Romans 8:3-4, "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

The titled question is important for us to consider not just on a daily basis, but on a moment by moment basis.  It may be that I began the day well, and all the sudden I find myself walking after the flesh. and I am out of fellowship with God, saying and or doing things that are manifestations of the flesh rather than manifestations of the Spirit.  Good intentions aren't enough, I need to guard against those moments of yielding to the desires of the flesh, I need to be aware of my need to walk after the Spirit on every occasion in my life.

You might be saying to yourself, "How is it possible for me to walk after the Spirit?"  It is possible only by depending upon Christ victory over sin, and yielding to the desire and ways of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  The Law was insufficient in that it couldn't produce a right standing with God, nor could it produce a spiritual life, no; the only thing the Law, which is very spiritual could do, was prove our sinfulness.  Paul reminds us, "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh..."  So, what did God do because of the weakness (to be feeble, be diseased, and without strength) of our flesh, which caused the Law to be insufficient?  "...God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh."  God did more for us than you could ever imagine!  He sent Christ, who took upon Himself the likeness of sinful man (John 1:1 & 14), to deal with our sin problem, and CHRIST CONDEMNED SIN IN THE FLESH.  God rendered His verdict upon sin (condemned sin), He gave sentence against it, He judged sin to be worthy of punishment, and sent His Son who lived His entire life without sin, in order that we might share in God's forgiveness and victory through Jesus Christ death and resurrection.  GOD CRUSHED SIN BY SENDING HIS SON!  He also, has purposed through His Son, "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us..."  Did you catch that?  God, sent Jesus, that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us!!!  The word "fulfilled" means to furnish to fullness.  God has equipped us through Christ to live a victorious life, and this is possible as we choose to walk after the Spirit, rather than after the flesh.  To walk after the Spirit speaks of our walking according to the Spirit and along with the Spirit.

Are you walking after the flesh or after the Spirit?  This is a great question to ask ourselves as we navigate throughout our day.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Why is it important to maintain walking in the Spirit moment by moment?

2.  When do you find it hardest to walk in the Spirit?  What draws you to your flesh?

3.  What must you do to promote walking in the Spirit?

4.  What did God do to condemn sin in the flesh?  Who gives us victory over sin?

5.  What righteousness does God want to see reflected in our lives?