In the Christian theological framework, the concept of mortifying carnal affections is rooted in the call to live a life that is pleasing to God, characterized by holiness and spiritual maturity. Carnal affections refer to the desires and inclinations of the flesh that are contrary to the Spirit and the teachings of Scripture. The mortification of these affections is a process of subduing and putting to death the sinful desires that arise from our fallen nature.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides clear instruction on the necessity of mortifying carnal affections. In Romans 8:13, the Apostle Paul writes, "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." This verse underscores the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit to overcome the sinful tendencies of the flesh.

Similarly, in Colossians 3:5, Paul exhorts believers, "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." Here, the apostle lists specific carnal affections that must be mortified, emphasizing that these are not merely personal failings but are akin to idolatry, as they place self-gratification above God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The mortification of carnal affections is not a task that can be accomplished through human effort alone. It requires the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16-17 states, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." This passage highlights the ongoing conflict between the flesh and the Spirit and the necessity of living a Spirit-led life to overcome carnal desires.

Practical Steps

1. Renewing the Mind: Romans 12:2 instructs believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Renewing the mind involves immersing oneself in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers to align one's thoughts and desires with God's will.

2. Accountability and Community: James 5:16 encourages believers to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." Engaging in a community of faith provides support, accountability, and encouragement in the journey of mortifying carnal affections.

3. Fasting and Prayer: These spiritual disciplines help believers focus on God and deny the flesh. Jesus Himself practiced fasting and taught its importance in Matthew 6:16-18.

4. Setting Boundaries: Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." Setting boundaries in areas of temptation is crucial in preventing the indulgence of carnal affections.

Theological Implications

The mortification of carnal affections is integral to the process of sanctification, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life to make them more like Christ. It reflects a commitment to holiness and a desire to live in obedience to God's commands. The struggle against carnal affections is a lifelong battle, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to overcome and live victoriously.Romans 8:13
For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 13:14
But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 9:27
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 3:5
Mortify therefore your members which are on the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 4:5
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to the Killing and ...
... not be so easily killed and mortified as others ... And this should teach all to walk
soberly, watchfully ... eye, even upon such lusts and carnal affections, as they ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter vi how christ is.htm

Verse the Fourteenth 1.
... bear solid food." But with respect to affections, he says ... they were such as were
still carnal; which he ... Should any one reply, concerning the man mentioned in ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/verse the fourteenth 1.htm

The Most Ancient and Most Respectable of the Christian Fathers ...
... bearer of the dominion of the affections or inclinations ... one against the other; that
is, carnal prudence and ... it was necessary that offenses should be mortified ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/ii the most ancient and.htm

All the Duties of a Contemplative Life Reduced to Two Heads...
... is obliged to mortify her inordinate affections, to the ... requires that of the two
mortification should, in the ... which is propriety of our natural carnal wills. ...
/.../chapter i all the duties.htm

On the Excellency of Religion and Divine Love.
... and advantages of religion in its several branches; but should be very ... that I can
never be happy, till my carnal and corrupt affections be mortified, and ...
/.../scougal/the life of god in the soul of man/part ii on the excellency.htm

"Be Ye Therefore Sober, and Watch unto Prayer. "
... Insobriety is carnal-mindedness, and minding of the flesh, so ... how can ye pray, when
your affections are upon ... about his own business when he should be watching. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxii be ye therefore.htm

The Impotence of the Law.
... of justification, a reason why he should be forgiven ... to alter his inclination, to
overcome his carnal mind, and ... law sustains to the will and affections of an ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the impotence of the law.htm

A Strong Resolution Necessary in the Beginning. ...
... her days therein.2. Then when her affections do so ... infernal kingdom established in
the souls of carnal men ... easy and delightful; yea, though she should never be ...
/.../chapter iv a strong resolution.htm

Motives Inducing to Religion to be Examined...
... mind becomes so purified from all carnal defilement, that ... of new-comers, that they
should most especially ... and all other our corrupt affections, hindering our ...
/.../chapter iv motives inducing to.htm

The Man About whom the Apostle is Here Treating, do Far as He Is ...
... be taken out from the number of carnal persons, and ... the flesh is mortified with its
affections and lusts ... You are unwilling that they should be smitten, and that ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/the man about whom the.htm

What is the flesh? | GotQuestions.org

Summaries of Christian theology brought to you by GotQuestions.org! | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.org

Affections: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus