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Thriving in the Combat Zone (2)
‘…Make no provision for the flesh...’
Romans 13:14
The attack from the flesh. Your most vulnerable point is your ‘flesh’, which drives you to do your own thing. Its motto is ‘It’s all about me!’ From start to finish it ‘looks out for number one’, always wanting to be ‘first in line’. That’s the genetic make-up of our flesh. And it can’t be saved, sanctified, or spiritualised because ‘That which is born of the flesh is flesh…’ (John 3:6 NKJV) and nothing else. ‘The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should’ (Galatians 5:17 CEV). So how do you control your ‘flesh’?
1) Make a choice. ‘…Choose today whom you will serve…’ (Joshua 24:15 GWT). During the American Civil War thousands of Yankee and Confederate soldiers were killed by ‘friendly fire’. Why? Because they lacked uniforms that identified the side to which they belonged. Be clear about which side you’re on, and let those around you know it.
2) Cut the supply lines to the flesh. In war time, generals devote a lot of attention to blowing up bridges, highways and railways to deprive the enemy of the vital supplies they need to win. Your flesh can’t control you if you cut off its supply line. ‘…Don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires’ (Romans 13:14 NLT).
3) Maintain regular communication with base command. Even well-trained soldiers with the finest equipment and best officers can’t win when they’re cut off from base command. So stay in touch: ‘Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion…’ (Ephesians 6:18 NLT).
written by Bob Gass
‘…Make no provision for the flesh...’
Romans 13:14
The attack from the flesh. Your most vulnerable point is your ‘flesh’, which drives you to do your own thing. Its motto is ‘It’s all about me!’ From start to finish it ‘looks out for number one’, always wanting to be ‘first in line’. That’s the genetic make-up of our flesh. And it can’t be saved, sanctified, or spiritualised because ‘That which is born of the flesh is flesh…’ (John 3:6 NKJV) and nothing else. ‘The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should’ (Galatians 5:17 CEV). So how do you control your ‘flesh’?
1) Make a choice. ‘…Choose today whom you will serve…’ (Joshua 24:15 GWT). During the American Civil War thousands of Yankee and Confederate soldiers were killed by ‘friendly fire’. Why? Because they lacked uniforms that identified the side to which they belonged. Be clear about which side you’re on, and let those around you know it.
2) Cut the supply lines to the flesh. In war time, generals devote a lot of attention to blowing up bridges, highways and railways to deprive the enemy of the vital supplies they need to win. Your flesh can’t control you if you cut off its supply line. ‘…Don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires’ (Romans 13:14 NLT).
3) Maintain regular communication with base command. Even well-trained soldiers with the finest equipment and best officers can’t win when they’re cut off from base command. So stay in touch: ‘Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion…’ (Ephesians 6:18 NLT).
written by Bob Gass
