This week, we focus on how the indwelling Spirit gives us victory over the indwelling sin! Amen!

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

• The word "therefore" signals us to go back and look at what it's there for. If we back up one verse, we read this: "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you." We are reminded that we are no longer legally bound to sin (we are no longer slaves to the harsh taskmaster of sin). That doesn't mean we don't have the desire to sin, but Galatians 5:16 encourages us in this truth: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

• As we walk daily with the Spirit, the desires of the flesh will begin to fade away. The power of God's indwelling Spirit will root out the indwelling sin.

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

• What does being "led" by the Spirit mean in practical terms? This word is typically a present-passive verb, indicating that we should continually surrender and yield ourselves to the desires of the Spirit. Our surrender to the Spirit's leading is an act of the will, a choice we must make; it is saying "yes" to the Spirit's leading and "no" to the desires of the flesh. I am more willing to be led by the Spirit when I allow the first fruits of my day to be focused on Him. God will work with us in the transformative journey, but we must actively partner with Him. Suppose I don't intentionally set my mind on things above (Colossians 3:2) first thing. In that case, I find myself leasing my "mental real estate" over to earthly things instead of being led by the Spirit to think about the things of God.

• It's interesting how verse 15 and 16 is structured. There is a progression given: slaves --> live in fear; adoption --> children --> heirs --> shared suffering and glory. The pathway of the Spirit is what brings joy and happiness to believers. If you are in the sin cycle (and, friends, I'm deeply familiar with sin cycles), then we can put our trust in 1 John 4:18 that says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." As we follow Christ and learn to accept and grow His love, it will cast out the sinful slavery we are under. Praying for you as you allow the indwelling Spirit to root out the indwelling sin. God is able! Amen and Amen.