Putting to death the misdeeds of the body
VERSE:
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live…
— Romans 8:13
THOUGHT:
This little verse contains amazing truth. It is an exhortation to “put to death the misdeeds of the body”, but it tells us that we should do it “by the Spirit”. There are TONS of religious and non-religious people who “put to death the misdeeds of the body”, but they do it in their own strength, and in their own will power. They are “living according to the flesh”. Whether it’s dieting, exercising, self-mutilation, fasting or any other thing you have to discipline yourself to do in order to live righteously… if it’s done in your own power it leads to death.
APPLICATION:
This is the key distinction between what the bible teaches, and what every other religion teaches about holiness. The bible teaches that WE need to “kill the flesh”, but we need to do it in such a way that it’s not us doing it, but Christ doing it in us. So what does that mean? That means that you draw on His power, and His grace in order to live His ways.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I want to live holy, but I know I can’t do it in my own strength. I thank you for living inside of me, giving me the power to put to death the misdeeds of the body. I rely on you for your strength, and I’m drawing on your grace in order that I might live a life of holiness. In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN!