How to Walk and Live in the Spirit (7 Keys to overcome the desires of the flesh)
Walking and living in the
Spirit is vital to breaking the lustful desires of the flesh and soul. In this
article, I will share seven master keys you can use to walk and live in the
Spirit. There are some important truths you must know in the Christian journey.
We are spiritual beings
with a soul living in a body. Several holy scriptures validate the existence of
the human spirit, soul, and body. Here are a few scriptures to help you know
that we are tripartite beings.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God
your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1
Thessalonians 5:23
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart.
Hebrews
4:12
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Romans
8:16
And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful
spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out
my soul before the LORD.
1
Samuel 1:15
Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my
spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
Job
7:11
The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching
all the inward parts of the belly.
Proverbs
20:27
I have had several dreams
of seeing myself appear in three places simultaneously doing different things.
I watched my other two beings preaching to some students in different rooms. In
the dream, I saw myself standing in an open place, watching my other beings ministering
to some people in a room.
I saw myself watching my
other two selves (spirit and soul) performing different duties at different places
simultaneously. I wanted to interact with my other two selves in the dream, but
I couldn’t. I have seen myself flying in the skies several times in the
spiritual realm. Most often, our soul flies in the spiritual realm. As Christian
believers, we must fly like eagles in the spiritual realm.
…they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their
strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be
weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah
40:31
Most often, when the
enemy wants to attack me in the spiritual realm, I escape into the skies by
flying. Our spirit and soul perform several roles in the spiritual realm. You
can travel to any place within seconds with your spirit and soul. The Holy
Spirit can create a portal for you to travel to several places in the spiritual
realm when your spirit and soul are active. Let me briefly explain the spirit,
soul, and body of man.
What is the human spirit?
The human spirit is an aspect
of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit created our spirit to enable us to connect
with him. We can discern the voice of the Holy Spirit through our spirit. We
can connect with God through our spirit.
Our spirit paves the way
for the Holy Spirit to access our soul and body. Without our spirit, our soul
and body cannot live. According to the book of Genesis, when the Holy Spirit created
our spirit, our spirit formed our soul and gave life to our body.
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Genesis 2:7 KJV
We can see from the Holy
Scriptures that the soul received life after the Holy Spirit created the spirit
of man. Solomon gives a profound revelation about the human spirit in the book
of proverbs.
The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the
inward parts of the belly.
Proverbs
20:27
Naturally, we are blind
without the sun, moon, stars, and artificial lights. However, our spiritual
eyes are not limited by artificial lights. Without light rays, we cannot see
with our physical eyes. You can see in the morning because of the light rays of
the moon and the sun.
Do you know that the power
the sun produces every microsecond cannot be compared to the power the whole
world (artificial power) generates in a thousand years? In other words, the
power the sun produces every microsecond can sustain the energy the world needs
for thousands of years.
This should tell you the
incredible power the sun can provide to humanity. You can see in the evening
because of the artificial light (electrical bulbs, lamps, candles, torch
lights, and lanterns). The stars also pave the way for us to see the night.
Without these
instruments, we are physically blind. In the same way, the Holy Spirit feels
and sees our thoughts, desires, and emotions through our spirit. Our spirit is like
the sun, moon, stars, and artificial light to the Holy Spirit.
Without our spirit, the
Holy Spirit will not be able to access our body and soul. Without our spirit, we
will not be able to connect with the spiritual world. This is one reason
spiritually dead people cannot respond to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
Spiritually dead and blind
people love the pleasures of sin because they cannot access the Holy Spirit (meditate
on 2 Corinthians 2:11-14). Check out my article, understanding the role of the human spirit, for
more profound revelations.
What is the human soul?
Our soul comprises our
desires, emotions, and willpower. Our soul separates us from robots and other
creatures. Angels do not have souls; they are spiritual beings. Our soul makes
us accept or reject the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the devil and external
voices.
This is one reason; our
soul will receive judgment or reward on the final day. The soul becomes
lifeless when the silver cord joining our spirit and body breaks (meditate on Ecclesiastes
12:1-7). Check out my article, understanding the role of the human soul, for more
profound revelations.
What is the human body?
The human body enables us
to connect with the things on earth. Most people concentrate on the body and
ignore the soul and spirit. Some people do not know that the body will perish one
day. The body acts on the instruction of the soul and spirit.
As stated in the book of
Genesis, God created the body with the dust of the earth. Our body limits our
access to the spiritual realm because it cannot connect with spiritual forces. Our
body separates us from spiritual beings.
Spiritual beings cannot
operate on earth without the human body because of gravity and laws governing
the earth. The body needs tangible objects such as animals, trees, and buildings
to work efficiently.
In the same way, spiritual
beings need human bodies, animals, and tangible objects to operate on earth. Without
the human body, we will not be able to connect with the material things on
earth. The body has lustful desires, as Apostle Paul states in the book of
Galatians.
