Topical Encyclopedia In biblical theology, "the flesh" is a term that carries significant spiritual and moral implications. It is often used to describe the human condition in its fallen state, characterized by sin and opposition to God's will. The concept of the flesh is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a critical element in understanding the nature of sin, redemption, and sanctification.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "basar" is commonly translated as "flesh." It can refer to the physical body or human beings in general. For example, Genesis 6:12 states, "God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth." Here, "flesh" denotes humanity in its entirety, emphasizing the universal nature of sin. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "sarx" is used to denote "flesh." The Apostle Paul frequently employs this term to describe the sinful nature inherent in humanity. In Romans 7:18, Paul writes, "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." This passage highlights the internal struggle between the flesh and the spirit, a theme that is central to Pauline theology. The Flesh and Sin The flesh is often associated with sinful desires and actions. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the "acts of the flesh," which include "sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, and witchcraft," among others. These acts are contrasted with the "fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:22-23, underscoring the moral dichotomy between living according to the flesh and living by the Spirit. The Flesh and the Spirit The New Testament frequently contrasts the flesh with the Spirit, emphasizing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming the sinful nature. Romans 8:5-6 states, "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace." This passage illustrates the spiritual battle between the flesh and the Spirit, with eternal consequences. Crucifying the Flesh Believers are called to "crucify the flesh" with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:24). This metaphorical crucifixion signifies a decisive break from the sinful nature, made possible through faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Romans 6:6 affirms, "We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." The Flesh and Redemption The doctrine of redemption addresses the problem of the flesh by offering a new identity in Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides a way for believers to overcome the flesh and live in accordance with the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4 declares, "For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Practical Implications The struggle against the flesh has practical implications for Christian living. Believers are exhorted to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" (Romans 13:14). This involves a conscious effort to live a life that reflects the character of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist the temptations of the flesh. In summary, the concept of the flesh in the Bible serves as a profound reminder of humanity's need for divine grace and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Through faith in Christ, believers are called to live victoriously over the flesh, embodying the righteousness and holiness that God desires. Topical Bible Verses Genesis 2:7And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Topicalbible.org Genesis 1:27 Leviticus 19:28 Matthew 5:28 Greek 4560. sarkinos -- of the flesh ... of the flesh. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: sarkinos Phonetic Spelling: (sar'-kee-nos) Short Definition: consisting of flesh Definition: fleshly ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4560.htm - 7k 4561. sarx -- flesh 2907. kreas -- flesh 4559. sarkikos -- pertaining to the flesh, carnal 4983. soma -- a body 2602. katabole -- a laying down 2743. kauteriazo -- sear with a hot iron. 2428. hiketeria -- supplication 4566. Satan -- Satan. 5012. tapeinophrosune -- lowliness of mind, humility Strong's Hebrew 1321. besar -- flesh... 1320, 1321. besar. 1322 . flesh. Transliteration: besar Phonetic Spelling: (bes-ar') Short Definition: flesh. Word Origin (Aramaic ... /hebrew/1321.htm - 6k 1320. basar -- flesh 7607. sheer -- flesh 2966. terephah -- torn animal, torn flesh 6740. tsalah -- to roast (flesh) 3894. lechum -- intestines, bowels 2878. tibchah -- thing slaughtered, slaughtered meat, slaughter 6371b. pimah -- superabundance 829. eshpar -- perhaps cake or roll 3978. maakal -- food Library On the Flesh of Christ On the Resurrection of the Flesh As the Flesh is a Partaker with the Soul in all Human Conduct, So ... The Flesh Will be Associated with the Soul in Enduring the Penal ... Whether the Flesh of Christ was Assumed by the Word Before Being ... Whether Prudence of the Flesh is a Mortal Sin? Whether Prudence of the Flesh is a Sin? Whether the Godhead was Separated from the Flesh when Christ Died? Whether the Flesh of Christ was Conceived of the virgin's Purest ... The Word Made Flesh. Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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