Background
The Bible is a compilation of ancient texts that consist of the sacred scriptures of many religious faiths. It is a vital source of spiritual education and guidance, as it offers a holistic overview of life. One of the topics that the Bible speaks of is the flesh. This ancient text offers both complex and incredibly pertinent insights into the subject. In order to truly understand the Bible’s take on the flesh, it is essential to know what the context is and what is being discussed.
What The Bible Says About Flesh
The Bible mentions the flesh throughout its text, particularly in the New Testament.The Bible speaks about the flesh in different ways; it can refer to physical mortality, sin, and the desires of the flesh. A key concept that the bible speaks of is the need to control these desires. Ephesians 2:3 states “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” This passage speaks of the need to be distant from the desires of the flesh and to not enable or indulge in them.
Galatians 5:19-21 also states “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” This passage speaks of a punishment and consequence for following the desires of the flesh.
The Flesh & Sin
Another way that the Bible speaks about the flesh is in relation to sin. Romans 8:6-7 states “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” This context is essential in understanding the Bible’s view of the flesh. It suggests that the desires of the flesh stem from a sinful nature, which can put an individual in a hostile relationship with God.
The Bible also speaks of the need to abstain from the flesh. Daniel 1:8 states “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.” Here Daniel demonstrates extreme self-control and discipline, abstaining from food and drink, which speaks to the need for self-control when it comes to the desires of the flesh.
Control The Flesh Through Faith
The Bible speaks of the need to control the desires of the flesh through faith. Romans 8:13 states “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” This passage speaks of the need to control these desires in order to live a full and prosperous life.
The Bible speaks of faith in another way. Proverbs 3:5-6 states “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This passage speaks of the power of faith and how it can offer guidance in steering individuals away from their sinful desires. By believing in God and having faith, individuals are able to find strength to resist these sinful temptations.
Redeeming The Flesh
Despite its focus on the negative aspects of the flesh, the Bible also speaks positively about it. Romans 8:11 states “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” This passage speaks of the power of the Spirit and how it can redeem the flesh and give life to it.
The Bible also speaks of the need to nourish the flesh. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” This passage speaks of the need to take care of our bodies and nourish them, so they will become a temple where the Holy Spirit can dwell.
The Power Of The Flesh
The Bible speaks of the flesh in more nuanced ways. Galatians 5:22-23 states “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” This passage speaks of how the Spirit can overpower the desires of the flesh and offer ways to lead a godly and prosperous life.
The Bible also speaks of the power of love in ruling over the flesh. 1 John 4:7-8 states “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Love is a powerful tool that can help individuals overcome their sins and temptations. By acknowledging and believing in the power of love, individuals can be led down a righteous path.
The Flesh & Holiness
The Bible speaks of the flesh in relation to holiness. Leviticus 11:44-45 states “I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves about on the ground. I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.” This passage speaks of the need to live a holy and godly lifestyle, which requires individuals to be in control of the desires of their flesh.
The Bible opens up further discussions about the flesh by speaking about the temple of God. For example, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 states “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” This passage speaks of how God can dwell in us and of the need to protect and take care of our bodies in order to honor him.
The Flesh & Holiness
The Bible does not restrict the discussion of the flesh to old and outdated principles. Many of the scriptures related to the subject are still relevant today and can offer guidance when it comes to navigating a life in pursuit of holiness. Corinthians 10:13 states “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” The Bible speaks of the power of willpower and this is a good example. By believing in our own strength, we can resist temptation and break away from the desire of our flesh.
Respecting The Flesh
The Bible speaks of the need to honor and respect the flesh. Romans 12:1 states “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” This passage speaks of the need to honor God by looking after our bodies. We should remember that our bodies are a temple, in which the spirit can dwell, and it is our responsibility to take care of them.
The Bible also speaks of the need to not abuse or mistreat our bodies as 1 Corinthians 6:18 states “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” The Bible speaks of the need to honor our bodies and not give in to sinful behaviors.
The Flesh & Judgment
The Bible speaks of the need to be mindful of one’s actions when it comes to the flesh. Romans 14:12-13 states “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” This passage speaks of the need to be mindful of how one acts and treats one another, as well as about the consequences when it comes to sinful desires.
The Bible also speaks of judgment in relation to the flesh in 1 Peter 4:3-4, which states “For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.” The Bible speaks of the need to be mindful when it comes to judgment, as there are consequences to one’s actions.
The Power Of The Flesh
The Bible speaks of the power of the flesh in relation to transformation and renewal. Romans 12:2 states “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This passage speaks of how the Spirit can empower individuals when it comes to controlling the desires of their flesh and striving for holiness.
The Bible speaks of God’s role when it comes to the power of the flesh. Romans 13:14 states “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” The Bible speaks of the power of faith and how it can be used to help individuals overcome the undesirable aspects of their flesh. By believing in God and relying on faith, individuals can learn to better manage and resist their sinful temptations.
