The Flesh
Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” (NKJV)
The believer will often struggle on a daily basis trying to walk and live in the spirit because of a powerful enemy called the flesh. This struggle can be an exasperating experience for a believer. It is a daily battle, and a lifetime of war.
The apostle Paul tells us in;
Galatians 5:16 and 17
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” (NKJV)
When believers allow themselves to be led by the Spirit, the Spirit guides us into truth.
John 16:13
“however, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come’ (NKJV)
When believers allow themselves to be led by the flesh, the flesh will lead that believer into sin by carnal and selfish desires.
1st John 2:16
“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” (NKJV)
Identifying the enemy, will help a believer with winning battles, and being victorious in a war. Often times when a believer makes a mistake or sins, the believer looks at the devil as the reason they have sinned. Often times the devil is given too much credit for a person’s behavior. Many times it is our flesh that has caused the mistake that has been made.
Galatians 5:17
“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (NKJV)
One method of identifying the flesh is when a person receives instant gratification from what they are presently doing.
Romans 7:15
” For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.”
The flesh will not reveal the negative consequences that a person will experience at a later time for the sin they are committing at the present time.
Romans 7:18
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.“
God can instantly bless someone when He chooses to do so. So one might ask the question “how do I know when what I am receiving is a blessing from God, or my spirit yielding to gratifying the carnal nature of the flesh?” The answer is found in the word of God.
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (NKJV)
Believers have to be watchful about what is going on around them, who they are with, and where they are going. Praying for the leading of the Holy Spirit will always lead us in the right direction.
Lord Jesus, I ask that you help believers to see and identify the enemy our carnal flesh when it is trying to lead us into sin. Help us to walk by faith and not just by what is seen, in your name that is above every name…Amen!
Continuing in his service…Rev
