Romans 8:8 - Live In The Spirit And Not The Flesh.
Romans 8:8: Live In The Spirit And Not The Flesh.
Romans 8:8 (AMP) So then those who are living the life of the
flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature]
cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.
COMMENTARY PEARLS
Fickle Feelings
When we follow the ever-changing impulses of our carnal
nature, it is not pleasing or acceptable to God, because He has a much
better life in mind for us. We all have times when emotions change
without warning, and it is important that we learn how to handle
ourselves in times like that. If we merely follow our feelings, we will
surely end up making decisions and taking actions that we will regret
later on.
Last Sunday, Dave and I had several people to our house for a
party, and I was energetic and felt great. The next day, for no
apparent reason, I woke up feeling dull-headed and a bit down
emotionally. Why? What is wrong with me? Those are the first questions I
asked myself. I didn't get an answer, so I had to make a choice.
Should I continue to try to figure out my odd mood and get more and
more confused, or should I pray, asking God to reveal anything He
wants me to see and go on about the business of the day, asking God to
help me live beyond my feelings?
I have learned over the years that being a stable, consistent
person requires that I own my feelings instead of letting them own me.
In other words, I may have them, but I cannot let them control me.
Feelings are fickle. They change frequently and often without any notice.
Sometimes we understand why, but much of the time we don't.
Our physical condition can affect emotions. Consider things
like: Did I get enough sleep? or Did I eat something that made me feel
bad? or Is it allergy season? Our spiritual condition can also cause
mood fluctuation: Have I spent enough time with God? Do I have hidden
sin that needs to be dealt with? Is God chastising me about
something?
I recommend praying first to see if God reveals anything, and
if He doesn't, then remain STEADY IN THE STORM. Don't try
excessively to figure out your feelings, because it will get you more and
more focused on them. Trust God, use extra self-control, and very
soon you will feel better.
Father, I desire to be stable emotionally at all times. Help
me stay steady when my emotions fluctuate. I want to live a life
that is pleasing to You at all times, and I trust You to continue
teaching me in this area. [My Time with God by Joyce Meyer]
Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness.
As followers of Christ, there is no end of things we should
do or ought to do or even must do. There are commands we should
cherish, goals we should embrace, attitudes we ought to cultivate. But
the sad truth is this: In our basic human nature, in our flesh, we
may not have any real desire to do these things at all. Oh, we might
succeed in adhering to a list of "shoulds" and "musts" and "thou shalts"
for a while, but if it's done in our own strength for the sake of
duty, it will never last - and it really won't please God. The apostle
Paul clearly teaches, "The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to
God" (Rom. 8:7). The good news is that the Holy Spirit within us will
freely give us the desire to do God's will. He will supply the want to,
which is far, far more compelling than the have to.
Praise You, God, for giving me the desire to please You, the
desire to put others first, the desire to read Your Word, the desire to
respond in kindness to others. Lord, I couldn't even follow You unless
You gave me the want to. And You have! More and more, I find myself
wanting what You want - and nothing makes me happier. [A Spectacle of
Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada and Larry Libby re Psalm 119:36 and Rom.
8:7
Life And Peace
Every time we try to do something on our own, we're going to
hit a brick wall, but every time we let God's Spirit work in and
through us, we're going to find life and peace. Our goal is not that we
look better. Our goal is not even that we just have more energy. Our
goal is to experience life in its fullness, the life the Holy Spirit
wants to give us.
The pursuit of full life starts at the fundamental level of
our bodies. Why? Because everything God wants to do in us, through
us, to us, and for us, he wants to do in our bodies. If our bodies
aren't healthy enough, how can we serve him? We need our bodies to
pray, proclaim the gospel, and help the needy. So we're after
God-empowered change in our whole lives.
Abundant life and peace is meant for your soul and your body.
[The Daniel Plan 365-Day Devotional re Rom. 8:6 mod.]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY
Romans 8:5, 6 " Spirit Living:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2015/20150723-1506.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Musical Devotional On Christian Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/
ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
