We proclaim Him (Jesus Christ, the Lord), guiding and admonishing everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom (i.e. comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that every person may be presented mature (i.e. full-grown, complete, and perfect) in Christ. (Col 1:27-28)
Table of Contents
Section 1 – Definition of the concept “flesh”
- With regard to Christ
- With regard to the Law
Section 2 – Origin of the flesh & how it operates
- The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
- The relationship between the flesh and the Law
- Why is the flesh so detrimental to us?
Section 3 – Devastating results of living by the flesh
- The flesh produces death
- The flesh can take you captive
- The flesh can sever you from Christ and grace
- The flesh produces guilt and condemnation
- The flesh leads to division
- The flesh elevates man
- Results of those who sow to the flesh
- The flesh results in ugly deeds
- The flesh cannot inherit the Kingdom
- The only way to enter the Kingdom
Section 4 – Flesh versus Holy Spirit – Our freedom in Christ
- It’s my choice
- Christ brought complete victory
- The ministry of the Spirit and of righteousness
- Jesus gave back the Holy Spirit to us
- No justification in the flesh and the Law
- Christ freed us from the Law and the flesh
Section 5 – A brief walk through Romans 8:1-17
Introduction
In the Teaching on “Grace” we have talked a lot about the Law and the Holy Spirit, but there is another significant concept mentioned in the Bible which requires our attention – that is the concept of “the flesh”.
I believe clarity on this subject will empower and enable you to walk in the Spirit and thereby reign in this life over the flesh
In this Teaching we will cover the following:
The flesh as an outflow of the law
versus
The Holy Spirit (the one who will always take me into the fullness of the finished work of Jesus Christ)
· Life lived in and by the Holy Spirit opposed to life lived by the law through the dictates of the flesh
· Overcoming the flesh by walking in grace through the Holy Spirit
SECTION 1 – Definition of the concept “flesh”
The term “flesh” in the Bible has different meanings and connotations attached to it. Here are some of the main ones:
General meaning of the word “flesh”
1) Flesh is the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood of both man and animals
2) Flesh also means: the whole body of man
3) The term “All Flesh” means: all living things having flesh, and particularly humanity as a whole
4) Flesh is "the weaker element in human nature," as in: Matthew 26:41 and Romans 6:19
Mat 26:41 "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Rom 6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.
5) To be "wise after the flesh," as in 1 Corinthians 1:26 means: “with wisdom acquired by mere human study without the Spirit
With regard to Christ the word “flesh” has the following connotations :
1) The human nature of Christ (John 1:14, “The Word was made flesh.”)
Compare also 1Timothy 3:16 and Romans 1:3:
1Ti 3:16 By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh,
2) The complete person (personality) of Christ (John 6:51-57)
Joh 6:51 "I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh."
Joh 6:52 Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat?"
Joh 6:53 So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves.
Joh 6:54 "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.
Joh 6:55 "For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink.
Joh 6:56 "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.
Joh 6:57 "As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me.
Joh 6:58 "This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever."
"And the bread . . . is my flesh," mentioned by Jesus in John 6:51 means that Jesus Himself is the principle of life and nutrition to the regenerated person;
See also Matthew 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."
3) The expression “in the days of His flesh," in Hebrews 5:7, means: His past life on earth in distinction from His present resurrected life
When “flesh” is used in relation to the Law and the Holy Spirit it means the following
1) The human nature without the Holy Spirit
2) The mind which is not renewed – also called the “carnal mind” (Romans 8:7; 12:2)
Rom 8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
Rom 8:7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God;
Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
3) The unregenerate state of man; man not being renewed (Romans 7:5),
Rom 7:5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.
Note the link between the flesh and the Law of Moses – the Law arouses sinful passions resulting in a life lived in the flesh
4) “The seat of sin in man” and “the sinful element of human nature as opposed to the “Spirit” (1John 2:16; Romans 6:19; Matthew 16:17)
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world .
Rom 6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
5) To live “according to the flesh” is to live and act sinfully according to the dictates of the flesh (Romans 8:4, 5, 7 and 12).
