November 17

But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. Romans 7:6.

Before we discovered this new relationship with Jesus, while we were governed by the fleshly nature of Adam, we knew nothing of serving in the spirit. Our spirit had been made subservient to our soul when Adam fell. The soul depends upon reason (intellect), emotion (feelings), and our will. In essence we considered ourselves as self-sufficient—which was Satan’s goal when he deceived Eve.

Now Paul is revealing to us that we are under new leadership—our spirit, which has been renewed by the Holy Spirit, is now in a position to teach us how to serve in a new way. The spirit depends upon communion with God (worship), intuition, and a renewed conscience. Our spirit, working with the Holy Spirit, will teach the soul how to respond to the things of God. Everything is now properly in place for us to live the Christian life.

Lord, how I long to know the things of the Spirit. I have learned over too many years to follow the leading of my soul—along with its dependence upon reason and feelings. I know these weapons are inadequate, even contrary, to Your weapons of the Spirit. You want to teach me by revelation of Your word. Only Your methods are acceptable and worthy of praise.

Today, Lord, I ask for newness of my spirit in its search for leading from Your Holy Spirit. I am tired of the old ways. You are eagerly waiting to reveal new ways of Life to me. Keep my soulish, fleshly, ways from seeking prominence. I want to discover the newness of Life by Your Spirit. Open me to Your leading. Thank You in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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