The Battle of the Flesh - Part 1

"The Battle of the Flesh" - Part 1

“I want to do what I want to do, when I want to do it!” This was the declaration I made at a goal setting workshop only a few short years ago. It seemed like an admirable goal at the time; after all, there were dozens of entrepreneurs in the room, all working hard to accumulate wealth and attain time freedom. However, I now understand that there is only one choice…either we can obey the flesh or the Spirit. If we are in Christ, there is no such thing as doing what we want to do, when we want to do it.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 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.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:16-23, New Living Translation)

It’s a constant battle. It’s difficult to bite my tongue in situations where tensions are flaring and I’m stirring on the inside with something to say. Goodness knows it’s difficult to stay calm when my children seem to work my last nerve. When I pass by my kitchen at home, it’s difficult to resist grabbing a snack, whether I’m hungry or not. I’ll admit, my flesh sometimes wins, but I am slowing learning to submit to the Spirit. There are three practical steps we can take so that the Spirit can win the battle with our flesh - one step will be shared each for the next three series.


Step 1: Arm yourself daily with the Word. No soldier goes to battle without proper attire, and our weapon of choice should be the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:13-17) Clinical research has shown that the first few minutes after you awaken can set the course of your entire day. So I encourage you to make your favorite 5 scriptures among the first messages that are planted in your heart when you start your day – whether they’re on your nightstand, in your bathroom, kitchen or car dashboard. In this way, you will be more equipped to fight the temptation to sin.


I have followed this principle over the past two months as I’ve been focusing on taking steps to be fit and healthy. I created a poster of relevant scriptures to read every morning (shown below). Not only have I has the Spirit given me power to make the right choices in what I eat (at least when I’m tuning in), but I have lost sixteen pounds! The Word, with the Spirit, will make the difference!


Discussion Question: What go-to scriptures help you win the battle of the flesh?

"*@! Happens...and I can prove it!"

Case #1: After 25 years of corporate employment, Nikki* lost her job; three months later, her husband lost his corporate job as well. Although they lost 80% of their six-figure income, they still tithe 10% of their now reduced income, just as they’ve done for the past twenty years, and every bill has been paid on time, including two mortgages and braces for their son! Why? Because God Happens!

Case #2: Susan’s* husband was jailed and wrongfully accused of stealing and then gambling money from his family member’s joint account. The thought of Michael* losing the job he had worked so hard to earn, going to prison, being without her helpmate and having to maintain a household on her variable sales income threw Susan into a near panic. How in the world would she come up with $10,000 needed for bail to avoid this situation? Susan felt embarrassed and kept Michael’s situation hush hush, but out of the blue, an acquaintance called and she felt compelled to share the situation. That very afternoon, the friend transferred every penny of bail money into Susan’s account to get Michael out of jail. Why? Because God Happens!

Case #3: In the middle of winter, Tiffany’s* tenant forfeited her lease and unexpectedly moved out. To make matters worse, the tenant turned off the water without informing Tiffany, and the freezing temperatures outside caused the pipes to burst. This caused thousands of dollars in damage to her vacant property, money that Tiffany did not have. She felt so hopeless that she considered letting the property go into foreclosure. No sooner than that thought crossed her mind, Tiffany received a referral for a renter who is not only interested in the home, but also recently received an inheritance and is willing to pay $6000 in advance rent payments. Why? Because God Happens!

They say that ‘you know what’ happens, but for believers who are faithful, something else happens…God happens. One of my favorite gospel singers, J. Moss, sings on his latest CD (Just James), “…but you will find that in the knick of time, it worked out because God happens.” The testimonies above are from real people—friends and acquaintances—and they’re proof that God happens. It’s also scripturally sound.

“Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

There are three points I’d like to share from the verses above:

1) Ask. Jesus said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7) Sure, God is omniscient—all knowing—but He wants us to ask for what we want. The same is true as I think about my own children. I know what they need, but when they ask, it demonstrates a level of maturity, responsibility and humility, and I am more likely to not only grant their requests (if it’s the right thing to do) but to also do it with gladness when they ask.

2) God can’t be contained. Abundant on its own already means ‘plentiful’ and ‘rich’ but the scripture says that God is able to exceedingly abundantly. An English teacher would probably give a bad mark for using two redundant adjectives in a row, but this speaks to God’s amazing and miraculous power to do absolutely anything! What we can ask or think is nothing compared to what God can do.

3) Is the “Intel” working inside of you? Many computers advertise the “Intel” inside as the system that gives a computer its power. Similarly, the scripture says that God works according to the power working in us, which is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, who is with us 24/7. Since He’s so up close and personal, the Holy Spirit, more than anyone, knows our intentions and how we’re really living. Sure, nobody’s perfect, but I’m convinced that none of the stories above would have become such powerful testimonies of God’s grace if the Spirit hadn’t worked through every one of them.

So the next time you get discouraged and feel like giving up, remember these testimonies and shout in advance because “God happens!!!”

***

Discussion Question: Tell us your “God happens” story?

* The testimonies are real; however, the names have been changed.