The lustful desires of
the body
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,
seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which
I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which
do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians
5:19-21
The flesh triggers some
evil deeds. As we can see in the Holy Scriptures, adultery, fornication, hatred,
strife, idolatry, lust, envy, murder, and drunkenness originates from the flesh
(the body). Some people blame the devil for these evils; meanwhile, these
ungodly and unethical actions emanate from the flesh.
The devil can manipulate people
to do evil things. However, most of the evil deeds we see on earth are
triggered by the desires of the flesh. Haven’t you seen religious and faithful people
indulging in evil deeds?
This should tell you that
the flesh can make people indulge in evil activities. The devil cannot force
you to do evil because the Holy Spirit cannot force you to act righteously. The
devil suggests evil thoughts.
The Holy Spirit gives you
grace and empowers you to pursue righteousness. The power lies in your soul to
accept the leadership of the Holy Spirit or the devil. In the same way, you can
silence the devil's voice and the flesh's lustful desires.
If you can reject the
voice of the Holy Spirit, you can also reject the voice of the devil and
lustful desires of the flesh. Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Galatia to
walk and live in the Spirit because lustful desires limit the works of the Holy
Spirit in our lives. Paul further explained that if we walk and live in the
Spirit, we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of
the flesh.
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the
flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the
things that ye would.
Galatians
5:16-17 KJV
There is an invisible
battle going on in the spiritual realm. The lustful desires of the flesh wage
war against the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit wants to lead us, but the lustful
desires of the flesh are preventing him. Check out my article, understanding
the role of the human body, for more profound revelations.
In this article, I will
share seven practical and biblical ways to walk and live in the Spirit. In
other words, I will share the seven ways to break the lustful desires of the
flesh. Breaking the desires of the flesh will empower you to walk and live in
the consciousness
of the Holy Spirit.
Seven Practical and Biblical Ways to help you walk and live in the Spirit
1. Feed on the Word of God
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John
8:32 KJV
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and
of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
Hebrews
4:12 KJV
The Word of God has the power
to free us from the bondage of the flesh. Christ Jesus stated that the truth
(Holy Scriptures) could set us free from every bondage. Like a car, without
gasoline, electrical power, or petrol, it cannot move.
You set the car free when
you supply it with the prescribed ingredient (electrical power, gasoline or
diesel). In the same way, the Word of God is like gasoline, petrol, or electrical
power; when you feed on the Word, it sets the soul and body free.
The Word of God has the
power to break the lustful desires of the flesh. When you study the Word of God
from your heart, the Holy Spirit empowers your soul and spirit to walk and live
in the Spirit.
When your spirit and soul
become empowered, the Holy Spirit suppresses the soul's lustful desires, paving
the way for you to walk and live in the Spirit. Nothing in this world is more powerful
than the Word of God.
As stated in the Holy
Scriptures, the Word is quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword
(see Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God is a sword in the spiritual realm. It cuts
the lustful thoughts and desires of the flesh into pieces.
The Word of God can make
you conscious of the Holy Spirit when you meditate on it day and night. Have
time for the Word of God if you want to walk and live in the Spirit. Check out
my article on how
to study God's Word for more profound revelation.
2. Building a consistent
fasting and prayer life
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is
willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew
26:41 KJV
Christ Jesus commanded
his disciples to stay alert and pray because the flesh is weak. The flesh
easily submits to the manipulations of evil spirits and unbelievers because of its
Adamic nature. If you want to break the desires of the flesh, fast and pray
consistently.
As the Holy Spirit leads,
fasting and prayers will boost your spirit and break the soulish desires. Some people
are too emotional to the extent that they become slaves to sin, animals, and
manipulative people.
The Holy Spirit wants you
to walk and live with him, and one of the best ways to connect with him is to
fast and pray. When you fast and pray, the lustful desires of the flesh fall. Fasting
and prayers are like boosters.
Like car engines, when
you add oil to it, it becomes strong. Spirit-led fasting is like an energy drink;
it revitalizes your spirit and soul. Spirit-led fasting will make you stronger
in the spiritual realm.
Also, note that the soul
will become weary when you fast and pray (meditate on Psalms 69:10). Your flesh
will fight you when you fast and pray. When you are persistent in fasting and
prayers, the lustful desires of the flesh will bow. When you master fasting and
prayers, you will not struggle to walk and live in the Spirit.
3. Unequal yoke with
unbelievers
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship
hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with
darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that
believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the
temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk
in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,
saith the Lord Almighty.
2
Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV
Light and darkness cannot
stay in the same environment. Being a Christian believer places you
under the light of Christ Jesus. People who do not know God (unbelievers) are
children of darkness.
You cannot walk and live
in the Spirit if you equally yoke with the unbelievers. The philosophy of the
unbelievers differs from the philosophy of Christian believers. You must not always
agree to the counsels of the unbelievers because they will corrupt your good
manners (see 1 Corinthians 15:33, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
When you allow the
unbelievers to corrupt your good manners, you will walk in the lustful desires
of the flesh. The evil words of the unbelievers can quench the Holy Spirit. Their
evil words can grieve the Holy Spirit.
