“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:17).
TEXT — Galatians 5:13-18
Message
Here is an extract from The Adversary, published by Moody Press: “The flesh is a built-in law of failure, making it impossible for the natural man to please or serve God. It is a compulsive inner force inherited from man’s fall, which expresses itself in general and specific rebellion against God and His righteousness. The flesh can never be reformed or improved. The only hope of escape from the law of the flesh is its total execution and replacement by a new life in the Lord Jesus Christ”.
Paul the apostle explains the war between the old nature and the new life in Christ; the old war between the spirit and the flesh. He provides a deep insight into how great a distraction the flesh is, especially to saints who desire to live a holy life as consecrated vessels. The flesh is an expression of the carnal and fallen nature of man. It manifests in pride and self-will, which make people to fight, criticise, envy and even hate one another until true fellowship is destroyed. It acts like a pendulum. When the believer yields to the Spirit of God, he produces good fruits; but when the old nature is allowed to grow again, it brings about the past habits that are unbecoming of the new life.
The final solution to the adamic nature is total crucifixion of the flesh. Here then comes the importance of sanctification, a definite experience whereby God destroys the root of sin and sets the believer free from inner and outer struggles. With the heart circumcised to radiate the new nature, the believer now enjoys complete dominion over the flesh.
Thought for the day
Enjoy perfect victory through the crucifixion of the flesh.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
God richly bless you, Sir.