Figuring Out the Flesh in Faith
“For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.” Romans 7:5 (KJV, emphasis added)
Maybe you have entertained, experienced and expressed the following thoughts:
- I do not know why I continue to do the things that are not warranted by the word of God.
- I can never do or get anything right.
- I just do not understand why I can’t kick this habit.
- I want to change but I just don’t believe I can.
- I wish I was never born.
- I am not significant so why was I born?
- I know that nobody understands me.
- I do not know what is wrong with me.
It should be evident that the aforementioned thoughts are telling with respect to the failure and falsehood as well as the will and walk of humanity’s weakness (aka the flesh).Our fleshly weakness is humanity deprived of the divine indwelling, mastery, leadership and the source of strength found in the Holy Spirit. Scripture is not silent when it comes to the weakness of our humanity.
“Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.” Psalm 6:2 (KJV)
“Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 (KJV)
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6 (KJV)
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18 (KJV)
According to Scripture, the term flesh is tied to human weakness and sin. It’s important to note that when the word flesh is used in the Old Testament it usually conveys the whole of man’s earthly nature as weak and sinful. Before judging the world with a global flood, God took account of the weakness and failure of the ruling influence of the flesh. Man’s corruptible flesh fixed mankind in conduct that called the character of a Holy God to respond in righteous judgment.
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, ‘The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.’” Genesis 6:11-13 (KJV)
According to Scripture, we can determine that the flesh’s influence incapacitates one’s resistance to sinful deeds and directs a person outside the will and purposes of God. We understand as faith-followers of Christ we find our purpose when we intentionally park in His purpose for our lives.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV)
The New Testament also consistently describes the character failure of the flesh and its present and future consequences.
“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans 8:11-13 (KJV)
“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 (KJV)
Deeply Loved of God: have you accurately assessed your humanity? If so, you will come to the same conclusion of the Apostle Paul:
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” Romans 7:18-20 (KJV)
So who and what is the solution? Who can absolutely address the affliction, agony and the appetites of our flesh that fix us in bondage? Scripture gloriously gives us our solution to our situation and state of sin.
The Supreme Savior Jesus Christ the Lord condescended and clothed Himself in humanity to address the ruling influence of the flesh and not only liberated us from the leadership of the flesh but also gave us a new identity and placed us under new management!
“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:12-14 (KJV)
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15
Therefore, body of Christ, when we fix ourselves by faith in the facts of freedom found in Scripture and not the fleshly offerings of the world we can figure out how to defeat and defend ourselves from the enemy within. When we turn away from pop psychology, the liberal leaven of man-centered spirituality, and feel good, greasy grace messages that tickle our ears and incarcerate us in our indulgences we will learn to walk in victory by the power of Jesus Christ!
Join me again next time as we continue to figure out the flesh in faith!
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR