LearnChrist Bible Study. [Topic]: The Works of the Flesh & How it can Be Tamed.
Galatians 5:19-21 enumerated the works of the flesh as adultery, fornication, wrath, envying, heresies, strife, variance etc; and noted that they that manifest them shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Therefore, the works of the flesh are any sinful acts – lustful desires that are ungodly.
Recall that when Satan beguiled man into sinning, he was cursed to feed on the dust, Gen 3:14. The same dust man was made from, Gen 2:7. So, the flesh is what Satan feeds on and sin is what makes it attractive to him.
The flesh is weak and prune to sin, Rom 7:5,18-21. That’s truly the state of a carnal man. But Christ has broken the power of flesh and sin over man, Rom 8:3. Therefore, a true believer has in him Christ to live in the spirit rather than manifest the works of the flesh, Rom, 8:1:4,9-13.
The big question now is HOW Can The FLESH be Tamed? This question is so important because some believers still find themselves manifest the works of the flesh. Many are asking the Holy Spirit to help them, but the more they ask, the more they sink. What then is the issue?
At LearnChrist Bible Study Meeting, we noted the followings:
1. That Christ has broken the power of sin and flesh over man does not means we are to fold our hands. The flesh is like a plot of land; though you are the owner of the land, unless you cultivates it, it will bring forth thorns and thistles.
So, cultivate your flesh!
2. That We Are to Walk in The Spirit, Gal 5:16-18, Eph 5:18. To walk in the spirit simply means to live always a life that is pleasing unto God. Live for Jesus in totality, be a reflection of Him. This is like doing the right to avoid the wrong.
3. That We Are to Put Ourselves Under Control, 1cor 9:27. Listen, people wants to be free to do whatever they wants; it doesn’t work like that my brethrens. Self control is a virtue – self discipline. Someone is saying, “there is nothing I can do.” No! There is something you can do; yes, there is. Put your flesh and spirit under control! Have you ever asked yourself why is it that people usually stop manifesting some elements of the flesh when there is a health challenge? If you can stop on health ground, why can’t you stop on eternity ground? Think!
4. That There Must be Readiness to Will, 2Cor 8:11. Until you are truly ready to let go, it will not go. I was there, I know what I am talking about. Most times, when we ask the Holy Spirit to help us deal with the works of the flesh, deep down in our hearts, the Spirit has seen that there is no readiness. How can we be full and excited about the fun and pleasure of it, yet we are saying, God help us? There must be absolute willingness. You must get to a point where you are tired of it. Hear this, when you get to this point, if there be powers behind it, you will break loose from it by the power God. God is ready to help you, but He wants to see your readiness.
God bless you richly!
