Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
Is the Holy Spirit really stronger than our sinful flesh or sinful nature? Suppose that the opposite were true--that our sinful flesh were stronger than the Holy Spirit? What would happen? Well, there would be no salvation from sin. The salvation of any human being depends on the Holy Spirit being stronger than the flesh!
This brings us to the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Who will win? Who is really stronger? If you ask an unconverted person, he or she will tell you that Satan is stronger. Or at least it seems so in this modern evil world. Our sinful nature is so strong! The devil makes it seem so, but it is a lie.
Jesus said: "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). That means that no matter how strong is the temptation to sin that tugs at your heart or mind, the Holy Spirit is stronger. But it does not mean that you have no part in the battle. Your part is to choose to say "No!" to the temptation. Titus 2:11 and 12 in the New International Version are very clear: "The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and [it teaches us] to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age."
In Galatians 5:16, we see that we have something to do--go for a walk with the Holy Spirit, and let Him hold you by the hand (cf. Isa. 41:10, 13). God has given us the power of choice; the Holy Spirit is forbidden to control you without your consent! Are you weak in moral power, in will power?
With the weeping father you can make the choice to believe, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24). And when you make the choice, you invite the Holy Spirit to demonstrate that He is stronger than your sinful flesh. God is free to work! "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8).
--Robert J. Wieland
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: June 18, 1998.
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