Text: Galatians 5:16-26
Memory verse:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
As long as you are alive, the flesh will always want to contend with the Spirit. The flesh does not submit to God and does not have the ability to submit. It is the Spirit’s life that helps a person to submit to God and His word. “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” (Rom 8:7).
One of our friends decided that it was time to pull out of a business partnership after complaining severally of his partner’s financial unfaithfulness, recklessness and high handedness. However, while his partner continued to run the business as his personal outfit, he refused this brother from withdrawing his contributory equipment from the company. All external interventions to resolve the dispute failed, as his partner insisted on his ways. Thus, having consulted with his lawyer, this brother decided that he would sue his partner. But, just before his lawyer filed a lawsuit, he attended a revival meeting where the Spirit, through the speaker, revealed his case and then charged him to stop any legal tussle and that God will fight for him. Comforting but tough for them, the wife wept bitterly that day! They had suffered so much financial pain and deprivation and were hoping that the court would give them justice. Though painful but they yielded to the Spirit and stopped the lawsuit. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Rom 8:14).
About a year later, God provided a new, more advanced, and bigger equipment for him, and he started another company. His fortune was restored, and his latter glory surpassed the former.
On the contrary, a few years later, the joint company folded up, and his partner’s finances crashed. He returned this brother’s equipment almost as scraps, sold out the assets he gained through cheating, his personal house, and then relocated from the state (Prov 13:11). After about ten years of bankruptcy, in shame, he called this brother to plead for forgiveness.
“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Rom 12:19).
Friends, the life of the Spirit does not go on its own ways, but it is led by the Spirit. Always ask what the Spirit’s counsel is before you take any action. And remember that the Spirit won’t ever contradict God’s word.
Prayer points
1. Father, please, help me to always seek the leading of the Spirit and to follow it, irrespective of any pressure, in Jesus’ name.
2. I put to death the works of the flesh, and I renounce my ways and my will, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. I live and walk in the Spirit, and I don’t fulfill the desires of my flesh.
2. Insisting on getting even when wronged is a life of the flesh, but I live in the Spirit, and I leave revenge to God’s righteous anger.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng