THE WAR BETWEEN FLESH AND SPIRIT

THE WAR BETWEEN FLESH AND SPIRIT!

(Scripture Reading: Romans 8:1 – 15)

Rom 8:1-2

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

           True believers feel the constant push and pull between the Flesh and the Spirit. This entire eighth chapter of Romans deals with the particulars of it. This conflict is a recurring theme in Paul’s writings and he mentions it once again when writing to the Galatians.

Gal 5:17

17 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.

           The “flesh” would include not only our physical bodies which has natural urgings that demand to be satisfied. It also refers to the thoughts of the mind that does not properly respond to God. Spiritual rebirth through salvation does not replace the flesh but places another spirit alongside it. The battle thus begins and continues throughout life. We vacillate in our allegiance to either the flesh or the spirit. At one time we are carnal and at other times spiritual. Paul acknowledges this in agonizing detail in Romans chapter 7.

Rom 7:19

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

           In Romans 8:3 Paul explains that the Law could not produce righteousness because it was “weak through the flesh.” In other words, the law prescribed rules which the weak flesh was incapable of fulfilling. Christ, total Spirit, perfectly fulfilled these requirements on our behalf while he was in the flesh.

           So, how can we enjoy victory in this cosmic conflict? The secret is in surrender. Did you know that even after the second atomic bomb was dropped on Japan, conventional bombing runs continued for days later? Why? Because the Japanese refused to surrender! The conflict did not cease until there was surrender.

Dear Lord, I surrender today to Thy Spirit and ask that you completely vanquish the enemy within me. AMEN