By“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” — John 6:63 NKJV
One controversial Biblical topic is the flesh. What is it? And why must Christians put a watch on it?
In the Bible, especially the New Testament, there are two main instances where the word “flesh” gets used. One refers to the physical human body (Example is Galatians 2:20), and the other is the sin nature. The latter is what we’re going to speak about today.
According to Galatians 5:24, every person who belongs to Christ Jesus has crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Now, that means, each Christian who lives in consciousness that Jesus is Lord over every aspect of his life doesn’t have a problem crucifying the flesh because it has already been done.
But here’s my question: if the flesh (sin nature) has something good to offer, why does Jesus aim for us Christians to understand that it profits nothing?
One reason why Jesus said the flesh profits nothing is because it entices us to submit to sinful desires.
The Bible says the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Therefore, for the flesh to entice us to sin indirectly points us to death. However, this death doesn’t only mean physical cessation. It also implies corruption (Galatians 6:8) — life without purpose. A Christian who purposefully decides to live a life of willful sin after accepting Jesus without repentance indirectly signs up to become hostile to the purposes of God.
As Christians, one battle that’ll never end in our lives is the battle of the mind. The enemy likes introducing sinful desires as thoughts expressed through the body as pleasant desires. Friend, don’t be deceived. This enemy isn’t interested in you finding pleasure through sin, but you living a life not according to God’s will.
The flesh (sin nature) has been rendered powerless in your life. But you have to live under the Spirit’s empowerment to overcome every evil desire the devil introduces in your mind.
Before submitting to any evil desire, think of what God’s Word says about it. If you feel like killing yourself, think of how Jesus died for you to give you a meaningful life. If you feel like giving up, think of how Jesus despised the cross and its shame to die for you even when you were unworthy.
Just submit to God’s Word and be in constant fellowship with Jesus. You’ll see that you’ll give no chance to the devil to use your flesh to succumb to sinful desires in you.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
Jesus, I now know that my flesh has been crucified and has nothing good to offer anymore to me. Help me live unto You all the time. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 193
Download Quote and Share
