Lust is as natural to us as breathing. Our flesh nature lives to fulfil its selfish desires. It never gets enough or stops wanting more. Alternatively, our new nature craves more of what satisfies the Holy Spirit who lives in our redeemed spirit. We’re more familiar with the appeal of the flesh because we have invested more time and energy in nurturing it. We understand its urgency, its appeal, its control, and its compelling tug. But as we invest equal time and energy in what pleases the Holy Spirit, we experience the fulfilment and power the Spirit alone can bring. So what does ‘living in the Spirit’ really mean? Paul tells us, ‘Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh’ and ‘Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place’ (2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV). There is a way to live above the gravitational pull of the flesh, a way that beats living in a constant cycle of defeat/repentance/defeat. Granted, God is a God of forgiveness and restoration who accepts the genuine confessions from the hearts of His people, and forgives all our transgressions (see 1 John 1:9). But ‘abundant life’ means living where most of your time is spent rejoicing in victory. Just as living in the flesh implies living in accordance with the edicts of your human nature, living in the Spirit implies living in accordance with the guidance of the Holy Spirit as outlined in God’s Word. And the end result is that ‘you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh’.

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.