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James 1:12-15 12Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
Already acknowledged… • Is the monumental and ongoing struggle we all face between the flesh and the spirit—it is perpetual and internal • Is the impact of the law of God and the law of sin in our lives • Is the reality of a spiritual man doing evil and an evil man doing good • Is the importance of a cleansed conscience in this struggle against sin
Choosing to be Led by the Spirit, not the flesh… • Rom. 8:5-17 – Paul continues his description of this ongoing struggle against sin in our lives by describing for us the choice we must make • Will I live according to the Spirit or will I walk according to the dictates of my flesh? • Our mind is set by what we choose to live by – cf. John 3:6 • The outcome of our life is realized by our mindset – Gal. 6:7-8 • The carnally minded man will perpetually struggle with the law of God – cf. 1 Cor. 2:10-16 • The spiritually minded man will live righteously, gladly conforming to the image of God as Sons of God, being led by His Spirit – cf. Col. 3:9-10
Choosing to be Led by the Spirit, not the Flesh… • Gal. 5:16-25 – Paul summarizes in much simpler terms, helping us to discern by looking at the fruit • Those who do the works of the flesh are of the flesh and will not inherit the kingdom of God • Those who bear the fruit of the Spirit have, in truth, crucified the flesh with its passions and desires—thus winning the struggle against sin – cf. 1 John 1:8-10 • If live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit! • We must fight against sin in every form and way – cf. 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7-8; 1 Cor. 9:24-27 • We must always resist Satan, wherever our adversary rears his head – cf. 1 Pet. 5:8-9; Jas. 4:7-10
Romans 6:15-23 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.
Romans 6:15-23 20For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 8:34-36 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
