Overcoming The Works Of The Flesh

OVERCOMING THE WORKS OF THE FLESH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Galatians 5:19-21

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."

Supporting Texts: Romans 8:5-8, 1 Corinthians 9:27, Colossians 3:5-10

INTRODUCTION

The battle between the flesh and the spirit is a constant struggle in the life of a believer. The flesh represents the sinful nature inherited from Adam, which always seeks to gratify its own desires. However, as Christians, we are called to walk in the Spirit and not fulfil the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). The works of the flesh are destructive and can hinder our relationship with God, preventing us from inheriting His kingdom. Overcoming them requires a conscious effort, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a disciplined life in Christ.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE WORKS OF THE FLESH

Before we can overcome the works of the flesh, we must first understand what they are and how they manifest in our lives. The flesh is opposed to the Spirit and seeks to drag us into sin and rebellion against God.

a) What Are the Works of the Flesh?

The works of the flesh are sinful attitudes, behaviours, and desires that oppose God's will. They include sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, wrath, and all forms of ungodliness.

b) How the Flesh Operates

The flesh operates through sinful desires that are contrary to God’s nature. It seeks to control the mind, emotions, and actions, leading to sinful habits.

c) The Consequences of Yielding to the Flesh

Those who continue in the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. It leads to spiritual death, separation from God, and eternal condemnation.

d) The Flesh Cannot Please God

Romans 8:8 states, "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Living according to the flesh makes us enemies of God.

e) Biblical Example: Samson (Judges 16:1-21)

Samson was a man anointed by God, but his inability to overcome the lusts of the flesh led to his downfall. His uncontrolled desire for Delilah led to his captivity and loss of divine strength.

2. THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

To overcome the works of the flesh, we must engage in spiritual discipline and submit to God's authority over our lives.

a) Crucifying the Flesh Daily

Galatians 5:24 says, "And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." This means putting to death sinful desires daily.

b) Renewing the Mind with God’s Word

Romans 12:2 instructs us not to conform to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds through the Word of God.

c) Fasting and Prayer

Jesus taught that some battles can only be won through fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21). These spiritual exercises help subdue the flesh.

d) Accountability and Fellowship

Surrounding ourselves with godly people and being accountable in the church helps us stay on the right path (Hebrews 10:25).

e) Biblical Example: Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Paul disciplined himself, bringing his body under subjection to avoid being a castaway after preaching to others.

3. WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

To effectively overcome the flesh, we must live and walk in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our lives.

a) The Power of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers us to resist the desires of the flesh and live a victorious Christian life (Romans 8:13).

b) Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit

Instead of manifesting the works of the flesh, we are called to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

c) Developing Intimacy with God

Spending time in prayer, worship, and the Word strengthens our spiritual man, making it easier to resist temptation.

d) Obedience to God's Word

Walking in the Spirit means total obedience to God's Word, allowing His principles to shape our lives (Psalm 119:11).

e) Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 39:7-12)

Joseph overcame the temptation of Potiphar’s wife by walking in the fear of God and fleeing from sin.

4. RESISTING TEMPTATION AND OVERCOMING SIN

Overcoming the works of the flesh requires an intentional resistance to temptation through spiritual strategies.

a) Fleeing from Sin

1 Corinthians 6:18 instructs us to flee from sexual immorality. Running away from sin helps us avoid falling into it.

b) Putting on the Whole Armour of God

Ephesians 6:11 tells us to put on the whole armour of God to stand against the devil’s schemes.

c) Guarding the Heart and Mind

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." We must be careful about what we watch, listen to, and entertain in our minds.