If you want to stay
connected to the Holy Spirit, create some gap for the unbelievers, especially demon-possessed
and unrepentant sinners. I remember entering one of the hostels in Koforidua to
preach the gospel.
When I entered the room,
I saw a group of students (three males and three females). Half-naked ladies
were on the beds, while others were on the floor. The dressing of the ladies was
seductive. The light in the room was off.
I noticed one guy who had
the heart to serve the Lord but couldn’t exhibit his Christian life because of
the people around him. I discerned that this guy wanted to ask me some bible
questions, but one of the ladies in the room silenced him.
I felt lust in the room. A
lady in the room watched me with an unwelcoming eye and face. I felt the lady
had a marine spirit operating in her. After I preached, I led them to pray the
prayer of salvation and rebuked the spirit of lust.
Many people cannot walk
and live in the Spirit because of their association. Maybe the people in your
workplace, school, and home have become a stumbling block to your spiritual
growth. If you want to walk and live in the Spirit, create some gap between carnal
Christians and unrepentant sinners.
Get rid of people that become
a stumbling block between you and the Holy Spirit because they will limit your
spiritual life. If your friends do not come to Christ Jesus, tell them you
cannot join them with the devil and the world.
If the person loves Christ
Jesus, he will repent from his evil ways and join the church. If the person
loves you, he will forsake the world, repent from the evil deeds and join you
to serve the Lord. Are you breaking your relationship with the Holy Spirit
because of your association?
4. Soak into anointed and
biblical songs
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord
is.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the
Spirit;
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Ephesians
5:17-20 KJV
Apostle Paul knew the
power of spiritual
songs, so he wrote to the Church in Ephesus to connect with the Holy
Spirit through music. Spiritual songs can regenerate your spirit and soul. Biblical
and anointed songs create an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to control an
environment.
Have you ever asked
yourself why unbelievers don’t play Christian (biblical
and anointed) songs in nightclubs and social gatherings? They know the
power of Christian songs (biblical and anointed songs).
The unbelievers know
songs can create specific atmospheres, so they play secular (ungodly) music to
create a lustful scene. The words within songs open doors for invisible spirits
to take control of an environment.
Songs have the power to change
your emotions, desires, and willpower. This is one reason you must apply wisdom
to the songs you listen to. Have you ever asked yourself why the evil spirit
tormenting king Saul left when David played music in the presence of king Saul?
Evil spirits cannot
withstand biblical and anointed songs. Most prophets in the old covenant
prophesied after the holy singers performed. They knew the power of spiritual songs,
so they used them effectively.
The Holy Spirit loves holy
music, so if you want to activate his presence, constantly play biblical and
anointed songs in your environment. Check out my series of articles on how
to activate the presence of the Holy Spirit for more profound revelations.
Mediate on these holy
scriptures.
…thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest
the praises of Israel.
Psalms
22:3
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with
grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians
3:16
5. Become a living
sacrifice
In Romans chapter twelve,
verse one, Apostle Paul writes that we must become a living sacrifice unto God
because it is the will of the
Trinity. Becoming a living sacrifice to God means you decide to give your
heart, resource, and strength to God and the church.
Becoming a living
sacrifice to God and the church means you don’t conform to the evil pattern of
the world. If you dedicate your life to Christ Jesus and the church, the Holy
Spirit takes over your life. When you dedicate your time to win
souls (evangelism), intercede, and serve the church with all your
heart, the Holy Spirit will empower you to walk and live with him.
6. Disconnect from the
evil desires of the world
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to
speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and
receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own
selves.
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a
man beholding his natural face in a glass:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth
what manner of man he was.
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein,
he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be
blessed in his deed.
James
1:19-25 KJV
The systems of the world have
a way of limiting our walk with the Holy Spirit. For example, pornographic videos,
erotic books, seductive games, and corrupt materials limit our walk with the
Holy Spirit. If you are going to walk and live with the Holy Spirit, get rid of
these things. Meditate on these holy scriptures for more profound revelations.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans
12:1-2 KJV
7. The Spirit way of
prayer
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what
we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for
us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the
Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will
of God.
Romans
8:26-27 KJV
Praying in the Spirit (tongues
speaking) can boost your walk with the Holy Spirit. When you pray in
tongues, the Holy Spirit builds your spiritual senses for Spirit living.
Spirit-filled prayers break evil forces hindering your spiritual life. When the
evil spirits limiting your spiritual life flee, you will not struggle to walk
and live in the Spirit. Meditate on these holy scriptures for more profound revelations.
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he
that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1
Corinthians 14:4 KJV
…ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy
faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Jude
1:20 KJV
For
more profound revelation, freely read my book on amazon kindle unlimited
How to Walk and Live in the Spirit
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