TUESDAY March 30, 2021
Victory Over the Flesh
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Romans 8:12-13
There are two opposing forces at war. There is a conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. The warfare between them is a difficult struggle. The flesh, our carnal desires, is always trying to dominate––sin. A life lived in the flesh contradicts the Spirit. True believers empowered by the Holy Spirit will have victory over the flesh:
Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 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 (Galatians 5:16-17).
Paul gave us the distinction between the spiritual man and the carnal man. He gave a long list of both sinful behaviors and spiritual fruit of the spiritual person (Galatians 5:19-23). If you walk in the flesh, you will become a carnal Christian; and if you remain in a life of carnality and sin, without true repentance, then ultimately you could be condemned. Christians have to walk in the Spirit; the Spirit of God has set us free––real important.
Christians are to reckon the flesh to be dead: Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:11). We need the assistance of the Holy Spirit in this battle. He will help us to crucify the flesh––all our fleshly passions are to be put to death. Then you can be the person God desires for you to be. As you remain on target, obeying God’s Word, you can be free to enjoy the victorious, Christian life. It is Christ who is to live victoriously within your heart––so beautiful.
The reason why so many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came. Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory.
~R.A. Torrey~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!