SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1208

“Willing and Doing”

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. – Matthew 26:41

New Year’s resolutions are made and forgotten. Promises are made and broken. Business plans are developed, filed away, and forgotten.

Putting what we know is right to do into action is one of the most difficult things for us to do. From eating healthy to establishing a disciplined prayer life in following Jesus, our spirits are indeed willing, but our flesh is so easily tempted and drawn astray.

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate …. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out … – Romans 7:15-20

We cannot muster up enough internal grit and will to overcome the weakness of our flesh. It is only by the strength and indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit that we can walk on the narrow path of Jesus. The key to a Christian walk of integrity is not self-control, it is abandonment to Christ.

Then he said to me, this is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. – Zechariah 4:6

Paul recognized this fact when he exclaimed that only Jesus could deliver him from his ‘body of death’.

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! …. for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. – Romans 7:24-25; Philippians 2:12-13

Our Father desires that we would walk in His ways.

Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! – Psalm 81:13

God knows us better than we know ourselves. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. – Psalm 103:14

The Lord is faithful to help us in our weakness.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

It is God who works in us to have the will and to act on it. He equips us to obey His Word.

Now may the God of peace…equip you with everything good that you may do his will… through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. – Hebrews 13:20-21