MEMORY VERSE: “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:8.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 7:18-22.
INTRODUCTION
‘The world’ is our external enemy. However, we have another enemy which is an internal enemy. It is called “the flesh or our natural human nature.” Our enemy, Devil, has a ‘stronghold’ inside of us that cooperates with him in his battle against us Matthew 13:25, 39a. This stronghold is our sinful nature which the Bible calls “the flesh.” The one controlled by the flesh is also referred to as natural man, carnal man, or old man 1 Corinthians 2:13-14, carnal man Romans 8:6-8, or old man Ephesians 4:22-24, Romans 6:6.
OUTLINE
1. DESCRIBING THE FLESH
2. VICTORY THROUGH GOD
1. DESCRIBING THE FLESH
“The flesh” is not our body, but our sinful nature that dwells in our body Romans 8:13. One form of manifestation of the flesh is ‘self’. Before we were saved, ‘self’ was on the throne of our heart dictating our every craving and desire whether good or bad Romans 7:5; Ephesians 2:2-3. The moment we received Christ as our Saviour, Christ came to live in us Galatians 2:20. However,’self’ did not move out. Not only is it still there but our ‘self’ wants to continue ruling in our hearts Galatians 5:17; Romans 7:18-19.
The Bible tells us three things about the flesh: ‘self’ will never obey God Romans 8:7; Sin comes from our sinful nature – the flesh Mark 7:21-23; the flesh is Satan’s “stronghold” for committing sin Galatians 5:19-21.
Here are some of the ways ‘self’ expresses itself in people:
a. Self-pride: Declares themself as first and above all and expect people to look up to and honour them Exodus 5:2.
b. Self-love: Affirms that the person that should be loved more than anyone else is themself Luke 12:16-20.
c.Self-pity: Believes that they are poor and not treated right. As a result, they are always grumbling and complaining never satisfied with anything that is done for or to them Exodus 16:2-3.
d. Self- righteousness: This nature is always quite satisfied with their own goodness and morality 1 Kings 19:14.
e.Self-will: Always wants to have their way. This nature will do what it wants to do and does not care whether it contradicts God’s will or not if it is satisfied. Judges 14:3.
2. VICTORY THROUGH GOD
Since no sinner can come into the presence of God. So, our old sinful life must come to an end, for us to become ‘a new person’. God loves us and through His love, did three wonderful things for us:
1.He ended our old Self-life and creates something entirely new i.e. something that sin cannot touch Romans 6:6-7.
2. He made us a new person in Christ. When Christ rose from the dead, we rose with Him as “a new person“ in God’s new creation 2 Corinthians 5:17.
3 He gave Christ to us as our new Master. In Christ we live to do the will of His Father John 5:30.
If we are in our body, we can never get rid of Self, but we can avoid been ruled by Self. As believers, we can take the following steps to subdue Self: Choose to crucify our Self on the cross Galatians 5:24; make Christ our King 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 and live the Christ-life, bearing the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23.
CONCLUSION
Be in control of your flesh always with the help of the Holy Spirit Galatians 5:16.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Romans 6:12.
MON: Galatians 5:25.
TUES: Job 21:15.
WED: James 1:15.
THURS: Matthew 26:39.
FRl: Deuteronomy 7:3.
SAT: Exodus 34:16.