OVERCOMING THE FLESH THROUGH THE SPIRIT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Romans 8:13
Supporting Texts: Galatians 5:16-24, 1 Peter 2:11, Colossians 3:5-10, James 4:7, 1 Corinthians 9:27
INTRODUCTION:
The battle between the flesh and the Spirit is a reality every believer must confront. Though we are saved by grace, we still live in bodies prone to sin, and the desires of the flesh can subtly draw us away from God. Romans 8:13 declares that if we live according to the flesh, we will die, but if by the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body, we will live. This reveals a crucial truth: spiritual victory requires intentional submission to the Holy Spirit.
Many believers struggle with anger, lust, pride, envy, and other manifestations of the flesh. These are not just habits to manage but enemies to conquer. The flesh seeks to dominate our actions and decisions, but the Spirit of God empowers us to rise above its control. Overcoming the flesh is not a one-time event; it is a daily process of walking in the Spirit and denying the carnal nature.
In this message, we will explore how to live victoriously by the Spirit, kill the desires of the flesh, and walk in the newness of life that Christ offers.
1. UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THE FLESH
a) The flesh is contrary to the Spirit (Galatians 5:17):
The desires of the flesh wage war against the desires of the Spirit, making it impossible to live for God without conflict.
b) The flesh promotes sin and rebellion (Romans 7:18):
Nothing good dwells in the flesh; it leads to actions that dishonour God and gratify self.
c) The flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:8):
A carnal mind is hostile to God and cannot submit to His law or walk in obedience.
d) The flesh must be crucified (Galatians 5:24):
Those who belong to Christ must put to death the passions and desires of the flesh.
Biblical Example: Samson, though anointed, was overcome by the desires of the flesh, which led to his downfall (Judges 16:1-21).
2. WALK IN THE SPIRIT DAILY
a) Walking in the Spirit is a lifestyle (Galatians 5:16):
To walk in the Spirit means to live moment by moment under the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.
b) The Spirit produces godly fruit (Galatians 5:22-23):
Love, joy, peace, patience, and other fruits are evidence that we are living in the Spirit.
c) Walking in the Spirit gives you victory (Romans 8:14):
Those led by the Spirit are empowered to resist temptation and live righteously.
d) The Spirit gives strength to say “No” to sin (Titus 2:11-12):
God’s grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and to live self-controlled, upright lives.
Biblical Example: Jesus, led by the Spirit, overcame every temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13).
3. CRUCIFY THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH
a) Mortify the deeds of the body (Romans 8:13):
Killing sinful habits is not passive; it is intentional and Spirit-enabled.
b) Avoid feeding fleshly desires (1 Peter 2:11):
Abstain from things that stir up sinful passions within you.
c) Renew your mind through the Word (Romans 12:2):
Victory over the flesh begins with a renewed mind shaped by God’s truth.
d) Practice spiritual discipline (1 Corinthians 9:27):
Discipline your body and bring it under subjection to prevent disqualification.
Biblical Example: Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food, demonstrating control over the flesh (Daniel 1:8).
4. SUBMIT TO THE HOLY SPIRIT’S AUTHORITY
a) Yield your will to the Spirit’s control (James 4:7):
True victory starts with full submission to God and resisting the devil.
b) Depend on the Spirit for strength (Ephesians 3:16):
The inner strength to overcome sin comes from the Spirit, not human effort.
c) Obey the Spirit’s leading promptly (Acts 8:29-30):
Quick obedience to the Spirit prevents you from falling into the traps of the flesh.
d) Cultivate a prayerful and worshipful life (Jude 1:20):
Praying in the Spirit builds your faith and keeps your heart sensitive to God.
Biblical Example: Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, lived a life of submission and died a martyr, victorious over the flesh (Acts 7:55-60).
5. ENJOY THE FREEDOM AND LIFE IN THE SPIRIT
a) The Spirit brings liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17):
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom from bondage to sin.
b) The Spirit gives life and peace (Romans 8:6):
Living in the Spirit produces a mind filled with peace, not turmoil.
c) You become a witness of God’s power (Acts 1:8):
The Spirit empowers you to live boldly and testify of God’s transforming grace.
d) Your life reflects the glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:7):
Though weak in the flesh, the Spirit in you reveals God's power and character.
Biblical Example: Paul, once driven by fleshly zeal, became a Spirit-filled apostle who lived and preached by God’s power (Galatians 2:20).
CONCLUSION:
Overcoming the flesh is not achieved by human discipline alone but by total dependence on the Holy Spirit. The flesh must be put to death daily through submission, obedience, and spiritual discipline. If you walk in the Spirit, you will not fulfil the desires of the flesh. The Spirit empowers you not only to resist sin but to live a fruitful, victorious life for God's glory.
Let us choose daily to walk by the Spirit, yield to His voice, and crucify the works of the flesh. Victory is not only possible; it is promised to those who live in the Spirit.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, empower me by Your Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh.
2. I receive grace to walk in the Spirit daily.
3. Every work of the flesh in my life, be destroyed in Jesus' name.
4. Let my mind be renewed by Your Word.
5. I put to death every sinful habit in my life.
6. Father, fill me with the fruit of the Spirit.
7. Help me to submit fully to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
8. I refuse to be led by carnal desires.
9. Let my life reflect the power and glory of the Spirit.
10. Holy Spirit, take over my heart, my thoughts, and my actions.
