Hey Friend and welcome back to my little corner of the internet.
Today, I want to talk about Galatians 5 and what it means to be Called to Freedom. When we are hesitant to summit to the will of God, we refuse to come into the agreement with what God has in store for us. Which if you don’t know is a lot. More so than we can imagine or put into words. (Isaiah 55:8-9, Jeremiah 29:11)
My bible studying today was Galatians 5, and I want to share with you what has been laid on my heart.
In verse 13-14, it plainly states we are called to freedom and we should not allow that freedom to become an opportunity or an excuse for sinful nature which will steal the true freedom God has for us. Sinful nature is a life apart from Him. Our sinful nature will lie to us every time. God’s freedom truly sets us free from the slavery of sin.
But FASP, what does that mean? I’m so confused…
Friend, I got you.
In order to not fall victim to the sinful nature through worldliness and selfishness, we must lead ourselves in love and service to others and seek what is best for others. Now, no you don’t have to go overboard and give everyone every ounce of your time and energy, but you should pray for others, help them when you are called to, love others and forgive others. That’s how you stay free in this world. On the other side of that to be angry, unforgiving and unfeeling to those in need will cause you to stumble into more sinful ways such as selfishness, hate, bitterness, etc.. all are meant to keep you bound and broken in the slavery of sin. (See last blog)
We must walk habitually in the Holy Spirit, that is how we keep from stumbling into that sinful nature. The Holy Spirit urges you to be kind to others. The Holy Spirit leads in love. He is kind and gentle and is always there to comfort you. Why do you think Jesus told the disciples, “I am living you, but I am sending someone to care for you.” (John 16:7)
The Holy Spirit will always remind you of scripture, of the joy that comes each morning, He comforts you even when you refuse to feel it. And we do, refuse to feel it when our world becomes louder than Him.
But there’s something you should always keep in mind of. Your sinful nature and the Holy Spirit are in direct opposition to one another. Meaning there is a battle that takes place daily. Which can be the reason even as a praying believer, we can still stumble in our walk with the Holy Spirit. Now, that is NOT a free pass to think, "well it’s just who I am."
Knowing that (because Gods people die from a lack of knowledge) should change your attitude for when you do stumble, you know why you did what you did and how to ask for forgiveness; praying also that you're not caught in the same [sinful] trap again.
The practices of the sinful nature are everything opposite of what God calls you to be like:
Sinful Nature- "Sexual Immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack in self-control), idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions (that promote heresies), envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. (Galatians 5:19-21)"
Fruits of the Spirit [the result of the Holy Spirit living within us]- "Love (unselfish concern for others), joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)"
To be of the world is to be opposite of everything God stands for. Those who practice the ways of the world will not inherit the kingdom of God. Friend, hell is real, and I don’t say that to scare you or pressure you or even make you feel like I am preaching at you. Why I say that is because when we come to the end of this life, I would love to see you again or even for the first time. You are not called to be perfect. Only Jesus Christ was perfect in human form. What you are called to be is submissive to God’s will and plan for you in His kingdom. Because I can tell you from experience that trying to live in this world apart from Him is the scariest thing you will ever do.
If you need support or prayer, my inbox is always open. If you would like to surrender your life to Christ on my website in other writings you will find the prayer to do that, I’ll also link it below.
I would like to leave you with a prayer here to help you in your day to day walk with the Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father,
I come to you now asking for your help. Help me to walk habitually with the Holy Spirit. To be quick to respond to Your voice and led by the Holy Spirit in every step of my day-to-day life, so that I will not carry out the desires of any sinful nature. Keep me on your firm foundation in every situation of my life and when I stumble, because there may come a day that I do, forgive me Lord and place me back in right standing with you and your will for my life.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
Friend, thank you for praying with me and I hope this brings you peace and joy that surpasses all understanding.
Stay Blessed!
-FASP