August 15

Read: Romans 8:12-14

If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live (Romans 8:13).

Through The Spirit

Growth in the life of holiness is not accomplished by sheer determination and human effort. We make progress in the things of God when we yield ourselves to Him. In all spiritual achievement God provides the power; we simply appropriate what He offers.

Paul writes: “If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” It is the Holy Spirit who brings the power for spiritual mastery and growth. After we have sought to be sanctified wholly and have received the witness of the Spirit, we may discover weaknesses which we thought would never trouble us again. When we find these character faults, they are to be regarded as areas for spiritual growth. This is as much a part of the Holy Spirit’s ministry as is heart cleansing.

What God did not do for us immediately at an altar of prayer may yet be done for us by the indwelling Holy Spirit in answer to specific prayer on a thousand occasions. God expects us to do all within our power to conquer and control these forces of old habits and the pull of temptations which yet remain after we have been sanctified wholly. He expects us to do all within our power — and it is within our power to depend upon Him. The mastery of such weaknesses and the consequent strengthening of the soul is one of the continuing possibilities of grace to be demonstrated in the sanctified life. This, too is achieved through the Spirit — the sanctifying Spirit of God.

He is able to make me stand. He will hold me by His hand. He will keep my feet on the King’s highway ‘Til I reach that land of perfect day. He is able! Hallelujah! He is able to make me stand.

— Author Unknown