The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit
Romans 8:13 (NIV)
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
Every day we face a battle between the flesh and the spirit. Our minds are like a war ground, ready to stand in battle against any temptation towards the enemy. As we know, the flesh can get really loud, especially if we are not focused on God, staying in His presence and word. This daily struggle is a choice we must make, as the desires of the flesh come so naturally that choosing the desires of our spirit can feel like betraying ourselves. The term “dying to the flesh” embodies this conflict, signifying the resistance of our natural desires to follow God's will instead.
Galatians 5:16-17 reminds us that the flesh and the spirit are in constant conflict. "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want." This conflict exists to prevent us from doing whatever we want, steering us instead towards living a life that honors God. The more we resist our fleshly desires and follow the Spirit, the more we allow God to work in us through the Holy Spirit.
To combat this battle, God gives us three essential strategies: pray, focus on God, and lean on Him for strength. Prayer is our divine weapon to demolish strongholds, as 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 states. Focusing on God, though challenging, helps us shift our desires from the flesh to the Spirit, practicing the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Finally, leaning on God for strength is crucial when we feel weak, for He promises to sustain us as in Psalm 55:22. As Matthew 26:41 says, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Remember, the battle is already won through Christ, who was crucified for us.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the strength and guidance You provide in our daily battles. Help us to walk by the Spirit and resist the desires of the flesh. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and remind us to lean on You for strength. May we always remember that the battle is already won through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
Every day we face a battle between the flesh and the spirit. Our minds are like a war ground, ready to stand in battle against any temptation towards the enemy. As we know, the flesh can get really loud, especially if we are not focused on God, staying in His presence and word. This daily struggle is a choice we must make, as the desires of the flesh come so naturally that choosing the desires of our spirit can feel like betraying ourselves. The term “dying to the flesh” embodies this conflict, signifying the resistance of our natural desires to follow God's will instead.
Galatians 5:16-17 reminds us that the flesh and the spirit are in constant conflict. "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want." This conflict exists to prevent us from doing whatever we want, steering us instead towards living a life that honors God. The more we resist our fleshly desires and follow the Spirit, the more we allow God to work in us through the Holy Spirit.
To combat this battle, God gives us three essential strategies: pray, focus on God, and lean on Him for strength. Prayer is our divine weapon to demolish strongholds, as 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 states. Focusing on God, though challenging, helps us shift our desires from the flesh to the Spirit, practicing the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Finally, leaning on God for strength is crucial when we feel weak, for He promises to sustain us as in Psalm 55:22. As Matthew 26:41 says, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Remember, the battle is already won through Christ, who was crucified for us.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the strength and guidance You provide in our daily battles. Help us to walk by the Spirit and resist the desires of the flesh. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and remind us to lean on You for strength. May we always remember that the battle is already won through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
No Comments