In what ways can we resist "cravings of our flesh" today? Our Starting Point: Ephesians 2:3 “All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.” Remember Who You Are Now • Ephesians 2:4-5—God “made us alive with Christ.” • Romans 6:11—“Count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” • Identity shapes conduct: we resist fleshly cravings because they no longer fit who we are. Walk in the Spirit, Not the Flesh • Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Practical steps: – Begin each day acknowledging the Spirit’s presence. – Invite His guidance before decisions. – Yield quickly when He convicts. Recalibrate Your Mind with Truth • Romans 12:2—“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • Psalm 119:11—Store up Scripture to counter lies. • 2 Corinthians 10:5—Take thoughts captive to obey Christ. • Action list: – Memorize key verses related to your specific struggle. – Replace destructive media with edifying input (Philippians 4:8). – Journal how truth corrected a flesh-driven thought each day. Choose Flight, Not Flirtation • 2 Timothy 2:22—“Flee from youthful passions.” • Matthew 5:29—Remove what causes you to stumble. • Concrete moves: – Install accountability software; limit unwise online zones. – Change routes or routines that expose you to old temptations. – Keep phone out of bedroom if late-night browsing is a trap. Leverage God’s Escape Routes • 1 Corinthians 10:13—God “will also provide an escape.” • Ask in the moment: – What door out has God already provided? – Who can I text or call right now? – Where can I physically move to break the spell? Practice the Great Exchange • Ephesians 4:22-24—Put off the old self, put on the new. • Swap patterns: – Anger → intentional blessing (Romans 12:21). – Lust → prayer for the person’s welfare. – Self-indulgence → service to someone in need. Stay Connected to God’s People • Hebrews 10:24-25—spur one another on. • James 5:16—confess sins and pray for healing. • Community helps: – Small-group text thread for instant prayer. – Regular check-ins that ask, “How’s the battle?” – Worship together; corporate praise weakens private sin. Respond Quickly When You Fall • 1 John 1:9—confess and be cleansed. • Proverbs 28:13—concealing sin prolongs bondage. • Steps: – Admit the exact sin to God and a trusted believer. – Receive forgiveness; reject shame. – Re-enter the practices above without delay. Keep Eternity in View • 1 Peter 2:11—fleshly passions “wage war against your soul.” • Colossians 3:1-3—set minds on things above. • Perspective shift: – Picture standing before Christ; will this craving matter then? – Use brief temptations as prompts to thank Him for the coming glory where sin is impossible. Summary Checklist for Today □ Affirm my identity in Christ. □ Invite the Holy Spirit to lead every choice. □ Fill my mind with Scripture. □ Flee tempting settings; remove triggers. □ Look for God’s escape route in every test. □ Replace old habits with righteous actions. □ Walk closely with accountable believers. □ Confess quickly; start fresh. □ Keep eternity front and center. Living this way, the flesh loses its grip, and the freedom purchased at the cross becomes daily reality. |
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