UNCONQUERED FLESH WILL ALWAYS PROTEST

I watched a bit of wrestling matches as a teenager. When two wrestlers are in the ring, the goal is always to weaken and then defeat the opponent. Without weakening the opponent, you cannot defeat him.

You would see the wrestlers pin the opponent down while the official counts to three with a tap. As long as the wrestler can still react within the count time, the match continues. Some will react the moment the count starts. At some point, you would think the match was already won, but just before the third count, the opponent reacts and refuses to give up.

Until he is weakened and unable to respond, the match continues. The match is over when there is no response from the opponent.

In the same way, there is a battle going on between the flesh and the spirit. The spirit wars against the flesh and the flesh wars against the spirit.

“For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.”

Galatians 5:17 AMPC

The goal of the flesh is to ensure that you do not do the will of the Spirit. You must ensure it does not achieve that goal. How do you do this?

Weaken the Flesh.

Worship. Yield your body as a living sacrifice to the Lord. Let there be no doubt as to the one who owns that body. Is it the temple of the Lord or a den of robbers?

Engage in Fasting. Fasting weakens the flesh. Once you notice that lust and its accomplices are rearing an ugly head. Engage in a fast. Weaken the flesh.

Agree with the Spirit and the Word. Do what the word says, whether it feels comfortable or not. Follow the instructions and prompt of the Holy Spirit. That is how you make significant progress.

Kingdom Actions. Take out kingdom actions. Seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness. Win souls. Put God first.

The flesh can never carry out divine instructions. The flesh wants to dominate your life. The flesh ensures you do not bear the fruit of the Spirit. The flesh is not your friend. Weaken it before it weakens you. Rule over it.

©️ temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa