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.

d) Speaking and Declaring the Word of God
Jesus overcame Satan’s temptations by declaring the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11). Speaking the Word in times of temptation gives us victory.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 1:8)
Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king’s food, showing his determination to live righteously.

CONCLUSION

Overcoming the works of the flesh is essential for living a victorious Christian life and securing our eternal destiny. It requires discipline, total dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a conscious effort to resist sin. As we crucify the flesh daily, renew our minds with God’s Word, and walk in the Spirit, we gain the strength to overcome every sinful tendency. God has given us the grace and power to live righteously; it is our responsibility to yield to His leading.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, give me the grace to overcome the desires of the flesh in Jesus' name.
2. Holy Spirit, empower me to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
3. I reject every temptation that seeks to destroy my relationship with God.
4. Father, renew my mind daily with Your Word and help me to obey it.
5. Lord, help me to discipline my body and bring it under subjection.
6. I decree that every stronghold of sin in my life is broken in Jesus’ name.
7. Father, surround me with godly influences that will help me walk in righteousness.
8. Lord, let the fruit of the Spirit be evident in my life.
9. Father, give me the strength to resist every form of temptation.
10. Lord, may my life be a testimony of Your righteousness and holiness.