What Is \u201cThe Flesh\u201d?
\nWhen we identify \u201cthe flesh\u201d as one of the contributors to spiritual warfare, we\u2019re not talking about our physical bodies \u2013 although our bodies do suffer the consequences of sin. The flesh is a compulsive inner force within each individual which is in opposition and rebellion against God. Another way to say it is that humanity\u2019s original nature is sinful and totally depraved. While men and women, boys and girls have the capacity to do good, the truth is that everything we do is tainted with our natural, evil will. We are spiritually \u201cdead in our trespasses and sins\u201d (Ephesians 2:1).
\nIt all started in the Garden of Eden when the first human beings were created. They had an unbroken fellowship with God until they were tempted by the devil and made the decision to go against God\u2019s command.
\nAfter the Fall, all of humanity fell under a curse as a consequence of this first sin (Genesis 3:14-19). Now this sin nature has been inherited by everyone. Our natural bent is to go against God, and as a result we are His enemies.
\nRomans 8:7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God\u2019s laws, and it never will.
\nThe Battle Within
\nWhen we trust in Jesus for salvation and the forgiveness of sins, the Bible tells us that we receive a new nature. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us as Christians and we are \u201cborn again\u201d. This is when the internal war becomes palpable.
\nGalatians 5:17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
\nWe have not one but now two natures battling inside of us for control. \u201cThe Flesh\u201d remains a powerful opponent that will use footholds to develop strongholds in our lives. Satan knows our weaknesses and works his hardest to use them against us. Christians unwittingly open doors to spiritual attack by dabbling in sin and living in unrepentance. Paul gives us a list of examples:
\nGalatians\u202c \u202d5:19-21 \u202c\u201cWhen you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.\u201d
\nWinning the War
\nEven though the fight itself isn\u2019t easy, the solution starts with simple faith. We need to consciously choose to believe the gospel \u2013 again and again and again. God has set the believer free from sins of the past, present, and future, but it\u2019s easy to forget this during the battle with the flesh. The guilt and shame that the enemy uses has no power over those who belong to Jesus.
\nRomans 7:24 - 8:2 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord\u2026 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
\nGalatians 5:24-25 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit\u2019s leading in every part of our lives.
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