What does "desires of our flesh" mean in Ephesians 2:3? The Verse in Focus “We all also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the desires of our flesh and our thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.” (Ephesians 2:3) Why Paul Uses the Word “Flesh” (sarx) • Not merely skin and bones, but the whole fallen, sin-ruled self • A life oriented to self-gratification instead of God (Romans 8:5-8) • Inborn since the Fall (Genesis 6:5; Psalm 51:5) What “Desires” (epithymiai) Signifies • Strong cravings, longings, passions • Neutral in themselves, but corrupted by sin when they spring from the flesh (James 1:14-15) • Seek immediate satisfaction, ignoring God’s will Putting the Phrase Together Desires of our flesh = the powerful impulses arising from our inherited sinful nature that push us to think, act, and live in ways opposed to God. They express themselves in both: • Actions – “fulfilling the desires of our flesh” • Thoughts – “and our thoughts” (inner plans, fantasies, attitudes) Biblical Portrait of These Desires Galatians 5:19-21 lists their visible works: • Sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery • Idolatry, sorcery • Hatred, discord, jealousy • Fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy • Drunkenness, orgies, and the like 1 John 2:16 adds “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” Why They Matter • They reveal spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1) • They place every person under God’s righteous wrath (Ephesians 2:3c) • They prove our need for new birth and rescue (John 3:6-7) God’s Answer to Fleshly Desires • Crucifixion with Christ – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24) • Indwelling Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • New nature – “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24) Practical Ways to Resist Them • Fill the mind with Scripture (Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16) • Depend daily on the Spirit’s power (Romans 8:13) • Flee tempting settings and influences (2 Timothy 2:22) • Pursue God-centered desires: love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23) |
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