Calling Out the Flesh

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Catey Stover in Victory Call

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (Galatians 5:16-17)

We all have experienced this battle between our flesh and the Spirit.  We can identify with Paul, For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find (Romans 7:18).  We can’t defeat the flesh using our own resources.  That, in and of itself, is the flesh.

It is a very real battle.  The flesh and the Spirit are opposed, contrary and mutually exclusive.  When one is present the other, cannot be present.  Paul concludes O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?  I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:24-25a).

It is Jesus living His life through us Who makes it possible.  I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; (Galatians 2:20a).

I believe it helps to call out our flesh.  Identify it.  Name it.  Combat it with the Spirit of God Who dwells within every reborn one.

What could this look like in a practical way?

• Lord, in my flesh I am angry, but in Your Spirit I am patient.
• Lord, my flesh wants to overeat, but in Your Spirit I am fully satisfied in You.
• Lord, my flesh is fearful, but in Your Spirit I have peace and rest.
• Lord, my flesh wants to isolate, but in the Spirit I will love my neighbors.
• Lord, my flesh wants to be critical, but in the Spirit love and encourage others through me.

By faith, believe the very life of Christ dwells within you, and by His Spirit, you can overcome the flesh.  To choose the Spirit nullifies the flesh.  By faith, choose the Spirit moment by moment.  I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

Written By Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and provides ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: For the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in truth. ⁵ He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. –Psalm 33:4-5