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One of the greatest dangers in the Christian walk is backsliding: beginning in the Spirit but ending in the flesh. A man like Samson once walked under great anointing, but when he yielded to the flesh, he lost sight of God’s glorious plan and became a prisoner of his enemies. This is what happens when a believer drifts into the ways of the natural man.
The Bible reveals that man exists in two dimensions, the natural and the spiritual.
The natural man lives by the dictates of the flesh, his desires, thoughts, and pursuits are earthly. He has no capacity to understand the things of God, because such things are spiritually discerned.
To him, the gospel is foolishness. The danger is that even a believer, if careless, can slip into carnality and lose spiritual sensitivity. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:5, KJV).
Know that God does not recognize man after the flesh, for the works of the flesh cannot please Him (Romans 8:8, KJV). Therefore, if we must live victoriously, we must refuse the lures of the natural man and choose daily to walk in the Spirit. A Spirit-led life is a life of victory, peace, and eternal glory.
The Words of A.W. Tozer:
If you live casually, you will become a casualty in the spirit.
Beloved, the enemy uses cunning deceptions to drag men into fleshly living, such as distractions, lusts, pride, and worldliness. But you are not called to live as a natural man. Instead you have been called to live as a supernatural being in Christ Jesus.
How Then Should A Believer Live To Be Spirit-led?
If you truly desire to be led by the Spirit, then as a believer you should;
1. Live by the Word of God
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11, KJV)
The Word is the compass of the Spirit-led life. Feeding on Scripture daily renews the mind and aligns us with God’s will. Without the Word, you will fall prey to the deceit of the flesh.
2. Live a Life of Prayer and Fellowship with God
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV)
Prayer keeps the spirit man alive. It sharpens discernment and helps you resist fleshly impulses.
That's why the more you commune with God, the more sensitive you become to His leading.
3. Live a Life of Holiness and Separation
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord… and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17, KJV)
To be led by the Spirit, you must refuse to conform to worldly systems.
Therefore, holiness creates a channel for the Spirit to flow freely through your life.
4. Live in Obedience to the Spirit’s Promptings
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14, KJV)
The Spirit often nudges us through conviction, instruction, or inner peace.
Your obedience to these promptings of the Spirit is a proof of sonship. When you obey quickly, you grow deeper in Spirit-led living.
POINTS OF REFLECTION
1. Am I living as a natural man, or am I walking daily in the Spirit?
2. Do I make decisions based on the Word and the Spirit, or on feelings and fleshly desires?
3. Am I guarding my heart diligently against the deception of the enemy?
PRAYER KEY POINTS
Father, IJN: Thank You for redeeming me from the life of the flesh and calling me to walk in the Spirit.
Father, IJN: Help me to crucify every work of the flesh and keep me sensitive to Your Spirit’s leading.
Father, IJN: Let my life be a vessel of glory, always producing fruits of the Spirit that bring honor to Your name.
COMMIT TO MEMORY
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16 (KJV)
FURTHER READING
Romans 8:1–14; Galatians 5:19–25; Colossians 3:1–10
ASSIGNMENT
This week, intentionally examine your decisions and actions. Ask yourself: “Was this led by the Spirit or by the flesh?” Journal your reflections, and pray for grace to yield completely to the Spirit’s leading.
To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
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