Conquering the Flesh
Key Scriptures on Walking in the Flesh ❤️🔥🕊️
Romans 8:5-8 (ESV)
"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile (an enemy) to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
Takeaway: Walking in the flesh leads to spiritual death and separation from God, as it is incompatible with submission to Him.
Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)
"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Breakdown: The acts of the flesh are sleeping around, hooking up without boundaries, and living recklessly; chasing after things or people as if they were gods; getting involved in spiritual practices that aren’t from God; holding onto hate, stirring up drama, being petty and jealous, blowing up in anger, always putting yourself first, creating division and cliques, and being bitter or envious. It also includes partying too hard, getting wasted, and indulging in wild, out-of-control behavior….
Takeaway: The behaviors stemming from the flesh are sinful and prevent us from inheriting God's kingdom.
Galatians 5:16-17 (NLT)
"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions."
Takeaway: There is an ongoing battle between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit, but walking in the Spirit helps us overcome the flesh.
1 John 2:16 (KJV)
"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
Takeaway: The flesh seeks worldly pleasures that are opposed to the will of God.
1. Lust of the Flesh
The lust of the flesh refers to desires rooted in physical cravings or sensual pleasure that are contrary to God’s will. It is the pursuit of self-gratification through physical or bodily means.
Examples in Scripture:
Genesis 3:6 (ESV): "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food..."
Eve’s desire to eat the forbidden fruit reflects the lust of the flesh. She craved the fruit’s ability to satisfy her hunger, disregarding God’s command.Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV): "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery..."
This passage outlines specific sinful behaviors that arise from the lust of the flesh.
Modern Takeaway:
Indulging in addictions, sexual immorality, gluttony, or any pursuit of physical satisfaction over spiritual obedience falls under this category.
2. Lust of the Eyes
The lust of the eyes refers to covetousness or an unhealthy desire for material possessions or things we see that do not belong to us. It involves being tempted by appearances and letting visual stimuli stir up envy, greed, or discontent.
Examples in Scripture:
Joshua 7:21 (ESV): "When I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver... I coveted them and took them."
Achan’s sin stemmed from the lust of the eyes. He saw, desired, and stole what he was forbidden to take, leading to his downfall.2 Samuel 11:2 (ESV): "It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch... he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful."
King David’s sin with Bathsheba began with the lust of the eyes, as his gaze led to adultery.
Modern Takeaway:
Lust of the eyes manifests in materialism, envy of others’ possessions, or using visual temptations (e.g., pornography) to fuel ungodly desires.
3. Pride of Life
The pride of life is arrogance, boasting, or confidence in one’s achievements, possessions, or status, believing one is self-sufficient without dependence on God. It’s about glorifying oneself rather than glorifying God.
Examples in Scripture:
Genesis 11:4 (ESV): "Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves...'"
The builders of the Tower of Babel displayed the pride of life, seeking fame and independence from God.Luke 18:11-12 (ESV): "The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men... I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’"
The Pharisee’s boastful attitude in prayer reflects pride in religious performance rather than humility before God.
Modern Takeaway:
Pride of life shows up in self-exaltation, bragging about achievements, or living as though you are the master of your destiny, independent of God.
Walking in the Flesh vs. Walking in the Spirit
Walking in the flesh focuses on self-gratification, which leads to sin, while walking in the Spirit seeks to align one's life with God’s will and results in spiritual growth and eternal life.
Romans 13:14 (ESV): "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires."
Call to Action: Actively choose to live in Christ and resist the temptations of the flesh.Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Encouragement: A Spirit-led life produces godly character and blessings.
Reflect In Your Prayer Journal 🙇🏽♀️🙇♂️
Are there areas in your life where you’re prioritizing physical desires (lust of the flesh) over spiritual growth?
Do you struggle with envy or discontent when you see what others have (lust of the eyes)?
How can you cultivate humility and reliance on God instead of self-reliance (pride of life)?
Affirmation ❤️🔥🕊️
Psalm 119:37 (NIV): "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word."
Affirmation: I turn my desires, vision, and confidence toward God, rejecting the temptations of the flesh, eyes, and pride.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before You, acknowledging my need for Your strength to overcome the temptations of this world. Help me to crucify the desires of the flesh, walking by the Spirit so I will not gratify its cravings (Galatians 5:16, 24). Fill me with a hunger for righteousness and a deep longing for Your presence, rather than fleeting pleasures.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things and give me life through Your Word (Psalm 119:37). Guard my heart against envy, covetousness, and the lure of materialism. Teach me to fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen and eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Humble me, Lord, and remove any pride, arrogance, or self-reliance from my heart. Help me to trust in You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). May I boast only in Your goodness and grace, glorifying You in everything I do (Galatians 6:14).
Thank You for Your grace that sustains me and for the victory I have in Christ Jesus. Strengthen me daily to walk in humility, purity, and obedience to Your will, in Jesus’ name, I pray.
AMEN. 🙏🏾🙏🏼🕊️