SECTION 2 – Origin of the flesh and how it operates
- The flesh originated from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil, which is also the origin of the Law
A brief overview of the creation of man and how man started to live by the dictates of the flesh
(See First Dispensation Teachings: “Created in His Image to function in His Likeness” for a detailed teaching on the creation process)
Man was created a spirit being in the image of God, who is a Spirit.
Man, as a spirit being was attached to this Spirit God and was thus able to walk in and by the Holy Spirit. His life was governed by the Word of God, the blessing of God and by the Holy Spirit
However man fell in sin by eating of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil and was detached from God thus forfeiting the ability to walk in the Spirit (he existed now without the Holy Spirit). Man also had to live without the blessing of God and the power of the Word of God.
Man is now alienated from God and instead of being governed by the Spirit of God working through his spirit, he is now governed by his flesh working through his soul dimension.
Man as a social being (now separated from God) was unable to live life on his own and he desperately had to find another system which could direct and govern his life. His flesh (his nature without the Holy Spirit) found that in the Law of Moses – man had a feeling of satisfaction and security in keeping the Law - a feeling of pleasing God.
- The relationship between the Law and the flesh
The flesh, functioning out of guilt and condemnation is constantly seeking recognition and acceptance from God and man - the flesh always wants to impress God and his fellow man. One way of achieving this is for the flesh to adhere to manmade rules, regulations and principles and by keeping the Law – and by doing this, man has a feeling of, “I deserve to be blessed, because I have performed”.
Rom 7:5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.
Rom 8:3 For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [ God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice], [Lev. 7:37.] (AMP)
That is the reason why people feel secure in doing things like:
- Tithing in order to be blessed by God and to avert being cursed,
- Sowing a seed (money) to obtain a harvest,
- Paying first fruits to gain benefits,
- Submitting to the authority of leaders, and
- Living up to the expectations of others in order to be accepted by society and not being rejected, etc.
The Bible confirms the above:
Gal 6:12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
The Law, which is the backbone of the flesh, was released over mankind the moment they ate of the “Tree of knowledge of good and evil” and since then man’s flesh (the human nature now without the Holy Spirit) endeavoured to find favour with God by keeping the Law. The flesh found a safe haven in the Law, thus trying to impress God.
The Law finds expression through the flesh (the carnal mind). The flesh acts as a channel for everything that the Law wants to obtain and achieve.
The Jezebel spirit and the authoritarian spirit were released over the earth the moment Adam and Eve fell in sin and the flesh is driven by these two spirits. (More on this in another Teaching)
- Why is the Law and the flesh so detrimental to us?
Sin entered into this world through Adam and death entered through sin
Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned--
Sin is described as the sting of death (the channel through which death flows) and sin is kept alive and active by the Law – the power of sin is the Law finding expression through the flesh
1Co 15:56 the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; (the strength of sin is the law.)
The word “power” or “strength” (Greek: dunamis) used in this Scripture is the same word for “power” used in Acts 1:8 where Jesus told His disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit will come upon them
The Law (and the keeping of the Law) is the driving force behind sin which eventually leads to death. That is the reason why Jesus came to fulfil the Law (to complete it and take it out of the way) – He annulled the driving force behind sin so that we can live victorious through the Holy Spirit.
After annulling the Law, Jesus forgave us our sins (took it away completely), cleansed us from all guilt and condemnation and imputed His righteousness to us.
As one can see from the above – the Law and the flesh work hand in hand – the one compliment the other. The Law finds visible expression through the flesh and the flesh finds comfort and security in the Law
The flesh (the Law) always stands against the promise of grace and freedom we receive in and through Christ
A few Scriptures to confirm this
Gal 4:29 But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also.
Gal 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
SECTION 3 – Devastating results of living by the flesh
- The flesh only produces death and hostility towards God. It cannot please God:
Rom 7:5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.
Rom 8:5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
Rom 8:7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,
Rom 8:8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
Rom 8:13 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.
- The flesh can take you captive and that captivity can take you away from the fullness of Christ:
Col 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
- The desire of the flesh to uphold the Law will sever you from Christ and will make you fall from grace
Gal 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Gal 5:2 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.
Gal 5:3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.
Gal 5:4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
- The flesh produces guilt and condemnation which can lead to all kinds of sicknesses and diseases
- The flesh leads to division amongst people and in the church:
1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.
