Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. -Romans 8:12-14

As I have stated before, Jesus died for more than us getting fire insurance. He also gave His life for us so we could receive the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). It is His Spirit that enables us to live the life Jesus died for. If we live our lives by the Spirit, our lives will accomplish what Jesus died for. Hebrews 4:7-8 says see that you don’t refuse Him who speaks from heaven. Jesus tells us that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

If we are renewing our mind in the Word consistently and getting understanding and wisdom from the Holy Spirit on how to do it, and then we do it, we are walking by the Spirit of God. He changes our focus, thoughts, and actions. His Word affects every area of our life and brings Glory to the Father in every situation. Paul writes in Galatians 5:1 to encourage believers to continue in what they have heard. Not to turn back to the old way of doing things. This admonishment is still extremely important for us today. God has given us everything we need to succeed, and we just have to take hold of it.

Satan’s whole goal is to steal, kill and destroy. The Bible tells us he goes around like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour(1st Peter 5:8). He does this by speaking lies to influence your thoughts and actions. Let’s look at a simple example of this. Ephesians 4:29 tells us to make sure everything we say is good and helpful to the hearer.

Now, let’s take a look at the past week or so. Was everything I said good and helpful to everyone around me? Did I get cut off in traffic and call someone an idiot (or something of similar nature)? Did I speak poorly of, or to my boss, neighbor, co-workers, etc.? If I did, that means I have taken in a lie from the devil and perpetuated it. Instead of my words being good and helpful, I poisoned other peoples view on someone else. That is one example of being under the influence of the spirit of this age.

I can’t tell you how many times I have said or done something as a knee-jerk reaction to a situation. Instead of my response being based on scripture and guidance from the Holy Spirit, it was motivated by how I felt and what I thought was right. The fact of the matter is if we allow outside influences, a sense of being wronged or any other mindset that isn’t renewed by the Word to influence our decisions, we are under the power of the Spirit of this age. Galatians 5:19-21 tells us the works of the flesh are obvious. If your life is bearing one or multiple of these fruits, then it’s time to ask God to reveal His Word to you concerning that area.

You may be thinking well I am saved, the devil does not influence me! Let’s look at Paul’s letter in Galatians 5. Here the Galatians backpedaled from what was taught to them about justification through Christ and began looking for righteousness through the law. Paul pleads with them to change their minds and tells them not to become entangled AGAIN with the yoke of bondage (verse 1). He goes onto say in verse 7-8 “You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.”

Notice what Paul said, “this persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.” He was telling the Church “Hey! What you are doing is not from Jesus. Deception has influenced you!” Here is a clear example of believers who were trapped in deception and influenced by the Spirit of this age. Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1st Corinthians 10:12). The Bible warns us to take heed lest we fall. In other words, don’t get so high-minded that you think you know better and won’t fall to temptation or that it is impossible to do so.

Jesus died so we could walk under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we walk in that guidance, we are going to reflect Jesus everywhere we go and in every situation.

Practical Application:
*  Ask God to help you identify areas in your life that you are under the influence of the        spirit of this age
*  Renew your mind in the Word of God
*  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you walk in God’s ways in every situation