The Spirit and the flesh
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16 KJV)
The Epistles are full of Spirit( upper case “S”) and flesh. Galatians 5:16 above says if we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Why is this truth so critical for us? What is the meaning of “flesh” in such verses?
When the word spirit is used with upper case s, that is “Spirit”, it is an indication it is a reference to the Holy Spirit. The word “flesh”, often used in contrast with the Holy Spirit as in the verse above DOES NOT MEAN the body. I am currently teaching the Inductive Bible Study Method on our Saturday webinars and discussed the difference between “words” and “terms”. Please watch that Free Webinar if you have not done so. Flesh sometimes means the body but not in this verse. The word “flesh” here means the human being, that is, pure humanity without the influence of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is not in a battle with your body but with you. We are the greatest limitation of the Spirit on earth. You will have to surrender your will, your emotions, mind and certainly your body for Him to use. If you are in charge of all of these faculties, then it is the flesh that is at work. If the Holy Spirit is in charge, then you are walking in the Spirit! I pray you catch this insight!
MEDITATE
What are the different meanings of the word “flesh” as used in the New Testament? Use a lexicon( English dictionary of Greek words in the NT). Look for one online if needed. Which one is the correct meaning for the term flesh John 1:!4?
APPLY THE WORD
Are you a man or woman of the flesh or of the Spirit? It is not complicated. What are you expressing? Yourself or the Spirit of God? Who is in charge? You or the Spirit? Walk in the Spirit and the glory of God will be revealed in your life.
PRAY
Ask the Father to help you walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
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- The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
- What does it mean to conform to the world?
- With Him is an Arm of Flesh
- Living in the Spirit: Why is this Confusing?
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