Week 5 | Day 5 – FEEDING THE RIGHT KING – Romans 7:14-25

Paul pulls back the curtain on the war within. Although he belongs to Christ and the Holy Spirit dwells in him giving him certainty of his salvation (see Ephesians 1:13 and 1 Corinthians 6:19–20), his flesh still resists and wars against God abiding within him (see Galatians 5:16-20). So, he confesses, “I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out… nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh” (see Romans 7:18–19).

As difficult as this is to appreciate, while our flesh can do “good-looking” things, it’s not capable of doing anything that can please or honor God (see Isaiah 64:6) —only the Holy Spirit living within us living through us can produce an action that’s capable of meeting God’s righteous standard. As such, Paul’s hope, like ours, lands not in self-improvement but in a Savior, who has delivered us to His grace. Thus, ultimately – this struggle within over our soul between the flesh and God’s Spirit is the one we feed the most.

APPLICATION

1 - Acknowledge the War Being Waged Daily

Don’t be naïve—your flesh remains presents fighting against the indwelling Holy Spirit until death or Christ’s return (see Romans 7:21–23). Name the battle—never excuse it.

2 - Starve the Flesh—Feed the Spirit

Paul in Galatians 5 encourages us to - Walk by the Spirit so that we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Practically speaking, Scripture and prayer at the start of the day, worship throughout the day, and honest community for accountability are essentials in winning the battle within (see Hebrews 3:13).

3 - Reject Self-Reliance

Our flesh cannot and will NEVER produce God-pleasing righteousness (see Romans 7:18). Thus, we must choose surrender over striving recognizing that apart from the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing (see John 15:5).

4 - Pre-Decide your Escape Route

When temptation comes—and it will—take the way-out God provides (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). Change your location, call on a brother or sister for accountability, quote Scripture – do whatever it takes to tame the flesh instead of turning from God’s best.

5 - Fight FROM Victory—not FOR Victory

Lest we forget – the Holy Spirit now dwells within us and as a result – Greater is He who is in us than us (see 1 John 4:4). Meaning that we can submit to God by keeping in step with the Spirit and it doing so, God will give us everything we need for life and godliness (see Galatians 5:25).

PRAYER
 
Lord, I confess there’s a war within me – and if I’m honest, too often I defend my flesh and call it good, yet nothing in my flesh can honor You. Forgive me for self-reliance. Train me to recognize the appetites, ambitions, attitudes, and actions of my flesh the moment they arise. Instead, help me to abide in Your Spirit—to trust, yield, and obey—so that You can author my steps in accordance with Your will and Word. Subdue my flesh by Your power, and make my life a living “thank You” to Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.