Sermons on Flesh Versus Spirit:

Joy Versus Happiness

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Mar 12, 2015

The world relentlessly pursues self-statisfying happiness with utter disregard for the Joy of the Lord. Even those who authored the declaration of independence thought that the "pursuit of happiness" was a God given right. So ... what does the Bible say?

Let’s take a look at a couple of Scriptures … Ecclesiastes 12:8 (NASB) “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity!” Ecclesiastes 12:8 (HCSB) “Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile.” Ecclesiastes ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2

Denomination: Nazarene

Cowboys Versus Farmers?

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 28, 2013

It is our attitude, not our sacrifices, that reflects the nature of the man within.

COWBOYS VERSUS FARMERS? Genesis 4:1-8. The acceptance of Abel’s offering as opposed to Cain’s is often explained in terms of THE NATURE OF THE SACRIFICE. We are reminded that “almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood, there is no remission” (Hebrews ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Respect Versus Contempt

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

All that is hateful and unloving is to some degree evil. Jesus says we need to be aware of this, and deal with it in its early stages, and so prevent all the serious consequences of thinking that negative attitudes are alright as long as you don't murder anyone.

Alexander the Great conquered the world, but anger conquered him, and turned him into a murderer. Like so many of the murders of history, it was not intended or designed. It happened because men do not understand that anger is the beginning of murder. Clitus, his best friend, was teasing ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26

Meekness Versus Anger Series

Contributed by Antonio Torrence on Mar 28, 2002

As Christians, we need to channel our anger towards commitment and service within the kingdom of God.

"Living the Blessed Life: Mercy Versus Anger" -by Antonio L. Torrence, Cross of Life Lutheran Church Text: Matthew 5:5 I. Introduction A. Citius, Altius, Fortius- Faster, Higher, Stronger- that is the Olympian theme. Citius, Altius, Fortius- a chant that has dominated our minds for a fortnight ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:5

Denomination: Lutheran

Legalism Versus Love

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

We are in a world of great religious competition. We will all tend to follow one of these two strategies: The legalistic or the loving, the rule book power, or relationship power.

We live in a world where competition is a master motive. When the news reach Russia in 1945 that the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Stalin ordered secret scientists to find a way to catch up to the U.S. Andrei Sakharov was only 24 years old then, but his brilliant mind was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20

Legalism Versus Love Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 17, 2021

We are in a world of great religious competition. We will all tend to follow one of these two strategies: The legalistic or the loving, the rule book power, or relationship power.

We live in a world where competition is a master motive. When the news reach Russia in 1945 that the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Stalin ordered secret scientists to find a way to catch up to the U.S. Andrei Sakharov was only 24 years old then, but his brilliant mind was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20

The Reality Versus The Shadow

Contributed by John Tung on Mar 28, 2007

The reality of Christ is greater than the shadow of the OT animal sacrifices.

The Reality Versus the Shadow Hebrews 10:1-16 (19-25) John Tung, 3-25-07 I. Introduction The title for today’s message sounds like an athletic competition between two teams: The Reality versus The Shadow, like the Nationals versus the Orioles, or The Redskins versus the Cowboys. But the sermon is ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Thorn In The Flesh

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Dec 8, 2005

Some people become defined by their hardships while others rise above their pain. We may suffer broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations, but we don’t have to become broken people. Pain is inevitable--misery is optional.

No one knows for certain about the nature of Paul’s thorn, and there has been extensive speculation about the nature of his affliction. Explanations range from persistent temptation, dogged persecution, chronic malaria, migraine headaches, epilepsy, or a speech disorder. Because Paul dictated his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Congregational

The Frailty Of The Flesh

Contributed by Kirk Devine on Jul 11, 2007

An examination of 2 Corinthians 5:16 as it relates to our flesh and our misconception of it.

THE FRAILTY OF THE FLESH 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-17 I have come to the realization that we don’t really understand the flesh… Flesh: the soft substance of a human or other animal body, consisting of muscle and fat… the physical nature of humankind as distinguished from its moral or spiritual nature. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Deeds Of The Flesh

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Jun 13, 2012

It is obvious when we walk by our own power.

Deeds of the Flesh February 24, 2008 Morning Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: It is obvious when we walk by our own power. Focus Passage: Galatians 5:16-21 Supplemental Passage: Galatians 5:19-21 It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-21

Denomination: Baptist

A Thorn In The Flesh

Contributed by Pastor David T. Diskin on Aug 2, 2012

Sometimes God allows people or things in our lives that do not appeal to our humanity but God allows such things in our lives to keep our focus on Him.

A Thorn in the Flesh Pray. Before we start, I have to ask if you heard about the dyslexic Satanist? He sold His soul to Santa. don't think about that too long, I just wanted to get your mind working here this morning, Now, This morning I want to show you through God's Word, just ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Thorns Of The Flesh Series

Contributed by Rick Burdette on Oct 5, 2012

Compassion, ministry endurance, hope

THORNS OF THE FLESH 2 Cor. 1:3-11 (p816) Sept. 23, 2012 INTRODUCTION: It’s not the first time I’ve heard of a team or a class doing this…and I’m sure it won’t be the last… But it makes my heart smile a little every time I read about an entire team shaving ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Thorn In The Flesh

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Oct 4, 2019

How to deal with the challenges in our life.

The Thorn in the flesh 2 Cor. 12:1-10 Introduction- Prayer- Father, in the powerful name of Jesus, we come this morning and wanting you Lord to do something fresh and new! It is our prayer each time we gather in your name, to see you do something while we are together. As we look at the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Denomination: Nazarene

A Thorn In The Flesh

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 17, 2022

We know that God is able to heal, but sometimes we aren’t healed. This message looks at one possible reason why, as we examine an illness that the apostle Paul wrestled with for most of his Christian life - his "thorn in the flesh."

This evening we are going to look at a passage of Scripture that is related to the subject matter of healing. In the Scripture we discover that our God is a God of healing. He says in Exodus 15:26, “I am the Lord who heals you.” We also read that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, heals us as well, for ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Thorn In The Flesh

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Apr 23, 2025

There is always a thorn that is sand paper that rubs us wrong. Paul tells us how we can deal with them in our lives.

The Thorn in the flesh 2 Cor. 12:1-10 Good Morning everyone…Let’s pray Prayer- Father, in the powerful name of Jesus, we come this morning and we are wanting you to do something fresh and new! It is our prayer that each time we gather here in your name, we want to see you do something ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Denomination: Nazarene