rate ourselves. Some of us badly overrate ourselves. Others badly underrate ourselves. Are you brave enough and vulnerable enough to let someone else do this? Then, look at ways to improve your walk with the Spirit so that you have these fruit in more abundance. God bless you in your walk with him!

Because of the Cross,

Mark Pugh

Southern Hills Church of Christ
Mark's e-mail address: mspugh@hotmail.com

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