November 8
The Spirit and the
Call to Holiness
Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
Daily Steps
The Spirit's Convicting Work (Day 313) is not just about guilt; it is about empowerment for change. This verse presents the new believer with a decisive choice—life or death—and identifies the Holy Spirit as the only Agent of Change capable of empowering the daily, lifelong Call to Holiness (Day 251) and victory over sin.
The peace in this principle is found in spiritual victory:
The Choice of Paths: Paul starkly contrasts two paths: living according to the flesh (following our old, sinful nature) which leads to spiritual death; and living by the Spirit which leads to life (spiritual vitality, Day 261, and ultimate long life, Day 295). This choice requires clear discernment (Day 290) every day.
The Process of Sanctification: The key is the verb: put to death the misdeeds of the body. This is not a passive process; it is active, spiritual warfare against sin (The Call to Repentance, Day 278). The misdeeds are the actions and habits rooted in our flesh (Day 260) that oppose godly wisdom (Day 291).
The Agent of Change: The struggle against sin cannot be won by human willpower alone; it must be done by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit, our divine Advocate (Day 310), provides the supernatural power (Day 279) necessary to gain spiritual victory over destructive temptations and establish the purity (Day 291) of a Christ-like life.
Your peace is secured by spiritual victory. Embrace The Work of the Holy Spirit today by relying completely on His power to put to death the misdeeds of the body. Commit to cooperating with the Spirit in this daily Call to Holiness so that you may truly live.
Reflective Question
What is one misdeed of the body (sinful habit or action) that you have been trying to defeat through sheer willpower? How can you surrender this struggle to the Holy Spirit today, asking for His power to put it to death?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess my weakness in fighting sin alone and my tendency to live according to the flesh. I thank You that You offer life when I walk by the Spirit. I pray for the grace and power of the Holy Spirit to actively put to death the misdeeds of the body. Secure my peace today in this guaranteed spiritual victory, and empower my daily walk of holiness. Amen.
