Scripture - Romans 8:12-14 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
Observation - The war between the Spirit and the flesh is a continual one. Paul is pointing out here that you can not live both lives. If you live according to the desires of your flesh you will die. Supported by the scripture that says "the wages of sin is death". There is no positive result for sin that rules a body. Paul is encouraging the Romans to look to the Spirit for life. Walking according the Spirit that has been placed in us by Christ death. That Spirit that leads us always to Christ and the desires he has for our lives. Walking according to the flesh will result in a funeral but walking according to the Spirit will lead to life eternal. I love what he says "but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body..." When you convert over the Spirit living it mortifies the deeds that were motivated by the flesh. The Spirit puts those things in you to death, breaking the addictions, the depressions and the deeds desired by the flesh.
Application - Paul goes on in Romans to say a carnal mind is enmity with God. A constant warring is taking place to claim the soul. By the flesh or by the Spirit. How shall we walk. What motivators for life do we have? We must walk in the light of the scripture that will guide us by the Spirit to eternal life. Never giving an inch to the desires of the flesh. Never giving in to the pull that is in all of us but choosing to live by the Spirit.
Prayer - Father - let today be a Spirit led day. Let everything that happen be a result of a life continually pursuing the Spirit and its light for my path. Amen
