the flesh

The Battle Is Real

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10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. – Ephesians 6:10-18a ESV

Having just addressed the topic of godly submission by illustrating its impact and influence across three different relationship settings, Paul now makes a somewhat jarring shift in thought to spiritual warfare. But upon closer examination, it seems clear that Paul is simply continuing the same thought he began when he called them to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which they had been called.

For two chapters, Paul has emphasized the need for believers to live out their faith in everyday life. He has called them to put off their old selves and to be renewed in the spirit of their minds. They are to put on their new natures, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). They are to walk in love, as children of light, and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, willingly sacrificing their rights and selflessly loving others as Christ has loved them.

But this was not going to be easy and would not come naturally. Paul knew that their old sin natures, their flesh, would fight them every step of the way. Their natural inclination would be to lord over one another, not submit. They would be prone to pride and self-exaltation rather than humility and selfless service. Submitting to those who don’t deserve it or loving those who don’t appreciate it is not easy. To make matters worse, Paul knew that believers have an enemy at work behind the scenes, making our walk of faith as difficult as possible.

He was keenly aware of the invisible spiritual battle taking place, to which most Christians remain oblivious. What Paul is asking us to do is impossible to pull off in our own strength; we are not equipped for it. Our human nature, apart from God’s help, is not suited for spiritual warfare. We are like the man who brings a knife to a gunfight. So Paul tells us to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10 ESV).

Earlier in this letter, Paul told the Ephesian believers that he prayed for them regularly, asking that God would strengthen them “with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy” (Ephesians 3:16 ESV). He prayed the same thing for the believers in Colossae:

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. – Colossians 1:11 ESV

When Paul called the believers in Ephesus to “be imitators of God” and to “walk in love as Christ has loved us” (Ephesians 5:1), he knew he was asking the impossible, but not if they did it in God’s strength. Their insufficiency should drive them to rely upon God’s all-sufficiency. The impossibility of the task should increase their reliance upon God. The life to which God called them was possible only through the power He had graciously provided, and that same power is available to us today.

Paul calls it the whole armor of God. Notice he refers to it as the whole or complete armor. We can’t afford to be selective or picky about it. Not a single piece of the armor is to be left out or left behind. It is only as we are wholly equipped that we will “be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11 ESV). God has provided all the armor we need for the battle, but we need to put it on. And we must always keep in mind that his “armor” is spiritual in nature because “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT).

Twice, Paul tells his readers to put on “the whole armor of God.” He is not providing them with a menu of optional items to choose from. They were not to decide which piece of God’s divine equipment they were interested in utilizing. But that is exactly the way many of us, as Christians, approach this passage. Whether we intend to or not, we jeopardize our spiritual well-being by self-selecting the armor of God we want to put on. But Paul would have us understand that when it comes to the armor of God, it’s all or nothing.

And Paul would have us understand that our battle is not against other people. Our enemies are not those on the left or the right, they are not liberals or conservatives, Muslims or atheists, the irreligious or the immoral. Paul reminds us we are fighting “against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT). Pul is not trying to intimidate or scare them; he is attempting to motivate them. He also wants them to understand that everything happening around them was an orchestrated effort on the part of the enemy of God to subvert His will and supplant His authority. Satan stands opposed to all that is godly, and that includes every single believer. As Jesus Himself warned, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10 ESV).

So Paul provides the stratagem for facing this formidable foe.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. – Ephesians 6:13 NLT

Notice that Paul says “to resist,” not defeat. Our job is not to destroy Satan, but to resist His efforts to destroy us. James provides invaluable insight into how this all works.

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7 NLT

Humility before God comes before resistance to Satan. Acknowledgment of your need for God’s strength must precede any attempt to withstand the enemy’s attack. So many of us fail as Christians because we refuse to put on the whole armor of God. God has provided all that we need; our arsenal is complete, and each piece is designed to work in concert with every other. These are spiritual tools designed to fight a spiritual battle. Paul told the Corinthian church, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV).

We live in evil days, and we have a formidable enemy whose mission is to destroy us. We still have our old sin-prone nature that is weak and worthless when it comes to resisting a spiritual enemy. But we have not been left defenseless or devoid of help. Our gracious, all-powerful God has equipped us with the tools we need to do battle with the enemy, and He has given us the indwelling presence of His Spirit to fight alongside us.

Like Paul, we need to recognize our own insufficiency, the enemy’s potency, and God’s gracious provision for our security.

