Living in Heaven on Earth, Lesson One

This is a 5 week series on Galatians 5:16-26

How to Live in Heaven While on Earth (The Beauty Within Us)

Galatians 5: 16-26 and I quote:
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature”.

So what is God saying with this Scripture? I believe that this is one of the most powerful & effective scriptures in God’s Word, if understood and applied correctly.
God doesn’t tell us to go and stop gratifying the flesh on our own or with our own power. And we wonder why we continue to fall short and not get better when we do this. He said to do it through the Holy Spirit that is in us.
Remember, in the Gospel of John, when Jesus Ascended, the Holy Spirit descended to come in us to handle the little troublemaker in us called the flesh and sinful nature. In other words, stop focusing on the sinful nature and focus on the Spirit. If I attempt to live in the Spirit everyday by having a Spiritual Fitness Plan where I am constantly staying God conscious in my daily walk, then my shortcomings will become less and less.
Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on heavenly things above, not on earthly things”.
(The Spirit is heavenly and the Flesh is earthly)
Now, remember, we will not be perfect, so let’s strive for Spiritual Progression which leads to being more Christ-like. As a matter of fact, some of our problems are that we think we are perfect, which means we think we are God, and therefore when we fall short we condemn ourselves and other and start living by the Law & not by Faith (see Romans 8:1-17).

So, my Brothers & Sisters, I am not saying accept Sin, but don’t beat yourself up over it when you do fall short (God doesn’t, because He loves the sinner, but not the Sin).
I am saying to fight it with and through the Spirit and stop trying to do God’s job. Last, but not least, all of this is really impossible without a Strong Love Walk. If God is Love, especially for us who want to be like God, then at least pick up this attribute of God’s. I guarantee you that you will start operating more like 85% in the Spirit and only 15% in the flesh on a daily basis, instead of visa versa. I believe God’s focus is more on what you are doing for Him and your relationship with Him instead of what you are not doing fleshly anymore.

Let us Pray:

God, I will continue to seek your face, even in the midst of my shortcomings. I will not let the sinful nature or the Devil win by beating myself up and hindering my walk with You. As a matter of fact, when this happens, I will double up on my fitness plan and stay even closer to You. So, I come to you God for the power to come to You at all times, good or bad.
In Jesus name, AMEN

Pastor Kevin Mitchell

Next Week: Galatians 5:17-18