1Co 3:2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;
1Co 3:3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?
1Co 3:4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal?
Paul’s answer to division is – preach Christ and Him alone:
1Co 2:2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
1Ti 6:3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
1Ti 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
1Ti 6:5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
- The flesh will always elevate man, while the Holy Spirit will always exalt Jesus Christ
Joh 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
Joh 16:14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.
This devastating work of the flesh (to elevate man) results in all sorts of abusive, manipulating and controlling practices of leaders, especially in the church. Such leaders will compel you to submit to their authority, manipulate and control your life and subordinate you.
All such behaviour is derived from the Law of Moses. We must remember that the Law of Moses was not only a list of precepts and ordinances, but it was the governing system of the day. The people of Israel were legally governed by the priesthood applying the letter and the spirit of the Law of Moses. Tithing was their tax system – the State’s source of income.
Fleshly people (people who do not know how to walk and live in the Spirit) would apply a system of governance in the church based on the system of the Law of Moses and the Levitical Priesthood, while God has destined the church and believers to be governed by the Holy Spirit.
Paul is very serious about this:
It is possible to turn your back on the Holy Spirit and His ways and revert to fleshly ways originating from the Law
Gal 3:1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
Gal 3:2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
The church is called the temple of God (the most holy dwelling place of God) and is governed by the indwelling Holy Spirit
1Co 3:16 Do you not know that you (the church) are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1Co 3:17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.
Jesus Christ gave five gifts to His body and His kingdom through which the Holy Spirit will equip the saints and take them to spiritual maturity
Eph 4:10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)
Eph 4:11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
Eph 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
Eph 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Eph 4:14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
Eph 4:15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
Eph 4:16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
So much is to be said about how the church is supposed to function in and by the Holy Spirit that I will rather cover this in a separate Teaching.
The secular world is so saturated with the flesh – envy, strife, competitiveness, fraud, backbiting, etc. and I believe the time has come for the true sons of God to infiltrate the secular world with the ways of the Spirit and portray the love, grace and power of God.
- The significant results of those who sow to the flesh as opposed to those who sow to the Spirit
Keeping in mind that Paul’s letter to the Galatians is all about the question of should the Law be kept or not (should believers be circumcised or not).
Gal 6:6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.
Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
Gal 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Gal 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
The flesh (the resultant outflow of the Law) will always produce corruption, but the Spirit will always produce everlasting life (life without limitations – the good things of God).
Galatians 6:6-9 is closely related to what Jesus said in John 10:10
Joh 10:10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
Satan (depicted as a thief here) through deception stole, killed and destroyed Adam and Eve’s intimate relationship with God in the Garden of Eden.
Jesus came and restored life and abundance back to us
Sowing to one’s own flesh means to still believe Satan’s lies and live a life according to the flesh which will only result in the destructive and corruptive deeds (works) of the flesh as described in Galatians 5:19-21
Gal 5:19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
Gal 5:21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Sowing to the Spirit means to embrace the fullness of the life and abundance of Jesus Christ by the power and ability of the Holy Spirit which will result in bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit and a life without limitations.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
- Living life through the flesh results in ugly deeds (works) of the flesh – carnal thoughts and deeds:
Gal 5:19 Now the deeds (doings, practices, works) of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
Gal 5:21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
- Those who practice the deeds of the flesh will never inherit the Kingdom of God:
1Co 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
1Co 6:10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.
Gal 5:21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
To inherit means:
To take into possession; to receive the portion assigned to one, receive as one’s own or as a possession
To inherit the Kingdom of God means:
To gradually advance in the kingdom and take into possession what is measured out for you in the kingdom.
The kingdom is a realm of power, strength and authority. Partaking in the works of the flesh deprives you of a privileged position of ruling and reigning, while walking in the Spirit will allow you to operate in the power and authority of the kingdom
- There is only one way to see, enter and inherit the Kingdom of God and that is to be born again (born from above, born from the Spirit) – the flesh can never know God, never walk with Him and never have a relationship with Him:
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Joh 3:4 Nicodemus *said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?"
Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Joh 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Joh 3:7 "Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'
Tit 3:3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
Tit 3:4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
Tit 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Tit 3:6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
SECTION 4 – Flesh vs Holy Spirit – Our freedom in Christ
- It’s my choice
Life in the flesh flows from the Law, whereas life in the Spirit flows from the fullness of the finished work of Jesus Christ. It is therefore of vital importance to have full insight and understanding of the finished work of Christ.
The Law, although coming from God is not compatible with the Holy Spirit.
The Law (the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil) finds practical expression through the flesh (the carnal mind)
The fullness of Christ (the Tree of Life - His finished work) is practically expressed and implemented in us, by and through the Holy Spirit
God entirely moved away from the Law because of Christ – He is not involved there anymore – so why should I try to please God through an obsolete system.
From the beginning of creation it was never God’s idea for us to live by the flesh– His desire for us was and still is, to know Him through the Spirit and to walk in and by His Holy Spirit!!
Only Christ could fulfil the Law, conquered the flesh and brought us into this new life in the Holy Spirit
God does nothing without His Word and the Holy Spirit
The Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) always operates coequally, coeternally, coexistent as one unit, but each member has a specific special function: the executive is the Father, the architect is the Son, and the contractor is the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the One who is constantly applying the complete and finished work of Jesus Christ practically, visibly and tangibly to my life
Jesus said in John 6:63
Joh 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
The profound prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17 confirming the following:
- the authority of the Son of God over all flesh
- eternal life is to know God and Jesus Christ
Joh 17:1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You,
Joh 17:2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.
Joh 17:3 "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Joh 17:4 "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.
Paul confirms that only Christ can set me free from this body of death
Rom 7:24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord
Bear in mind that just as Adam and Eve had a choice between eating of the fruit of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil, and the fruit of the Tree of Life, we also have that same choice today!
I can choose (even if I am a believer) to follow the flesh (the practical expression of the Law) or I can choose to follow the Holy Spirit – the One who will always take me into the fullness of the finished work of Christ
Some Scriptures to confirm this:
Paul in his letter to the Romans tells us that we have the choice of who will master over us
Rom 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,
Rom 6:13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
Rom 6:18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
Rom 6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.
Rom 6:22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In his letter to the Philippians Paul beautifully describes how he forsakes his confidence in the flesh and how he chooses to follow Christ
Php 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.
Php 3:2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;
Php 3:3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,
Php 3:4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:
Php 3:5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;
Php 3:6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.
Php 3:7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
Php 3:8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,
Php 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,
Php 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
Php 3:11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Php 3:12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Php 3:13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
Php 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
- Christ brought us complete victory over the Law and the Flesh
*Reader - I will now take you on an exciting journey through different Scriptures, showing you how Christ accomplished the victory for us over the Law and the flesh and in the process gave us His Holy Spirit
The Law operating through the flesh is in direct opposition to the Holy Spirit. The flesh (thriving through feelings of guilt and condemnation) will constantly try bringing you back to the keeping of the Law, while the Holy Spirit will constantly remind you of the finished work of Jesus Christ through which the Law was fulfilled and annulled
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire (lust) of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
The desire or lust of the flesh is a human endeavour to obtain righteousness through the Law (through human efforts and works) –an impossible exercise
One cannot live by the Law of Moses and by the Holy Spirit simultaneously – it is impossible – you either live by the Spirit or you live by the Law which expresses itself through the flesh.
God is a Spirit and only the regenerated spirit man can have fellowship and communion with God.
Scriptures to substantiate the above:
Gal 3:1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
Gal 3:2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Gal 4:22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman.
Gal 4:23 But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.
Gal 4:28 And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.
Gal 4:29 But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also.
Gal 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Gal 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
- The ministry of the Spirit and of righteousness, which gives life, has exceedingly more glory than the ministry of death and condemnation
2Co 3:3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
2Co 3:6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2Co 3:7 But if the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was,
2Co 3:8 how will the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory?
2Co 3:9 For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory.
2Co 3:13 and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away.
2Co 3:14 But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ.
2Co 3:15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart;
2Co 3:16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (free access to the finished work of Christ)
2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
The Amplified Bible on 2 Cor 3:17-18
2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom). [ Isa. 61:1, 2.]
