From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Nov 14, 2023 at 5:31 AM

Subject: 11-14-23 THOUGHTS

11-14-23   THOUGHTS

Romans 7 and 8 have some good thoughts about the flesh and the spirit.  The reading this morning begins with that theme. Because we are both flesh and spirit, we often find ourselves in an internal hemorrhage as we pursue our lives.  Winning this spiritual war is absolutely necessary.  Fruit is life in action!  It is me behaving!  Here’s the Good Stuff: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”    And so the works of the flesh and the works of the spirit are contrasted in this reading.  I’m not sure it could be stated in simpler terms?  We are talking about our inclusion (or exclusion) in the “kingdom of God.”  We must consider the “double-minded man” here. We cannot walk in the flesh and in the spirit at the same time!  Jesus noted that “No one can serve two masters;” Matt 6:24     Verse 26 seems to evoke humility and subjection as we fellowship with each other in love.  

Gal 5:16-26     But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17  For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.  18  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19  Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21  envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  24  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25  If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26  Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Jas 1:8    being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Jas 4:8   Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

My Prayer:
Lord, make our hearts pure and singular.  Keep us from squandering our existence by meddling with the things of this world.  Help us to discern the difference between the flesh and the spirit always, each time. Give us a focused love for You and a proper discipline of the self, as we seek Your way.  May we see that drawing near to You,  as we let You cleanse and sanctify us, is best for us.  Our continual nearness to Your presence brings peace to our lives.  Hold us firmly, O God.    In the name of Jesus,   Amen.