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“Live by following the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, NCV).
Lust is as natural to humans as breathing. Our flesh nature lives to fulfil its selfish desires. Alternatively, our new nature through Jesus craves more of what satisfies the Holy Spirit who lives in our redeemed spirit.
We’re more familiar with the appeal of the flesh because we have invested more time and energy in nurturing it. We understand its urgency, its appeal, its control and its compelling tug.
But as we invest equal time and energy in what pleases the Holy Spirit, we experience the fulfilment and power the Spirit alone can bring.
What does ‘living in the Spirit’ mean? Paul tells us, ‘Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh’ and “Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of his knowledge in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV).
There is a way to live above the gravitational pull of the flesh, a way that beats living in a constant cycle of defeat-repentance-defeat. God is a God of forgiveness and restoration who accepts the genuine confessions of his people, and forgives all our transgressions (see 1 John 1:9). His ‘abundant life’ means living where most of our time is spent rejoicing in victory.
Just as living in the flesh implies living in accordance with the edicts of your human nature, living in the Spirit implies living in accordance with the guidance of the Holy Spirit as outlined in God’s word. And the end result is that “you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16, NKJV).
“Live a clean life by obeying your word” (Psalm 119:9, CEV).
When we give in to temptation, it’s easy to blame others or our environment. “Women dress too provocatively today…Men are too sexually aggressive…The media is too explicit.”
These statements may be true, but they don’t help us to overcome the tempter’s tactics. Rose-coloured glasses can be deceptive when it comes to looking back. Satan, our enemy, hasn’t altered his tactics. They still work because human nature hasn’t changed.
David learned painfully that Bathsheba’s bath routine didn’t cause his failure. Owning responsibility for his behaviour, he prayed, “I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against…you only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight” (Psalm 51:3-4, NKJV).
Notice two important lessons David learned: first, he discovered that forgiveness, restoration and freedom begin by repenting and taking responsibility for our actions. Second, he also learned that the way to maintain power over our lustful nature lies in frequent time spent in God’s word, not through our own efforts.
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity?” God’s answer isn’t mystifying or hard to understand. His universal solution is, “By living according to your word.”
David’s new attitude and purity of heart came from practising this truth: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11, NIV). And that’s a formula for victory that will work for you too.
By Alfred Nyamekye