2Co 3:18 And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendour and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes ] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.
The flesh takes us back to the Law, while the Holy Spirit is constantly changing us into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ
- One of the main reasons why Jesus came to the earth, was to give the Holy Spirit back to us, to enable us to live life in the Spirit
A few Scriptures to confirm this:
Two profound prophecies in the Old Testament about the coming of the Holy Spirit:
1. God will create a new heart and spirit in us which will have the ability to accommodate the Holy Spirit by whom we will be enabled to walk in His will and plans
Eze 36:26 "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Eze 36:27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.
Eze 36:28 "You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.
2. God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh
Joe 2:26 "You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; Then My people will never be put to shame.
Joe 2:27 "Thus you will know that I am in the midst of Israel, And that I am the LORD your God, And there is no other; And My people will never be put to shame.
Joe 2:28 "It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind (all flesh); And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions.
Joe 2:29 "Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
The Holy Spirit came as a result of the finished work of Jesus Christ
John, the Baptist:
Joh 1:32 John testified saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him.
Joh 1:33 "I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.'
Joh 1:34 "I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God."
Jesus said:
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth who will ever be with us and in us
Joh 14:16 "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;
Joh 14:17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit)abides with you and will be in you.
Joh 14:18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
The Holy Spirit is the true Teacher
Joh 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
The Holy Spirit will always testify of Jesus
Joh 15:26 "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,
The Holy Spirit will convict concerning sin, righteousness and judgement
Joh 16:7 "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you.
Joh 16:8 "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;
The flesh desires principles to live by – the Holy Spirit leads us into all the truth, i.e. the fullness of Jesus Christ
Joh 16:12 "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
Joh 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
The Holy Spirit will constantly disclose everything about Christ to us. He will never ever take us back to the Law and the flesh
Joh 16:14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.
Joh 16:15 "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.
John, the Baptist foretold the coming of the baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire through Jesus Christ:
Mat 3:11 "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Mat 3:12 "His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
Malachi also prophesied about the coming of the Messiah as a refiner’s fire:
Mal 3:1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger (John, the Baptist), and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord ( the Messiah, Jesus Christ), whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts.
Mal 3:2 "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap.
Mal 3:3 " He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.
Mal 3:4 "Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. (Referring to the original intent of God as in the Garden of Eden)
I think we are in urgent need of the baptism of fire by the Holy Spirit to purge, cleanse and purify us from the flesh (from old mindsets, ways, and wrong motives and of the desire to keep the Law)
- No justification (righteousness) through the Law and the flesh – we need a Saviour
Paul speaks about the desire or lust of the flesh which is human endeavour to obtain righteousness through the Law (through human efforts and works) –an impossible exercise!
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire (lust) of the flesh.
Some Scriptures to confirm that man cannot be justified (made righteous) before God through the Law and the flesh:
Rom 3:19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;
Rom 3:20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.
Rom 3:21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested
Rom 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.
Gal 2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.
Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them."
Gal 3:11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "The righteous man shall live by faith."
Rom 9:7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named."
Rom 9:8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.
- Jesus Christ came and freed us from the power of the flesh and the Law:
The Spirit gives life - the flesh profits nothing
Joh 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
We died to the Law through the body of Christ and have been released from the Law
Rom 7:1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives?
Rom 7:4 Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.
Rom 7:5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.
Rom 7:6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.
Rom 13:12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.
Rom 13:13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.
Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
Heb 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh,
Heb 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
The physical circumcision (representing the Law), avails nothing:
Gal 5:2 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.
Gal 5:3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.
Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
Gal 6:12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
Gal 6:13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.
Gal 6:14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Gal 6:15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. (a new creative act)
The flesh was removed by Christ through a spiritual circumcision
Col 2:9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,
Col 2:10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;
Col 2:11 and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ;
Php 3:2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;
Php 3:3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,
Php 3:4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:
Php 3:8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,
Php 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,
This spiritual circumcision took placed as follows:
Col 2:12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Col 2:13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,
Col 2:14 having cancelled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Col 2:15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.
We are not to allow the flesh to rule over us anymore, because we now belong to the body of Christ and to Christ who is the Head of the body
Col 2:16 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day--
Col 2:17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.
