Being an eternal spirit that inhabits a corrupt mortal body, is a condition that’ll require management until the Saint breathes the last breath. You don’t have to look far in the Word to see that it’s an issue man has battled with since the garden of Eden. Each conscious moment of every Saint’s life, the old man tries to interrupt and separate the new man from living righteously, by continually attempting to make space for development of it’s self destructive growth; if possible, the flesh will make you think you’re living in righteousness, as it tries to express it’s own form of godliness,  including legalism (judgement), & self righteousness (Which can take the form of a disposition of self preservation, eg.. standing up for my own rights when I’m being defrauded.).

The answers to the question of “how to manage the evil flesh in me?”, are to look to Christ, by  reading The Word, and praying for guidance. But even in these activities, the flesh will try to corrupt the desire and exercise of being more pleasing to God. Praise God that He helps the Saint’s to search His ways, and reject the flesh, by adding Godly strength to our spiritual being, which is housed in human weakness.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
  • Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

One of the key characteristics of Christ, that wins against fleshly activity, is humility; when this characteristic is applied righteously, it’s completely opposite to the nature of the flesh.

These manifestations of the flesh all have their source from the last of the following three highlighted words; Selfishness, which is disobedience, which is sin; which as demonstrated by Adam, is simple enough to subject the whole human race to being subject to the penalty of death (Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:), and if not for the grace of God through Christ, that sin would result in judgement, and it’s penalty of being thrown into the lake of fire. So the desires of the flesh need to be considered with gravity, not permissiveness.

  • Galatians 6:8 “For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
  • Hebrews 12:13 “…make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”

Godly humility is a defence against the way of the flesh which leads to death:

  • By acknowledging weakness, humility submits self to the authority of God, who then pours in wisdom and peace;
  • Rather than claiming to know the way to respond, or act, humility asks God how to respond.
  • Humility listens to council and searches The Word to confirm, clarify or deny the instruction, in quietness.
  • Humility obeys God’s will rather than seeking to fulfill the fleshes.
  • A hard heart leads to self destruction, but humility of heart heeds instruction of God, which leads to life and peace.
1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
 
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
 
Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
 
Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
 

Daily application of God’s instruction is where wise direction is maintained according to Christ’s way: “choose this day whom you will serve…” Joshua 24:15

 

Romans 13:14 “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t make provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”

When coupled with confessing a sinful desire to God, and asking for His forgiveness and strength, this verse can be practically applied, in one of the following forms;

  • When someone makes a fleshly remark to you, rather than protecting your right to respond. Respond in love; keep it simple, change the subject; or kindly express that you don’t wish to discuss the topic further, and pray that God will give them peace.
  • When the chance of a holiday looks like an escape from the current adversities, go to the Word, thank God for His many blessings and get occupied with the responsibilities at hand.
  • When someone’s physical appearance catches your eye, don’t look twice. Think of Christ, stand back, (1 Corinthians 6:18 says to run from this temptation) consider the ramifications both to you now and in heaven later when you’re called to account for your actions after death. And ask Him to keep you from the foolish desires of the flesh.
  • When you hear of an opportunity to increase wealth, and your flesh wants to be part of the opportunity, thank God for what He’s already provided, and trust that He’ll continue to provide. Honour Him with what you already have:
    Time is a more valuable resource provided by God, spend it with Him.
  • Some temptations seem to be, or are, too much to win against, and if they’re in your path regularly, they may have to be managed with greater determination: As Proverbs instructs, “if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off…“, don’t go to the place of temptation, stay well clear of it, him or her.

Exercising self discipline in Spiritual responsibilities is an easier road to walk on, rather than making foolish decisions, living with the grief of it, and then applying repentance.

God put it this way: 1 Samuel 15:22 “…to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

Romans 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

May God bless our desires to walk in His ways until Christ returns, or we go to be with Him!

APO Nov2018