So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT

Father, most of us would admit that the battle is real, but we tend to think it is being fought on a physical level. In our minds, the enemy takes the form of an opposing political party or idealogy. We see unbelievers as the ones who are waging war against us, making the world an immoral and unpleasant place to live. But Paul reminds us that our battle is spiritual in nature and our real enemy is not of this world. Yet, from our earth-bound  vantage point, it is difficult for us to see behind the curtain and grasp the reality of the epic battle going on in “the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12 ESV). But unless we recognize that the battle is a spiritual one, we won’t recognize our need for spiritual assistance and we’ll end up focusing all our energies on the wrong enemy. Open our eyes to see the reality of what Paul is describing. Help us understand the gravity of the situation and our need for divine assistance. If we don’t think the battle is real, we will find ourselves unarmed and ill-prepared for the enemy’s attack. If we think the war is being fought in the physical realm, we will see other people as our adveraries, rather than Satan. Don’t let us minimize the threat, mistake our foe, neglect our armor, or run from the battle. Help us stand against the schemes of the enemy, not in our strength, but in Yours, equipped with Your weapons and empowered by Your Spirit. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Walk the Talk

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15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. – Ephesians 5:15-21 ESV

Once again, Paul brings up the issue of the believer’s walk or how they conduct their life. He has already told his readers “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1 ESV). He has warned them, “You must longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds” (Ephesians 4:17 ESV). In verse one of this chapter, he wrote, “walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:1 ESV). And then he gave his readers yet one more admonition: “Walk as children of the light (for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true)” (Ephesians 5:8-9 ESV).

Now, in verse 15, he provides yet one more word about the daily conduct of believers.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time. – Ephesians 5:15 ESV

Paul had a strong conviction that a believer’s belief and behavior were to be inseparable. Faith in Christ was to have a direct impact on every area of life, including the believer’s attitudes and actions. A Christian’s walk and words were to reflect his new nature. But it is interesting to note that the verses above are all imperatives.

Walk in a manner worthy of the calling.

Walk not as the Gentiles do.

Walk in love.

Walk as children of the light.

Walk not as the unwise.

These are commands, not suggestions, and they require forethought and proper consideration. If you want them to be part of your life, you must think about them and plan for them. Like all the commands in Scripture, they are non-optional, yet not always obeyed. We can choose to ignore each of these commands. That is why Paul was so emphatic. He begged his readers not to act thoughtlessly, and he put it in very blunt terms: “Do not be foolish” (Ephesians 5:17 ESV).

To “be foolish” was to act without reason or reflection; to act rashly, without forethought or proper consideration. Living the Christian life requires a bit of brainpower and intellectual capacity. We have to think about what we are doing, and that requires planning and deliberation. In verse 10, Paul wrote, “Carefully determine what pleases the Lord” (Ephesians 5:10 NLT). That requires thought and consideration. You must stop and consider the deed before you commit to doing it. In his letter to the believers in Rome, Paul provided them with a key to making this happen.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. – Romans 12:2 NLT

God wants to redeem our thought lives so that we think as He does. But that requires knowing His will or what He would have us do. Which is why Paul said, “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do” (Ephesians 5:17 NLT). And just in case his readers couldn’t follow his train of thought, Paul gave them a real-life example.

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. – Ephesians 5:18a NLT

Think about it; what good ever comes from getting drunk? Who has ever been proud of their behavior after a night of heavy drinking? Paul suggests that it would be wiser and more beneficial to “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18b NLT). It should be obvious that when Paul compares being drunk with wine with being filled with the Spirit, he is talking about control. When one is inebriated, they are under the control of alcohol because it determines their behavior. It causes them to do and say things that are out of character.

To be filled with the Spirit is to choose to let Him dictate and determine your behavior. There is a big difference between being indwelt by the Spirit and filled by the Spirit. Every believer receives the Holy Spirit at the point of salvation. But while we have all of the Spirit all of the time, we are not always “filled” or controlled by the Spirit. We can choose to ignore Him. We can determine to disobey Him. But when we are filled with the Holy Spirit and under His control, our behavior will give evidence. Paul provides a glimpse of what that should look like.

Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:18-20 NLT

Earlier, Paul warned, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Ephesians 4:30 ESV). We grieve the Spirit when we choose to live our lives apart from His power and without His guidance. When we do so, we rob Him of His primary role in our lives. He exists to assist us as we navigate this fallen world, but when we refuse to live under His control, we deny Him the joy of producing His fruit through us. We end up quenching His fruit-bearing power and produce “bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander” instead (Ephesians 4:31 ESV). The Spirit longs to make us kind, tenderhearted, forgiving, thankful, and submissive to one another, but He will not force His will on us. It is a choice we must make. That is why Paul says, “Be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18 NLT).

