Word For Today

Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 

Anyone who has sought to live a godly life understands the battle that goes on between the Spirit and the flesh.  But how do we define the flesh? Obviously it refers to something more than just our physical being. At a recent meeting I heard this definition of "flesh":

"Those highly skilled techniques we use for meeting our perceived needs apart from God."  The point to remember is the flesh is anything about us which seeks to keep us from doing what God's Spirit would lead us to do or keep us from doing.

The question remains; Can we live victoriously over the flesh?  Yes we can!

The fifth chapter of Galatians gives us at least two principles we must understand if we are to enter into a victorious life.

1. There is a point of decision and obedience which must be practiced.

Galatians 5:16 Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  

Realizing that God wants me to follow His leadership in my life through the Holy Spirit I make a choice to obey His leading.  God will never lead me to do anything contrary to His Word or will.

2. There is a matter of reckoning.  I am dead with Christ.  The flesh has been crucified and can no longer arbitrarily have control over me.

Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Taking these two thoughts into account, I am dead with Christ and therefore I will live as one alive to God through the Spirit.  Throughout the day I must keep this truth before me.  It is always good to remember:

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Pastor Jones