Defeating The Influence Of The Flesh

Defeating the Influence

Luke 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

this is speaking of getting full control over the influence of the flesh.

he agonized and travailed until he defeated the influence.

Christ never sinned, but he was influenced by the flesh he dwelt in.

this is how he understands what we go through.

He felt for himself. he saw for himself.

he heard for himself.

as the clay crosse song says, he walked a mile in our shoes.

I remember hearing about a book written by brother A. J. Tomlinson, in which he wrote of his sanctification experience. He describes running the Adamic nature, also referred to as “the Old Man”, through with a sword, then watching him fall to the earth.

but, he finally defeated the flesh.

he had an angel strengthening him. think about that.

he cried out to the father, being the example of what we should do,

and took upon him pain, agony- he even fought the “old man” to blood.

Satan was not about to let this influence go without a fight.

you see, he thought he had Christ, when he was born, because he knew he had influence. once Christ came under human form, under flesh.

then he thought he had him for sure when he led the charge to crucify him.

he thought he’d just send Jesus back where he came from, which would leave him to rule.

but, we know the truth, Christ fought the flesh, and defeated it.

then, he showed himself free of it’s influence to the World, complete obedience to the father, no more second thoughts.

At this point, his is prepared for the cross, having only to pay the price, and become the ultimate sacrifice as well as to then arise from the dead after three days. Christ fulfilled the law and prophets. This is what the Word said he would do.

Christian: in original definition did not mean follower of Christ, but Christlike.

1Jn 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

1Jn 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1Jn 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

1Jn 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

To honestly call ourselves Christians, we must be completely obedient to His Word and His Will.

Sanctification is the second definite work of grace, following salvation. It enables us ,through preparation for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, to defeat the influence of the flesh.

To be Christlike, we must defeat the influence as Christ did.