Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. -John 14:17 (KJV)

For the longest time I lived as a carnal Christian, often doing what was contrary to God’s will and, thus, would often experience a giant guilt-trip for whatever the problem was. Satan loves that sort of thing, as it renders the believer ineffective in their witness for Christ. Just because I got saved did not leave me immune to the temptations of the flesh in their many manifestations. Being born again does not mean that we don’t have to contend with selfishness, gluttony, greed, pornography, marital conflict, substance addiction, etc. How often did I repent over and over again for the same sins, asking for forgiveness while Satan or some demon whispered in my ear that there was no way God was going to keep forgiving me for the same thing and I might as well hang it up? The answer is way more times that I care to count.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. -Galatians 5:16 (KJV)

Is there a way to achieve victory? Was it just me, or is this something every believer must deal with in their faith walk? The answer to those questions is: yes, there is a way to victory– and it was not just me. Every believer must deal with temptations and struggles in the flesh as they walk with the Lord.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. -1 Corinthians 2:12 (KJV)

The next logical question: Where do I find the power to change and serve God as He wants me to? How do I resist temptation– while keeping an attitude of praise and worship? For the longest time the answer was right in front of me and I just didn’t want to see it. It involves fully yielding myself to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to fill me and immerse me in His power and glory, working through me to glorify God and serve others for Christ.  Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. -James 4:2 (KJV)