The Bible is an ancient book whose words have been interpreted and integrated into beliefs and practices of many different faiths. This is especially true of flesh, which is an important concept throughout the Book and takes on a myriad of meanings. To some, flesh signifies physicality, while to others it is a representation of mortality or a source of temptation or illusion.
The Greek word for flesh, what the Bible was written in, is sarx. It carries the idea of something that is subject to decay and is short-lived. In the landmark New Testament book Ephesians, for instance, it talks about people embracing the power of the church and striving to “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires” in search of “being renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
In the Jewish faith, the concept of flesh has still more meaning. From the Jewish point of view, the flesh is what binds us to mortality and makes us vulnerable to temptation. If a person does not keep up their ritualistic observances and ethical conduct, their actions are thought to defile the flesh in their covenant with God. In fact, according to the Old Testament, any activity that reduces or eliminates the body’s control over itself can be seen as a form of idolatry and thus pollutes the flesh. This includes anything from drinking too much alcohol to eating too much spicy food.
For some, it could be seen that the essential meaning of flesh in the Bible is more spiritual, rather than physical. The Bible mentions that the flesh is only half of the human spiritual makeup and that the other half is comprised of matters of the soul and spirit, not physical things. By examining the spiritual makeup of a person, it becomes clear that the flesh is important, and yet flesh is not favored over the soul or spirit in terms of importance and standing in the eyes of God and the teachings of the Bible.
The spiritual nature of the Bible is also seen when discussing how we can relate to other people. According to the Apostle Paul in a letter to the church in Colossae, “Just as you have put off the old self and put on the new, so you must rid yourselves of all immoral behavior and all the evil that is so prevalent. You must be made new in the attitude of your minds and clothe yourselves with the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Colossians 3:10). This reflects a need to take care of one’s own spiritual needs, and to also help and encourage others on their journeys with the Lord – to put on the new man, created to be like God in righteousness holiness.
We must be careful to understand the difference between the natural flesh and the spiritual meaning of flesh. The former is limited while the latter is unlimited. When the Lord speaks of putting on the new man made perfect in true righteousness and holiness, it is not referencing our physical body, but the spiritual aspect, the soul and its relationship to God.
Throughout the Bible, passages and stories use the concept of flesh to explore spiritual truths in an understandable way. The idea of a new man is an example of emphasizing peace, hope and love through the body, which symbolizes these virtues. To that end, the importance of the body is both relevant and vital in the Bible as it serves to enliven the spirit and bring to life the truth of scripture.
What Does the Bible Teach about Temptation?
Temptation is a major theme throughout the Bible. The Bible teaches to “avoid every form of evil” and to resist the temptation to sin (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Satan often tempts us by trying to persuade us to give in to our fleshly desires. He promises us pleasure and gratification, but often we forget the consequences of sin.
The Bible warns us that temptation can lead us astray and cause us to commit sins (James 1:14-15). It encourages us to take “every thought into captivity” and to not give in to the desires of our flesh (2 Corinthians 10:5). Additionally, while rebuking the devil, Jesus said to Peter, “Behold, Satan has obtained permission to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail.” (Luke 22:31-32).
God also provides us a way to resist temptation. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, it says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but with the temptation He also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
The key to handling temptation is to trust in God’s promise to deliver us in our time of need. We must remember that whatever temptation may come, God is greater and He will provide a way out. We can stand firm through temptation because we know He is faithful. We can stand firm in the security of His presence.
What Does the Bible Say About Mortality?
The Bible contains multiple references to mortality. The idea of mortality is one of the core tenants of Christianity, with belief that physical death is a consequence of living outside of God’s will. In 2 Corinthians 5:10 it states, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Physical death is taken as a sign that Christ’s judgement has arrived, and stands as a reminder to live life according to His will.
Mortality is also discussed in Ecclesiastes, which states: “All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.” The idea that everything returns to its origin is an example of the mortality of man, as life is ultimately finite. The Bible also talks about mortality within the context of spiritual salvation. In Romans 6:23, it states “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Mortality is then offset by the offer of spiritual salvation – an escape from physical death and an everlasting life in the presence of God.
The Flesh and Spiritual Transformation
The concept of the flesh is tied to the idea of transformation, in particular the transformation of transformed of the soul and spirit. In Galatians 5:19-24, it states: “For 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… they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
The transformation described by the Bible is a two-fold process. The first involves a spiritual transformation and the second involves a physical transformation, or the “putting off” of the former self and the “putting on” the new man, made perfect in true righteousness and holiness. This transformation of the spirit is not a one-time event but is an ongoing process, requiring us to constantly dwell, or live, in obedience to God’s word. It also involves our own active participation in continually renewing our mind and surrendering our hearts and our bodies to God.
In 1 Peter 2:11, it states: “…abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation”. This reflects a need to take up a life of righteousness, to flee from evil desires, and pursue good works in order to glorify God.
The Flesh and Free Will
Free will is an often discussed topic in religious discourse, especially when discussing the relationship between the flesh and spiritual things. In religious teachings many argue that free will grants us the power to change and to act according to our own desires, allowing us to break through barriers of the flesh when necessary.
Romans 6:12-13 states “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life”. Here, the Bible is saying to not offer ourselves to sin, but to instead offer ourselves to God as alive instead of dead. This can only be done with a strong faith in God, and by exercising our own free will and choosing to obey God’s will instead of the desires of the flesh.
The Bible instructs us to remember that our hearts must be surrendered first and foremost to God. Everything else in our lives must be checked by the strong tether of faith in God. He must be the basis for all our decisions and ultimately the way we choose to live each day. If our actions come from faith then the desires of the flesh will be subjected to our obedience to the Lord’s commands.
The Flesh and the Struggle of Faith
The Bible speaks on the importance of faith and how this faith can be used to combat the temptations of the flesh. As stated in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This faith is what helps us to stay strong against the temptations of the physical world and to keep our focus on the spiritual and eternal rather than the superficial and temporal.
The Bible also states in Colossians 2:6-7 “Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” Here the message is to remain firm in our faith, the relationship that is established in our spirit and allows us to remain true and devoted to Jesus Christ.
It is this faith that allows us to resist the desires of our physical world and to stay devoted to God’s will. God has given us the power of choice, but it is essential to remember that He wants to have an active role in our decisions. We must have faith that God will lead us on the path that is intended for us. The power of faith will have an effect on our spiritual and physical transformation.
