In this week, episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, pastor and counselor Jeff Christianson continues this study of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit by looking at the topic of walking according to the Spirit. The secular vision of the human being cannot penetrate deep enough into the human heart to see the battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Paul explores this biblical anthropology in Romans 6–8. In this podcast, Jeff Christianson explores Paul's words in Romans 8:4, "In order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
We can recognize the works of the flesh by all the ways we are tempted to rely upon ourselves. Walking by ourselves looks like self-reliance, self-dependence, self-esteem, self-sufficiency–anything that reflects the "self-life." In order for us to experience the life of the Spirit, we must renounce everything that comes from the flesh in our hearts.
Christian, what is the difference between the flesh and the Spirit in your own life? If you were honest with yourself, are there areas where you are allowing the flesh to have dominion within your heart that no one can see but God alone? Do you need to spend some time considering the thoughts, desires, and emotions within your heart to discern whether you are walking according to the flesh or the Spirit?
Biblical counselor, Christian, are you walking with the Spirit?
For more from Jeff Christianson, listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast.
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This podcast is for informational purposes only and has been inspired by the works of these individuals and sources: The NKJV Study Bible, Pastor Bob Hoekstra, Pastor Chuck Smith, Pastor Ray Steadman, Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, and Dr. Wayne Grudem.
The views expressed in this episode are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the sources.
"And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:2
