Seven Words The Flesh Hates

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. “(Romans 8:5)

“So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:8)

It is obvious that there is a difference between the flesh and the Spirit that goes beyond spelling. One is either walking in the Spirit or in the flesh. It is impossible to walk both in the flesh and in the Spirit at the same time. That is simply because those who are in the flesh cannot please God. It is impossible to please God and displease Him at the same time. Not very palatable, right?

The flesh seeks indulgence, in fact over-indulgence in the pleasures of the world. The flesh is focused on the temporal things of our earthly life - things that are here today and gone tomorrow, more like the early morning dew. When the sun shines and exudes heat, the dew evaporates, vanishes into thin air, disappears with no forwarding address; in a twinkling of an eye what seemed to be significant fades into insignificance, much worse than obscurity. It no longer matters - you see, the truth is that it really did not have eternal significance. Uninhibited desires of the flesh drive people to indulge in time-wasting activities, exercises in futility, that appear to glitter like gold but which in reality are poor imitations of the real thing - abundant life in Jesus.

Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” If abundant life was to be found on earth then Jesus would not have come, would He? If abundant life was a function of our IQ, business acumen, dazzling charisma, articulation or even an exquisite appreciation of the arts, then Jesus’ coming would have been in vain and a waste of time. But abundant life can only be found in Jesus, the Son of God and God the Son. Hence the need for His incarnation. The abundant life embraces the things of the Spirit, surrenders to the will of God the Father, follows Jesus in thick and thin, is prepared to sacrifice, to serve, to suffer, to be tested, to go through trials, to be tempted and to endure tribulations. Why? Because these are unavoidable aspects of the good fight of faith. These traits of the Christians life are not mentioned in many churches today because many ministers find it easier to pump the flesh with its carnal desires. Yet, our early Christian brothers and sisters accepted them and not only prepared for them but experienced them. Below are the seven words namely: sacrifice, suffering, service, tests, trials, tribulations and temptations. You can almost feel the flesh revolting against these words but failure to embrace them will lead to one experiencing defeat instead of victory. Victory only makes sense when a difficulty has been overcome.

As we experience these things in our Christian lives, let me encourage you from God’s Word. The Bible says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

No matter what you experience or go through, God will be close to you comforting you. Hallelujah!

Sacrifice:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2)

Suffering:

“...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,” (Philippians 3:10)

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,” (2 Timothy 1:8)

Service:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” (Hebrews 12:28)

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” (John 12:26)

Tests:

“Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” “ (Genesis 22:1)

“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.” (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

Trials:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)

“And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;” (Acts 20:18-19)

Tribulations:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)

Temptations:

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

God is our father and we are His children. He will bless us but we must accept the fact that the Christian race is not a bed of roses. We wake up each day, commit ourselves to God, ask for sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and for abundant grace to live lives of fruitfulness in God’s eyes. God bless you, my brothers and sisters as you meditate upon God’s Word for you today.