Finding the Power
What to Gratify?

Scripture Reading:  Galatians 5:13-18

Key Verse: Galatians 5:16

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

The Galatian Christ followers were struggling to maintain their freedom in Christ.  Their upbringing, as well as Jewish outsiders, was trying to force them back into earning their salvation by obeying the Jewish laws.  The Apostle Paul is reminding them that they were called to be free.  This freedom in Christ was not a freedom to sin against God but a freedom from the bondage of rules and regulations that were set in place by man.

            We don’t struggle with these exact same issues as far as the Jewish law.  We do struggle to not become so religious in form that we don’t enjoy God’s power living in us.  We know it takes discipline to walk a walk that is worthy of the Lord, yet we must be careful not to make our disciplines the source of our salvation.  We are free in Christ.  We are not bound by the rules and regulations of stale religion.

            However, the apostle is just as clear about his warning not to indulge in the sinful nature.  He wants us to have freedom from the heavy load of rules, but he knows sin is a terrible task master as well.  Be careful not to gratify your sinful urges today.  The devil would love for you to be his slave.  We are not to be mastered by anything or anyone other than Jesus.  If you find yourself addicted to some sinful indulgence, seek help; seek freedom in Christ!

Father, your yoke is easy and your burden is light.  Help me to walk in freedom without allowing sin to creep into my life!  In Jesus’ name, amen.