Sometimes we forget we are a 2-part species. We are actually spirits encased in flesh. When we die, we shed the flesh and our spiritual beings transcend to Heaven. So, keeping that in mind, as we walk around on earth we are basically spirit in fleshly clothing, a carcass. As Christians, our purpose is to "do the will of the Father" becoming dead to flesh, alive in Christ. Matthew 7:21 records Jesus' words, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Because this is such an important part of us even entering Glory upon physical death, and I believe it is vital to a victorious life here on earth, we must grasp this concept. So, let's break it down.
Flesh = Sin...sinful desires. The Bible refers to lusts of the flesh--fleshly desires, if you will. There are so many things that fall into this category. When I think of "lusts of the flesh," I think of addictions--alcoholism, smoking, overeating, drugs. Of course, sexual immorality--premarital sex, adultery, sexual perversion--would also be gratification of flesh. Other wrongful desires to consider are backbiting, gossiping, greed, envy, coveting. To simplify, whatever seems to "drive" you is flesh. Anything that you make a god in your life. Those things that fall into the "I just can't help myself" category. 2 Peter 2:19 brings great clarification to this topic by saying, "for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”
The primary device of Satan to trip you up is the facade of pleasure. It looks good, feels good, tastes good--it is fun! We are warned, however, by Scripture that is only pleasurable for a season. (Hebrews 11:25). As many of you know, I have battled alcoholism for years. This is a battle I continue to fight especially during rough circumstances. When I begin to feel overwhelmed and stressed, my first reaction is I need a drink! It is a constant tug-of-war. Most times I win, but I have stumbled many, many times. Each time I have indulged, I wake up with regrets. Not that something bad always happens, but that I have let my desires outweigh His. I have "let sin rule over me." (Psalm 119:133) There have been times that it may have destroyed my witness, caused someone else to stumble. That's even worse according to Romans 14:21. A good rule of thumb: If you have to hide it or you would be embarrassed if anyone found out, it is probably sinful and you should flee from it! Repent, and again I say, RUN!
I was asked the other day, How do you deal with desires that are a natural part of life? I love what Paul says in I Corinthians 6:12, "You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'—but not everything is good for you. And even though 'I am allowed to do anything,' I must not become a slave to anything." He further instructs us in Romans 13:14 "Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." Finally, 1 Peter 4:1-2 tells us to "arm ourselves" with the same attitude of Christ so that we "won’t spend the rest of our lives chasing our own desires, but we will be anxious to do the will of God."
Matthew 11:30 "For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
Flesh = Sin...sinful desires. The Bible refers to lusts of the flesh--fleshly desires, if you will. There are so many things that fall into this category. When I think of "lusts of the flesh," I think of addictions--alcoholism, smoking, overeating, drugs. Of course, sexual immorality--premarital sex, adultery, sexual perversion--would also be gratification of flesh. Other wrongful desires to consider are backbiting, gossiping, greed, envy, coveting. To simplify, whatever seems to "drive" you is flesh. Anything that you make a god in your life. Those things that fall into the "I just can't help myself" category. 2 Peter 2:19 brings great clarification to this topic by saying, "for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”
The primary device of Satan to trip you up is the facade of pleasure. It looks good, feels good, tastes good--it is fun! We are warned, however, by Scripture that is only pleasurable for a season. (Hebrews 11:25). As many of you know, I have battled alcoholism for years. This is a battle I continue to fight especially during rough circumstances. When I begin to feel overwhelmed and stressed, my first reaction is I need a drink! It is a constant tug-of-war. Most times I win, but I have stumbled many, many times. Each time I have indulged, I wake up with regrets. Not that something bad always happens, but that I have let my desires outweigh His. I have "let sin rule over me." (Psalm 119:133) There have been times that it may have destroyed my witness, caused someone else to stumble. That's even worse according to Romans 14:21. A good rule of thumb: If you have to hide it or you would be embarrassed if anyone found out, it is probably sinful and you should flee from it! Repent, and again I say, RUN!
I was asked the other day, How do you deal with desires that are a natural part of life? I love what Paul says in I Corinthians 6:12, "You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'—but not everything is good for you. And even though 'I am allowed to do anything,' I must not become a slave to anything." He further instructs us in Romans 13:14 "Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." Finally, 1 Peter 4:1-2 tells us to "arm ourselves" with the same attitude of Christ so that we "won’t spend the rest of our lives chasing our own desires, but we will be anxious to do the will of God."
Matthew 11:30 "For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
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