Start Walking in the Spirit: Romans 8:1-17
“4) so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5) For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6) For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7) because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8) and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:4-8
Keep in mind, Paul was answering his own question from Romans 1:24; “Wretched man that I am! Who shall set me free from the body of death?” Can a Christian rise above fleshly sin and walk in righteousness? Paul’s answer was; “Only through saving faith in Jesus Christ and learning how to walk in the Spirit!”
The promise of the indwelling Holy Spirit is what separates the Old Testament from the New Testament. (See John 14:16-18; Acts 1:4; Acts 2:39) The work of Jesus Christ on the cross paid the penalty of sin and broke its power. The giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost became the inner resource for every believer to be set free from personal sin and bondage and have a way to walk in power, victory and holiness.
Putting off the old self and learning how to walk in the Spirit is a process. (See Ephesians 4:20-23; Colossians 3:1-10) It should be as normal for every born again Christian as a toddler learning how to sit up, crawl, walk and eventually run.
I recognize there is much controversy and confusion about the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but the New Testament consistently points to the walk in the Spirit as the key to personal transformation, spiritual growth, victory over sin and a life of fruitfulness in serving God. If you doubt me, go back and read Romans 8:1-17 over and over again. You are either setting your mind on the flesh or the Spirit.
The very definition of a carnal Christian is a believer who is still living and controlled by their flesh. (See 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Romans 8:5-8) If Satan cannot stop a person from becoming a Christian, he will do everything in his power to prevent them from discovering and entering into the walk in the Spirit. Carnal Christianity is his playground, but Spirit filled and controlled believers are his demise.
Those who grow into a biblically mature walk in the Spirit become the mighty men and women of God in the body of Christ today. They far surpass the mighty men of King David because they become mighty in Spirit. (See 1 Chronicles 11-12) The mighty New Testament soldiers of God have armor and resources available to them totally unknown by David and his men. (See Ephesians 6:10-20)
You have no excuse to remain ignorant, childish or carnal. No matter your church background, you can place personal saving faith in Jesus Christ, pick up your Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to fill and guide you into the truth. Begin to study the ministry of the Holy Spirit and what it means to walk in the Spirit.
Then in obedience to God, shut off your media entertainment and get up and start serving God. Most of your growth will come on the front lines of service where you will soon be stretched and desperate for the Holy Spirit to work through you. “In Christ” through the gifting and empowering of the Holy Spirit you have unimaginable potential to become a might man or woman for God. Get serious with Jesus and start your journey today!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
