DEVOTION – DAY 443

Romans 8:5-8 “Be Guided By The Spirit”

Romans 8:5-8 “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of flesh cannot please God.”

Two different mindsets are described in these verses. One is guided by the flesh, the other is guided by the Holy Spirit. The mindset guided by the flesh leads to death. The mindset guided by the Spirit leads to life and peace. Which mindset would you choose to have?

People who worship idols, follow worldly ideas and thinking, are guided by the desires and the mind of flesh. The apostle Paul wrote that those guided by the desires of their flesh will be led to death (v6); face hostility with God (v7); and be unacceptable to God (v8). This is because God who is holy and righteous cannot have anything to do with people who want to remain unholy, and living their lives as they choose, wanting to please all the desires of their flesh. But those who choose to obey God and follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior are led by the Holy Spirit, who causes them to confess and repent of their sinful ways, and to live their lives anew in Christ. In this way, they find peace and life. They will not die in their sins, but enjoy eternal life with God because they have been cleansed of their sins.

We know a young man who had a promising start in life. His parents sent him to a good college. But he became distracted and became addicted to alcohol and recreational drugs. He almost died from an unintentional overdose. He became disinterested in his studies and dropped out of college. He also had sexual relationships with others and contracted STDs. He got into credit card debts and he knew he was in a downward spiral unless he did something. He realized his life was out of control because he allowed himself to be ruled by the desires of his flesh. He was weak and fell into temptation easily. His troubles caused him to cry out to the Lord for help. He went to church and sought the help of Pastors. He confessed and repented of his sins. Today, he is making progress to turn over a new leaf. He is making a conscious effort to be regular in church. He is making efforts to clear his debts. He is staying away from alcohol, recreational drugs and casual sex. He has decided he wanted to be guided by the Spirit that leads to life and peace. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your Spirit that leads us, that guards our hearts, and guides us to paths of righteousness. Please help us to avoid being ruled by the temptations of our flesh. We humbly ask this in the powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. What was your life like when you allowed yourself to be guided by your fleshly desires and worldly thinking? Share.
  2. What changes do you and others see in you, now that you are guided by the Holy Spirit and that Jesus is your Lord? Share.
  3. Why do people choose to be guided by their fleshly desires? Discuss.
  4. Why is it destructive for people to be guided by their fleshly desires? Discuss.