LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 29
Galatians 5:16-25
Revelation 21:7-8

“…therefore thy servant loveth it.”

THE SPIRIT CLEANSING (II)

The matter under consideration has important practical application, so let us deliberate further. Romans 8:13 is God’s truth and is very serious. No matter what your salvation experience or profession of faith is, no matter how sure you are of your conversion or how strong your doctrinal beliefs are, this verse applies.

If you live in sin now, pursuing a continual course, persistently satisfying the desires of your corrupt nature, and go on living under the dominion of the flesh, you fall under the weight of God’s Word: “The wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). Hiding behind excuses and human defences will not help. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” (Gal 6:7-8).

O, the madness of men courting eternal death just to enjoy the pleasure of sin for a season! O, the folly of Christians who imagine that they can serve God and sin at the same time, presuming that their seat in Heaven has been reserved and secured. O friend, Heaven cannot be entered by you except by violent striving (Matt 11:12). You have an Advocate and Comforter to help you in the fight. The Kingdom of God was never intended to pamper the self-indulgent and triflers of the flesh. Rather it is for the reward and rest of those who wrestle and fight (Eph 6:12-18; 1 Cor 9:26-27).

Why then please your flesh and imperil your soul? Will you for a paltry morsel throw away your eternal birthright, like the rebel Esau? God’s Word “pulls no punches” but gives it straight: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev 21:8). If you through the Spirit put to death the filthy acts of the body, you shall live!

THOUGHT: The Spirit is our ever-present help along the Highway of Holiness.
PRAYER: Lord, may all who claim Thy name walk in Thy Highway.