Our Enemy--The Flesh

Our Enemy--The Flesh
By John Woodward
November 29, 1999

A plaque still hangs in a room at our church listing those from the congregation who died in World War II. When our children were recently asked by their school teacher to list any relatives who died in a military conflict, thankfully we had only one name to mention.

When there are minimal military conflicts for a generation or two we may assume that there is an absence of spiritual conflict as well. Nevertheless, the Bible warns the believer in Christ to be on guard against spiritual enemies-- especially the world (human society arranged in hostility to God-1 John 2:15,16), the flesh (Gal 5:17), and the devil (1 Pet 5:8). It would severely handicap a soldier if he could not identify the enemy!

Likewise, imagine a boxer climbing into a ring with several others, yet not knowing who his opponent was. The first unexpected punch would alert him! Paul was aware of an enemy we all have. Comparing himself to an Olympic athlete, he wrote: "And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified [for the prize]." (1 Cor 9:25-27).

The struggle is not merely with the body (which God originally created as good - Gen 1:31), but with what the New Testament calls "the flesh." We will never jettison the flesh until we are with the Lord: "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." (Gal 5:17). Peter warns us "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul." (1 Peter 2:11).

But how do we identify "the flesh"? When used in an ethical sense it refers to the wrong beliefs, values, behavior patterns, and mental/emotional programming that we have learned independently of God. Michael Wells defines "the flesh" as your "body, mind, will, and emotions under the influence of anything other than Christ."

A vital point of interpretation is to see the flesh as distinct from the old man (the unregenerate human spirit). "Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him. . ." [therefore out of the picture] (Rom 6:6). Yet the flesh remains as an enemy: "For I know that in me (that is, IN MY FLESH) nothing good dwells . . ." (Rom 7:18, emphasis added). The flesh patterns are like a Trojan horse, lurking inside to betray and defeat us if permitted.

Because we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us as believers, we are no longer "in the flesh" as our position, YET STILL HAVE ITS UNHOLY INFLUENCE. "So then, those who are IN the flesh cannot please God. But you are not IN THE FLESH but IN THE SPIRIT, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His." (Rom 8:8,9, emphasis added). In other words, "The believer, though he is no longer IN THE FLESH, may yet walk AFTER THE FLESH. The flesh is no longer a permanent POSITION for the believer, but it is an all too frequent CONDITION. (Gems and Jargon, by Charles Solomon and H. David Clark, p.10).

Did you ever wonder why King David, a "man after God's own heart", could fall into the the sins of adultery and murder (2 Sam 11)? Yes, David repented deeply and was restored to fellowship with God (2 Sam 12; Psalm 32; 51), but the following chapters illustrate the sad truth that "whatever a person sows, he shall also reap." David still had "flesh" waiting to rob him of the prize. When he let his guard down, and exposed himself to temptation, he fell.

Michael Wells points out the necessity of abiding in Christ to have power over the flesh: "It took me years to realize that I--that is, my flesh--am never going to get better. When I am not abiding, the flesh is the same as it has always been: hostile to God. That is why we teach a moment-by-moment victory and ultimate improvement, Christ in us." ("Lifelines", Nov.1999, p.17)

Joseph exemplified the Biblical strategy to avoid fleshly sin. When tempted by Potiphar's wife, he refused to even be near her in private; when caught by her, he left his garment in her hand and ran! (Gen 39:6-13). Likewise we are given this strategy: "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Tim 2:22). "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Rom 13:14).

And Who is our power source? - the Holy Spirit. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Gal 5:16).

In the "threshold of the mind" we can avoid the snares of the flesh because we have been set free by Christ's cross (Gal 5:24). So, in practical terms, how could you visualize guarding yourself from the flesh? "Fleeing" can mean: not keeping alcoholic beverages in your home; not parking in front of the donut shop; disconnecting cable TV; getting an internet filtering program. . . It also helps to have an accountability friend. As Proverbs 27:17 says "As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."

The positive responsibility to live above the flesh is to ABIDE IN CHRIST (John 15:1-8). Oh the benefits abiding! "Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God." (Matt 5:8).

We have been "punched" by the flesh enough. Let us wise up to the identity and tactics of this crafty enemy; it is no match for the indwelling Christ!

JBW

Nov. 29, 1999. Vol.2, #48

Notes: This distinction between the "old man" and "flesh" was stated in the Heidelberg Catechism A-43 back in AD 1566. See also Birthright, by David Needham pp. 239-258

The concept of the "threshold of the mind" is developed by Anabel Gillham in Bill & Anabel's Victorious Christian Living cassette album from Lifetime Guarantee Ministries (http://www.lifetime.org).

Lifelines by Michael Wells is available at Abiding Life Ministries (http://www.abidinglife.com).

Gems & Jargon is available by Grace Fellowship (http://SolomoNet.org).

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