It is God’s will that we be filled. That is the whole reason He provided the Holy Spirit in the first place. In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul wrote, “For this is God’s will: that you become holy” (1 Thessalonians 4:4 NET). But holiness is unachievable without the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness of sins is great, but even an absence of sin does not make someone righteous or holy. God’s intention is to transform us from unrighteous to righteous, from unholy to holy. His ultimate goal is our glorification, when we will be set free from all sin and made perfectly righteous.

It is essential that we stop and consider what God is doing in our lives. We must constantly question why we would choose to do anything that is contrary to His will for our lives. He desires for us to be holy, so why would we do anything that prevents that from happening? That is why Paul tells us, “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do” (Ephesians 5:17 NLT). We must think before we act.

Father, sometimes I fail to think about what You are doing in my life. It is so easy to take my salvation for granted and rest on the promise of my forgiveness and the hope of eternal life. But You are in the transformation business and Your Spirit is constantly working on my life so that my Christlikeness increases with each passing day. But this is a process I must willfully choose to participate in. That means I must think about it and actively pursue those things that please You, instead of me. You have said that we are to be holy as You are holy. That is a call for us to live set-apart lives that reflect Your character and differentiate us from the rest of the world. But again, that is not something that comes naturally, even after salvation. Without the Spirit’s help, I will always gravitate to my old sinful habits. I will do what pleases me and model my life after this world. But thank You for providing the Holy Spirit who never leaves me and never gives up on me. Without Him, my pursuit of holiness would be hopeless. But with His help, I am becoming more like Christ. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Citizens of Another Kingdom

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12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 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. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. – Romans 8:12-17 ESV

If you are a child of God, you owe Him, not that you could ever pay Him back for what He has done for you, but you should live with a deep and lasting awareness of your indebtedness to Him. He sacrificed His Son on the cross so that you might have life.

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. – 1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT

Those of us who are in Christ owe God our lives, literally. Our debt to sin was paid in full on the cross. God’s righteous judgment was satisfied by the death of His own sinless Son. As a result, we are free to reject the demands of our sinful flesh. We can say no to the sin-stained desires that constantly tempt us to rebel against the will of God, but only with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Paul makes it clear that it is “by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body” (Romans 8:13 ESV).

The Spirit is the one who gives us the strength to live righteously, even though our sinful natures are alive and well within us. We are now sons and daughters of God who have the Spirit of God living inside of us. While this new reality is difficult for us to comprehend, it is essential for us to believe by faith, because it is the key to our victory over sin in this life.

Jesus died to pay for our sins, and the Spirit lives within us to give us power over sin. Sin can no longer condemn us, but it can distract and defeat us. Which is why Paul emphatically states that we are no longer on our own when it comes to dealing with sin. We are sons and daughters of God, and we are led by the Spirit of God. And the very fact that we have the Spirit within us, convicting, encouraging, and guiding us, is proof of our new relationship with God.

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. – Romans 8:16 ESV

When we experience conviction over sin, that is the Spirit at work within us. When we read the Word of God and hear Him speak to us, that is the result of the indwelling Spirit of God. Any time we find ourselves exhibiting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, that is the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, and that fruit reveals that we belong to God. We are His children, adopted into His family and rightful heirs to all that belongs to Him. And while that may be hard for us to grasp, it is vitally important if we are ever going to experience the kind of abundant life that Jesus promised us.

Paul wants us to think about our future inheritance, rather than dwell on the temporary pleasures that our sinful flesh tends to obsess over. We are heirs of God, and He has something incredible in store for us that is not of this world. The apostle Peter found the very thought of it worthy of praise to God.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. – 1 Peter 1:3-4 NLT

But there is another aspect to our inheritance. As fellow heirs with Christ, we share in the reality of our future glorification. Just as He received a new glorified body and was reunited with His Father in heaven, so will we. But during this life, we also share in His suffering. As the Son of God, He suffered on this earth. He was ridiculed and rejected by men. He was misunderstood and falsely accused. His message of salvation was dismissed, and His claims of deity were denied. Ultimately, He suffered a humiliating and excruciating death on the cross. So as children of God, we are “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (Romans 8:17 ESV).

We experience suffering in this life because we are not of this world; we no longer belong here. In fact, Paul emphasized to the believers in Colossae that their faith in Christ transferred their citizenship from earth to heaven.

He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. – Colossians 1:12-14 NLT

Peter referred to Christ-followers as “temporary residents and foreigners” and urged them to “keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls” (1 Peter 2:11 NLT). Our new identity and status as sons and daughters of God put us at odds with this world and the prince of this world. As believers, we face a triad of opposition to our newfound status as citizens of heaven: The world, the flesh, and the devil.