Col 2:18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,
Col 2:19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.
1Pe 4:1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
1Pe 4:2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
1Pe 4:3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.
1Pe 4:4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;
Rom 13:12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.
Rom 13:13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.
Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
Gal 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
We have died with Christ to the principles of the world (the flesh) and should not revert to it
Col 2:20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as,
Col 2:21 "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!"
Col 2:22 (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)- -in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?
Col 2:23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.
Gal 3:1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
Gal 3:2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Two great promises of God will manifest in our lives if we adhere to the instruction to cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit
2Co 6:16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, " I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 "Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "and do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you.
2Co 6:18 "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty.
2Co 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
How can I cleanse myself from something if it is only the blood of Jesus that can cleanse me?
I cleanse myself from something by avoiding something that I know is harmful to my spiritual life.
I can cleanse myself from the flesh by ensuring not to submit to its promptings to revert to the Law
I can cleanse myself by asking the Holy Spirit to purge and purify me through His fire from all wrong attitudes, motives and behaviour.
SECTION 5 – A brief walk through Romans 8:1-17
In Romans 8 Paul eloquently narrates the working of the Holy Spirit opposed to the working of the flesh and the Law: (I quote from the New American Standard Bible)
The starting point to a victorious life through the Holy Spirit is to grasp and understand the profound truth mentioned in the first verse – no condemnation for those who are in Christ:
In Christ there is no condemnation whatsoever – condemnation came through the Law via the flesh and is now replaced by a life of no condemnation through the Holy Spirit
Rom 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Insert:
Other Translations (using another Greek Manuscript) for Romans 8:1 reads as follows:
Rom 8:1 there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
From the above translation, it would appear that “walking according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh” is conditional to “no condemnation”.
But let’s have a careful look at this verse in this translation:
The second word “who” (which I have highlighted) does not appear in the original Greek manuscript meaning that that part of the sentence actually belongs to verse two. A more correct translation should be:
Romans 8:1-2
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Those who are in Christ now walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set them free from the law of sin and of death.
Feelings of guilt and condemnation are strong weapons in the hands of Satan and he would love us to read this as a precondition to experiencing no condemnation.
Let us continue our journey through Romans 8
A new law (the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus) came into effect, setting me free from the law of sin and death (the Law of Moses) and the flesh.
The Law could not make us righteous – so God had to send His Son in the likeness of flesh to condemn sin and to rule out the flesh
Christ fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law in us, thus replacing a life according to the flesh with a life according to the Spirit.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
Rom 8:3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh[the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit].,God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],
Rom 8:4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Two groups of people now exist: those who are according to the flesh (people who cling to the Law) and those who are according to the Spirit (whose lives are now controlled and directed by the Holy Spirit)
Rom 8:5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:2-5 and 13-15 elaborates on this:
1Co 2:2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
1Co 2:3 I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling,
1Co 2:4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
1Co 2:5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
1Co 2:13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
1Co 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
1Co 2:15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.
Each group produces their own significant results – those of the flesh are hostile toward God which leads to death (the flesh cannot please God), while those of the Spirit experience life and peace:
Rom 8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
Rom 8:6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. (AMP)
Rom 8:7 because the mind set on the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, (God’s Law here is not the Law of Moses)
Rom 8:8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.
Rom 8:10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. [the righteousness that He imputes to you].
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
For those who are in Christ, living in the flesh is no option – there is no other way but to live by the Spirit
Life in the flesh leads to death – life in the Spirit is true life and freedom
Rom 8:12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--
Rom 8:13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
The sons of God are led by the Spirit and are not influenced by natural things. They live according to Isaiah 11:1-3
Rom 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Isa 11:1 Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
Isa 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
Isa 11:3 And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear;
The Spirit produces sons– the flesh produces slaves
Rom 8:15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons [ the Spirit producing sonship] by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"
The Spirit gives constant testimony that we are children of God (born from Him), that we are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. WOW! What a testimony!
Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,
Rom 8:17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him];, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.
Rom 8:17 And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.
To conclude:
A wise man will follow the Holy Spirit
Compiled by: Deon Gerber
God's Word