HOW TO BE AN “OVERCOMER” is a big issue in the Christian life! Before we experienced “salvation” we were bound by sin – a terrible spiritual disease that ultimately leads to “death” (Romans 3:23) But the challenge we often struggle with after salvation is “THE FLESH” (i.e. the natural self under the temptation and influence of sin). WE NEED HELP – DIVINE HELP – TO BE AN “OVERCOMER!”
So today, I read a passage that addresses that issue – that challenge …Galatians 5:16-24! Here is some of what it says…
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of ‘the flesh!’…
“Now the works of ‘the flesh’ are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealously, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, division, envy drunkenness, orgies, and this like these [some of the symptoms of ‘the flesh’ – the ‘sin disease] I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified ‘the flesh’ with its passions and desires!”
So we need help to be an “overcomer” – divine help! God has provided Someone not only to diagnose our problems but also to provide a remedy – the Holy Spirit! Sounds like a “divine doctor” to me!
So I asked my physician son-in-law, Dr. Timothy Dresselhaus, about what are some reliable, accurate diagnostic tools he was aware of. He told me “a highly specific and sensitive test is ‘coronary angiography,’ which is ‘the gold standard’ for Coronary Artery Disease.” Several years ago I had a “heart episode” and took a battery of tests to determine the problem … they ran all kinds of tests and by the time they finished they appeared know the faintest whisper of my heart.
The Holy Spirit knows my “spiritual challenges” better than anyone! He prompts, warns, “convinces and convicts” me when I am about to engage in “fleshly living!” (John 16:7-8) But He also prompts and empowers me to produce “the fruit of the Spirit!” I need to live in continual sensitivity to His work within me!
Don’t know about you, but I need a periodic diagnosis by the Holy Spirit and the prescription and empowerment He provides to become AN “OVERCOMER!”
Coffee With The Lord 