Three Steps to Freedom in the Spirit

So, I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:16-17

True confession. I have often indulged in flesh-satisfying activities, such as binge-eating, drinking, smoking, and laziness, even after being prompted by the Holy Spirit to walk away from the desires of the flesh. I have thought to myself, ‘I will deal with God later after my flesh is satisfied. After all, isn’t God all about forgiveness?’

Do you want to have the freedom to sin or the freedom to soar? It can appear to be a trick question because sinful acts are enticing. That is why we continue to fall out of step with God. But we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us. Do not fall for the enemy’s false advertising. When we aim to gratify the desires of the flesh, Satan, others, and our sinful nature enslave us. Instead, lean into the promptings of the Holy Spirit and spread your wings to soar in the freedom of the Spirit.

Vice and virtue clash in the lifelong conflict between our souls and our flesh. Who will win today?

3 Steps to Freedom in the Spirit

The first step is to spend time with God. James 4:8 tells us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” How often I have hit the snooze and traded in my special time with God for a few minutes of extra sleep. I cannot help but wonder what my soul missed while I indulged my flesh.

How will you discern between the Spirit of Truth and Satan’s deceptive temptations? When you have spent time studying God’s Word, you will be able to test the thoughts that pop into your head and the desires that stir your heart to see if they are prompted by the Holy Spirit. God will never tell you something which contradicts His Word, but your flesh and the enemy will.

How full of yourself are you? Arrogance and pride can puff me up. I have caught myself speaking “above” others to make my own opinions seem more important. Our second step to soaring with the Spirit is humility. When we submit to God’s authority, He will empty us of such vices as jealousy, anger, selfish ambitions, and arrogance (to name a few) and make room for the Holy Spirit to flourish in our lives.

Surrendering ourselves doesn’t seem like a logical path to freedom. However, it is in dethroning the flesh where we find freedom. Because I spend time with God, I recognize His voice. And when I do, I must choose to obey God.  I cannot obey both the flesh and the Spirit. Only one will be allowed to control my choice and, by default, my consequences.

I must warn you (and myself), it is a dangerous strategy to walk away from the commands (not suggestions) of the Holy Spirit. I was playing with fire when I did so, and the consequences were grave.

Spend Time * Submit * Surrender

Do you want to have the freedom to sin or the freedom to soar? Just like any habit, it takes intentional decisions to gain results. As you spend more time with God, submit those vices to God, and surrender to His voice in obedience, you will turn these three steps into habits. Don’t be surprised when you are soaring above the old battlegrounds to see how the Spirit works to take you to new and exciting levels.

Holy Spirit, come into my life and lead me into freedom. Forgive me for choosing my flesh over your commands. I know you were sent to be my Helper. Please give me the strength to call upon you in times of trouble. I will not forget your loving presence in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Relevant Bible Verses

Galatians 5:13 – You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Romans 8:26 – In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Reflect and Respond

What does it look like on a practical level to live in the power of the Spirit every day?

Romans 8:26 talks about how the Spirit helps us in our weakness. How can we use this to our advantage when we are about to sin?

Respond in prayer by sitting silently for a while and listen to God’s voice. What is He saying to you?