Wednesday August 09th, 2023
« Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires »
19Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery -‘spousal’ cheating, fornication – sexual relations outside of marriage, uncleanness – dirty, impure, lewdness – crude and offensive in a sexual way,
20Idolatry – obsessions, addictions, sorcery – New age philosophy, hatred, contentions – heated disagreement, jealousies – wanting what others have, outbursts of wrath – anger, selfish ambitions – willing to do whatever it takes to get one’s way, dissensions – forever opposing people and ideas. Quarrel, heresies – doctrines that are contrary to the Word of God,
21Envy – never satisfied with one’s possessions, murders, drunkenness, revelries – party lifestyle, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The flesh is the Adamic nature that everyone is born with.
This nature is subject to sin and is under its bondage.
However, when a person becomes born again, he or she dies to this nature as it is nailed to the cross of Jesus and so sin no longer has dominion over such a person (Romans 6:6, Galatians 5:24).
To live in this dominion, we must continually stand our ground in faith against the works of the flesh whenever suggestions to do them arise in our mind.
Allowing the works of the flesh to manifest in your life after becoming born again implies choosing to be dominated by the flesh again (Romans 6:16).
The Holy Spirit lists some works of the flesh in today’s Bible reading, and He makes it clear that those who engage in them cannot inherit the kingdom of God.
It’s true that after becoming born again, we are still susceptible to the works of the flesh because of the mortal body we live in (Romans 6:12).
However, when Jesus returns to transform us, this mortal body will be done away with, and we will have a new body that is no longer susceptible to sin (1 Corinthians 15:35-54).
For this reason, the Holy Spirit admonishes us to subdue the need and desires of our present body through self-denial and discipline so that the works of the flesh do not find expression through any of its parts. He says in Colossians 3:5NLT
« So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world »
He also says in Romans 8:13 GNT
« For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live »
Please take note of the terms the Holy Spirit uses in these verses. As Christians, we are to subdue our bodies and not the flesh because our flesh, which is the old Adamic nature, is crucified already.
The mortification of our body must be done consciously and deliberately through fasting.
Sharing his personal experience on this, Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:27CSB
« I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified »
Beloved, no matter the spiritual height you have attained, you have to keep subduing your body through self-denial and discipline so that it does not mess you up.
This is the reason why I always say that one cannot be too careful when it comes to the issue of sin.
May the Lord help us to finish well and strong in Jesus’ Name.
Application: Abstain from anything that triggers sinful desires in your body such as going to night clubs, unnecessary body contact with the opposite sex, pornography and ungodly jokes.
Prayer point: Father, please count me worthy to be among the blessed remnant- the faithful, favored few.
Author: Bishop Enoch. A. Adeboye.
Edited by Naomie
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