“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. But if Christ is in you… your spirit is alive because of righteousness.”

Romans 8:9
As a young Christian, I struggled in my faith. I knew that salvation was by God’s grace alone, but I believed that it was up to me to obey. Frustrated by constant failure, I eventually gave up and walked away from the Lord.

God, however, pursued me and opened my eyes to something I’d missed: Not only does He give grace for salvation, He also gives grace for sanctification. Sanctification is the process of God making us more like Christ. And sanctification is a gift, just as salvation is.

How does God do it?

When we trust Jesus for salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. He gives us the desire and the ability to love and obey God. Yes, sinful desires (what Paul calls “the flesh”) are still in us. But we are controlled by the Spirit, not the flesh. And we no longer have to continue in sin, but can have a faithful walk with God. Imperfect though that walk may be, we know the Spirit is seeing us through.

So when you’re tempted, cry out to your heavenly Father. By the Holy Spirit, He will enable you to overcome.



Scripture Focus

Romans 8:1-17

Insight

The gift of the Holy Spirit is God’s grace for a faithful walk with Him.

Bible In A Year

  • Numbers 19-20
  • Psalm 71
  • John 12

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