Win the War Against the Flesh
The Bible tells us that the Christian can certainly win the war against the flesh. The “flesh” is the carnal, natural, worldly side of a man which is unaffected by the Holy Spirit (Romans 7:24; 1 Corinthians 9:27). Man’s natural desires are called “the lust of the flesh” (1 John 2:16). The Bible teaches that those that are controlled and moved by the Holy Spirit do not “fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 2:3; 2 Peter 2:18).
The Scriptures speak of “fleshly wisdom” (2 Corinthians 1:12). And a carnal individual is said to “mind the things of the flesh” (Romans 8:5; Colossians 2:18). Paul says, “No good thing” lives in the “flesh” (Romans 7:18), for it is “enmity against” God (Romans 8:7).
The Gift of Divine Nature
There is a continual war between the flesh and spirit (Romans. 8:3–14; Galatians 5:16–23). These two natures cannot be joined. The flesh can never become spiritual for in it “dwelleth no good thing” (Romans 7:18). But praise God, He gives those that surrender their hearts to Him a new nature. This new nature walks in line with divine principles (John 3:3, 5; Romans 8:5–14; 1 Corinthians. 2:12–16; 2 Corinthians 5:14). Thus, the newly converted person will win the war against the flesh (1 John 2:15, 16). While the believer is still in the world, his spiritual nature will triumph in the war against the corrupted flesh nature (Romans 1:18 – 2:4).
The Weapons of War
The believers win when they fight the good fight of faith with the spiritual weapons, not those of the world. Paul explained:
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:13–18).
Therefore, the weapons of war against the flesh are:
- The gird of the truth (1 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 7:14; 11:10; Philippians 1:18).
- The breastplate of the righteousness of Christ (Isaiah 59:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8).
- The gospel of peace (Isaiah 52:7).
- The shield of faith (1 John 5:4) for “without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6).
- The helmet of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8).
- The sword of the Spirit – the word of God (Hebrews 4:12).
- The continual prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 18:1; Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 4:16).
Victory Through God
The weapons of the believer come from heaven, and are made available to him through the service of angels (2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 6:10–20). These weapons are supported by the strength of Christ and the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:4). God calls men to war against the flesh, prepares them for the fight, and helps them to win the battle (1 Corinthians 15:57).
The Lord supplies them with all the power they need (2 Corinthians 2:14). No man-made weapon can withstand the weapons of heaven. For “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Therefore, Paul declared, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
And God will not allow His children to be tempted above what they are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). The believers will be secure against the assaults of Satan so long as they fight in the power of God. However, the Lord will keep only those who abide in Him through daily study of the Word and prayer (John 15:4). But when they go against His command and willfully place themselves on evil grounds, they will fall.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
