In what ways can we identify and avoid fleshly desires in our lives? Key Verse: Romans 13:14 “Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.” What It Looks Like to “Put On” Christ • Choosing His mindset (Philippians 2:5) over self-directed thinking • Valuing holiness as non-negotiable (1 Peter 1:15-16) • Displaying His love in practical service (John 13:34-35) • Leaning on His strength, not mere willpower (John 15:5) Spotting the Works of the Flesh Galatians 5:19-21 lists obvious indicators: • Sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery • Idolatry, sorcery • Hatred, strife, jealousy, rage, rivalries, divisions, factions • Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and similar things Colossians 3:5-9 adds: greed (which is idolatry), anger, slander, filthy language, lying. Practical Ways to Identify Fleshly Desires • Compare every impulse with Scripture; anything contradicting God’s Word is fleshly. • Notice what dominates private thought life; persistent ungodly fantasies reveal the flesh. • Observe emotional reactions—uncontrolled anger, envy, or pride signal self at the center. • Track patterns: repeated secret sin shows entrenched desires, not accidental slips. • Listen to godly counsel; trusted believers often see fleshly blind spots we overlook (Proverbs 27:6). Practical Ways to Avoid and Overcome 1. Feed the spirit, starve the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Invest daily in Bible intake, worship, and fellowship; reduce media, relationships, or settings that provoke temptation. 2. Replace, don’t just resist (Ephesians 4:22-24). Exchange lust with pure service, greed with generosity, bitterness with forgiveness. 3. Guard entrances—eyes, ears, mind (Psalm 101:3). Pre-decide boundaries for entertainment, internet, and conversations. 4. Keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). Confess promptly; lingering guilt gives the flesh leverage. 5. Walk in step with the Spirit (Romans 8:13). Actively ask for His filling and obey His immediate promptings. 6. Engage accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). Transparent relationships provide mutual encouragement and loving correction. 7. Memorize targeted Scripture (Psalm 119:11). Use specific verses as on-the-spot weapons when tempting thoughts arise (Matthew 4:1-11). Promises That Empower Obedience • 1 Corinthians 10:13—God always provides a way of escape. • 2 Peter 1:3—His divine power has given everything needed for life and godliness. • James 4:7—Submit to God; resist the devil, and he will flee. • Galatians 5:24—Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. A Simple Daily “Clothing” Rhythm Morning: Offer body and mind to God (Romans 12:1-2). Throughout the day: – Pause at transition points to reaffirm dependence on the Spirit. – Speak Scripture out loud when tempted. Evening: Review the day with thanksgiving, confess any failures, and rest in Christ’s finished work (1 John 2:1-2). Fleshly desires lose power when Christ is consciously put on and provision for the flesh is intentionally cut off. |
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