Not by the Flesh

Scripture: Galatians 3:3 (KJV)

“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”

Personal Reflection

The Christian life begins through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, and it must continue in dependence upon that same Spirit. We could not regenerate ourselves, and neither can we sanctify ourselves by sheer determination.

This does not mean we become passive. Scripture commands us to put on the whole armor of God, wield the sword of the Spirit, resist temptation, confess sin, and pursue holiness. Yet beneath every act of obedience must be dependence upon divine grace.

The Holy Spirit uses the Word to expose Satan’s lies, dismantle our excuses, strengthen faith, and nourish spiritual growth. Walking in the Spirit therefore involves moment-by-moment dependence, continuing repentance, repeated submission to Scripture, and deliberate rejection of fleshly and worldly desires. This is not mystical spirituality; it is disciplined, Word-saturated obedience empowered by God.

One of our greatest dangers is beginning by grace and then attempting to mature through self-reliance. We create rules, make resolutions, and promise ourselves that we will “try harder.” Discipline has its place, but discipline without dependence eventually produces either pride or despair.

When we succeed, we become proud. When we fail, we become discouraged.

The better way is to obey vigorously while depending completely upon God. We work because the Spirit works within us. We resist because He supplies strength. We pursue holiness because He has already created within us a new desire for holiness.

Christian growth is neither “God does everything while I do nothing” nor “I must do everything myself.” It is Spirit-empowered obedience.

Contemplation

Am I presently trying to overcome some spiritual weakness primarily through my own strength?

Puritan Quote

John Owen wrote:

“The Holy Spirit works in us and with us, not against us or without us.”

Prayer

Holy Spirit, deliver me from self-reliance. Teach me to obey diligently while depending completely upon Your power working through Your Word. Amen.

Application

Before confronting your greatest temptation today, consciously pray for the Spirit’s strength and answer the temptation with Scripture.