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Gold Tried in the Fire - Robert J. Wieland

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great front wheels yourself; but if <strong>the</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>e is<br />

runn<strong>in</strong>g, your choice to turn right or left is all that<br />

is needed—<strong>the</strong> slightest pressure on <strong>the</strong> steer<strong>in</strong>g<br />

wheel activates <strong>the</strong> power-steer<strong>in</strong>g pump to do all<br />

<strong>the</strong> work. Paul didn't have power steer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> his<br />

day, but he understood <strong>the</strong> secret of sanctification<br />

by faith: "So I say, live by <strong>the</strong> Spirit, and you will<br />

not gratify <strong>the</strong> desires of <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ful nature. For <strong>the</strong><br />

s<strong>in</strong>ful nature desires what is contrary to <strong>the</strong> Spirit,<br />

and <strong>the</strong> Spirit [desires] what is contrary to <strong>the</strong><br />

s<strong>in</strong>ful nature. They are <strong>in</strong> conflict with each o<strong>the</strong>r,<br />

so that you do not [cannot] do what you want."<br />

Galatians 5:16, NIV.<br />

So, it's "good news" aga<strong>in</strong>! The "power source"<br />

is <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit. Give Him your will, make your<br />

choice to walk <strong>in</strong> His way, and (accord<strong>in</strong>g to Paul's<br />

Greek) you cannot be overcome by <strong>the</strong> desires of<br />

your "s<strong>in</strong>ful nature," however strong <strong>the</strong>y may be<br />

or however long you have walked <strong>in</strong> evil habits.<br />

The reason is simple enough: <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit is<br />

stronger than <strong>the</strong> flesh, just as light is stronger than<br />

darkness and love is stronger than hate.<br />

95

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