Flesh Versus Spirit
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Romans 8:5
We are engaged in a war between the flesh and the Spirit, each fighting for our soul. The war is between Satan’s temptations through the flesh and God’s love and power through the Spirit. Our earthly flesh craves things of the world, and our eternal soul, which is spiritual, craves things of the Spirit. Until we reach our heavenly home we will continue in this spiritual war. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12) When we accept Christ and are filled with the Holy Spirit we enter into this spiritual war. Satan and his demons tempt us through our flesh, and the Holy Spirit pulls us toward Godly wisdom.
The power of God that gives us victory over Satan is the power of the Holy Spirit to control the mind. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 2:7). We have a Spirit of power from God, which is the power of his love in our hearts. This power grows if we pray, study his Word, fellowship, and obey the Lord through the Spirit. This forms the circle of growth, bringing us closer to the Lord and filling our hearts with more love, which gives us more power to fight the sinful nature of the flesh.
The key to victory in Christ is continual spiritual growth because without growth we digress and Satan’s power starts to dominate us. This may cause us to yield to Satan and to feel that we have no power to overcome him. A downward spiral can develop, which can lead us to more defeat in this spiritual warfare. Therefore keep fighting, seeking victory through Christ, and never give up. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Today walk in victory knowing that you have the power to defeat Satan. If you have a temptation that he has continually been powering, pray and find the escape. Try and remove all triggers to the temptation, and as soon you are tempted run to the Lord in powerful prayer. Remember there is no temptation for which the Lord hasn’t promised an escape. It’s our task to find the escape.
Let’s Pray: Lord, give me victory over the temptations of the sinful flesh. Let the power of your love increase in my heart as I serve you, so that I can overcome the world. It’s your power that enables me to have victory over Satan. Thank you Lord for your perfect love. In Jesus name, Amen