Man is a tripartite being, comprised of spirit, soul, and body. These three parts work together, influencing every decision we make daily. However, each part has a distinct purpose. In Genesis 2:7, we learn that God formed man from the dust of the earth and breathed life into him, and man became a living soul. However, man, the apex of God’s creation, fell. The fall of man was triggered by the devil's attack on our physical desires. The temptation in the Garden of Eden centered around food, appealing to the body. Similarly, the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness also targeted His physical needs. The Apostle John further clarifies that the temptations we face can be categorized as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – all rooted in our earthly existence. Therefore, the primary arena for our Christian battles and challenges lies within our fleshly desires.
The Bible tells us that our physical body will eventually be buried while our spirit returns to God (Ecclesiastes 12:7). If you are constantly battling temptations and feeling overwhelmed, consider the nature of those struggles. You will likely discover that the devil appeals to your bodily desires. This presents a challenge because although our bodies remain on earth, our spirits return to God, and our souls will be held accountable for the choices and actions made by the body. Consider the experience of yielding to temptation. In the moment of temptation, your physical senses and desires are heightened, creating a strong pull. Yet, even at that moment, a still, small voice – your conscience or spirit – may whisper that what you are about to do is wrong. However, the desire to satisfy the flesh and mind can often override this inner warning, leading to sin, whether it be lying, immorality, or any other fleshly indulgence. After the physical gratification subsides, the body becomes quiet, and the consequences of the action fall upon the soul and spirit. It is then that the spirit takes over, often bringing feelings of guilt, remorse, and sorrow. Thus, the desires of the flesh lead you to sin, and your spirit and soul bear eternal consequences.
If our sorrow is external, ask “How did I do this?” but still seek for it not to be exposed like Saul to retain a good reputation (1 Samuel 15:30). If it is a sorrow where we confess to God in the moment, but are not accountable to Him, or his delegated authority. The Bible describes it as "worldly sorrow," which can lead to perpetual condemnation (2 Corinthians 7:10), which arises when we recognize something as wrong but continue to do it repeatedly. The reason for this cycle of repeated sin often lies in the fact that the sorrow experienced is merely based on physical sensations and hormonal responses. This sorrow, rooted in the body, does not lead to true victory. Our heavenly father desires "godly sorrow, working repentance unto salvation." Repentance signifies a turning away from sin. This turning away becomes possible when we surrender control to our spirit in tune with God’s spirit, allowing it to take complete dominion over our lives. True repentance means abandoning our former sinful ways. When we approach God with sincerity and a desire for change, He helps us, and we begin to walk according to the law of the Spirit. As the Bible says, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death, which operates in the body (Romans 8:2). To experience true freedom and renewal, you must live by the law and deeds of the Spirit. The spirit man must control every single aspect of your being. When your spirit rules, guiding and directing your thoughts, actions, and desires, you can experience true freedom. As Jesus said in John 8:36, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." This brings about genuine transformation and a change of heart.
What then happens if a believer falls into sin again after allowing the spirit of God to rule for some time? Well, it is because that believer forgot that the flesh must be mortified. The declaration by Jesus on the matter in John 6:63 is, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Any investment in, by, with, for, and through the flesh has no profit. Why do Christians invest in the deeds of the flesh, sinking sand? Perhaps due to willful ignorance.
One may ask, what then should happen to my body?1 Corinthians 6:19 says, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” That body is not yours; it is the temple of God, and it can only truly be God’s temple, beaming God’s glory when the flesh is mortified. The Holy Book says in John 12:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” If the flesh is not put to death, it cannot fully serve as God's temple. Therefore, the call is to mortify – to put to death – the desires of the body, allowing the spirit man to take complete control. In this state, your life becomes pleasing to God.
Here are practical steps you can take, believers, if you have been overwhelmed by fleshly desires:
- Identify the Roots and Causes: Recognize the specific triggers and underlying reasons behind the peculiar temptations that easily beset. You’ll notice that those actions may not be sinful in themselves, but they provide access for the flesh, which is supposed to be mortified, to take over and stifle the spirit.
- Stop the Flesh: Deny the flesh its demands if temptation arises from physical cravings, fast. Practice spiritual disciplines that involve denying worldly pleasures like excessive food, songs and videos that do not glorify God, prideful thoughts, and the need for human praise. Shut down the avenues that feed your fleshly desires.
- Feed and empower the Spirit: Nourish your spirit with the Word of God. Listen to edifying messages, read spiritual books, and engage in mindful meditation on scripture. Exercise your spiritual senses through preaching, sharing your faith, and fellowshipping with other believers. Commune with them on the doctrines, principles, and patterns found in the scriptures. Once energised, allow the spirit of God to lead and be in charge.
By consistently practicing these steps, your spirit will take charge, and you will be empowered to live a life free from the dominion of sin.
PRAYER
Let us pray together: Father, I pray that you would perfect all the good works you have begun in your children's lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, we declare freedom from the power of sin. May our spirits be strengthened to rule over our bodies, bringing glory to your name. Amen.
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