BIBLE READING: 1 KINGS 21-22, JOHN 3:1-21
Memory Verse: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit”. John 3:6 (KJV).
Man is a tripartite being. He is a spirit, has a soul and lives in a body. The body is our container while our soul consists of our thoughts, emotions e.t.c. As long as man lives on earth in his fleshly body, there will always be contentions on who rules the man. “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. It is either you are subject to the flesh or the Spirit.
The flesh refers to worldly desires that please our body, carnal threats and lusts. Man tends to lean towards fleshly desires because of the Adamic nature which is the nature of sin inherited at birth. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:“ Romans 5:12 (KJV). As man grows, he begins to experience fleshly cravings and exhibit sinful habits because the flesh is in control. Works of the flesh can be found in Galatians 5:19-21, and they who are ruled by the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But when one decides to submit to the Lordship of Jesus, there is a change in nature. The new man comes under the management of the Holy Spirit and begins to live by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers you to produce fruits of the spirit as seen in Galatians 5:22-23. Once you are born of the spirit, you are no longer a slave to flesh. You are now one with the Spirit. You will no longer struggle to live the Christ life because the flesh has been crucified. Paul admonishes us thus “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 (KJV).
Do you occasionally find yourself harbouring some fleshly desires? Give yourself totally over to the Spirit and see yourself soar. Hallelujah!
Prayer: Lord, help me to walk in the Spirit. Let flesh die totally in my life.
pastor Chika Nnamdi Ifeanacho