10-19-23-ENG.

That we should no longer be slaves to sin. 

Romans 6:6 
INSIST ON IT

Read It: Galatians 5:24-25
When I was growing up in Baltimore, I would play in front of the fire hydrant. My father explained to me that underneath the ground, that hydrant was connected to a dam that had more water than I could ever use. So as long as there was that unseen connection, there would always be an outflow from the hydrant. All you are is a hydrant. The Holy Ghost is the dam. As long as you keep the connection tight, the water will continue to flow. So if you are living by the flesh and not by the Spirit, there must be damage in the underground pipe. How do you get the flow going again? Paul gives us two analogies. Verse 24 talks about crucifying the flesh. If you belong to Christ, you have been crucified with Him (Galatians 2:20). Since Christ is the victor over sin and the grave by His resurrection, and since you are raised with Him, you are already on the victor's side. The second analogy is a familiar one by now, that of walking by the Spirit. Walking implies first that you are going somewhere. Our destination tion is the will of God. Walking also assumes continuous movement. If a baby trips, he gets back up. We don't condemn a baby for falling down. But something is wrong if he doesn't try to get up again. If you blow it, don't stay there. Get up and start moving again.

Finally, walking involves dependence. To walk, you have to place your weight on your feet and depend on your legs and feet to hold you up. You say, "How do I know when fm depending on God?" Simple answer: prayer. That's why Paul said to pray without ceasing. Bring everything you face to the Lord. Prayer is like breathing. Stop doing it, and you die. You say, "It's hard to pray." Well, I grew up with a bad case of asthma. It was hard to breathe. But I can assure you that I insisted on it even though my bronchial tubes were congested. I never thought about not trying ing to breathe. When sin congests us, it's hard to pray. But you must insist on it. Stop praying, and the flow stops. Think About It Get those tubes cleared up and keep praying. Keep that connection to the Spirit flowing freely.