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. – 1 John 2:16 NLT

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. – Ephesians 2:1-3 NLT

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. – 1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT

“The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” – John 15:19 NLT

Jesus warned us that the world would hate us because it hated Him. And His words have proven painfully true. This world is not our friend, and the more we live out our new identity as children of God, the more animosity we will experience from this world. Just prior to His death, Jesus told His disciples, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).

And Paul will close out this chapter with his own words of encouragement.

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. – Romans 8:37-38 ESV

Father, You knew how difficult it would be for us to live in this world and not be influenced by it; that’s why You gave us the Holy Spirit. You provided us with the power we would need to live as temporary residents in this alien and often hostile landscape. Yet, we find it so easy to acclimate to and associate with this world, compromising our convictions and allowing our sinful natures to seek temporary pleasures over the eternal treasures You have waiting for us. As Your children, we have so much to be grateful for, but we tend to think that this world has more to offer us. I’m reminded of what the author of Hebrews said about Moses: “He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25 NLT). That is how I want to live my life, eschewing the fleeting pleasures of sin for the eternal treasure of eternal life. Continue to remind me of my identity as a citizen of heaven. Holy Spirit, keep me focused on the reality of my future glorification. That is the goal, so that needs to be my hope. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.22

The Prescription for What Ails Us

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1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For 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. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. – Romans 8:1-7 ESV

Back in Chapter 3, Paul shared the sobering news that “by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20 ESV). No one can be made right with God through adherence to the law. Why? Because the law is only equipped to reveal God’s holy requirements, it has no power to help us keep them. Knowledge of His righteous demands does not produce righteousness; obedience does. So, the law delineates God’s expectations, but our sinful natures cause us to break those very requirements.

In Chapter 7, Paul shared his personal experience with attempting to keep the law.

I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of coveting. – Romans 7:7-8 ESV

It is impossible for anyone to be justified in God’s eyes by adherence to His law because He demands perfect obedience. James clarified God’s expectation of perfection when he wrote, “the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws” (James 2:10 NLT). And while it may appear to be unjust for God to place such an impossible and unachievable standard on His people, Paul reveals that God always had a solution in mind.

But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. – Romans 3:21-22 NLT

From Chapter 3 through Chapter 7, Paul defends justification by faith. His goal is to eliminate the burden of condemnation that law-keeping produces. Trying to live up to God’s laws through sheer willpower will never produce righteousness; it can only condemn us for having fallen short of the mark. As Paul stated in Chapter 3, “everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23 NLT). The law was designed to reveal man’s sinfulness and his need for a Savior.

For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. – Romans 3:20 NLT

In Chapter 8, Paul starts off by saying, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 ESV). God has provided a way for men to be restored to a right relationship with Him that does not require law-keeping. Those who place their faith in Christ are justified by His righteousness, not their own. They are made right with God because of what Jesus has done on their behalf. He died on their behalf as a payment for the sin debt they owed. He gave His sinless life in their place so that they might receive eternal life rather than the condemnation of death they deserved. By placing their faith in what Jesus has done for them, they cease placing their faith in what they can do for themselves. Faith replaces works. 

At the point of salvation, a new law is at work in their lives. Paul describes it as “the law of the Spirit of life” (Romans 8:2 ESV). When we hear the word “law,” we tend to think in terms of restrictions and binding requirements that keep us from doing what we want to do. But the Greek word Paul uses is nómos, which carries a much broader, less oppressive meaning. According to Strong’s Concordance, it is derived from the Greek word “νέμω némō (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage).”

In other words, it is more prescriptive than restrictive. The Mosaic law had benefits; it provided God’s directions for life and His prescribed way of living in unbroken fellowship with Him. In the 23rd Psalm, David describes this prescriptive nature of God’s law.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
   He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
   He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake. – Psalm 23:1-3 ESV

Through the law, God guided, directed, and protected His people. But the law’s power was weakened by man’s flesh or sin nature. Man was unable to keep God’s law willingly and obediently.

So when Paul speaks of “the law of the Spirit of life,” he is telling us that God has provided us with a new way to live in fellowship with Him.

…the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. – Romans 8:2-4 NLT

The key is found in verse 5. We must “live according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:5 ESV).  As believers, we are to live our lives in obedience to and dependence upon the Spirit of God, not the flesh. The Spirit is the nómos or prescribed way God has provided for us so that we might live in fellowship with and obedience to Him. God placed His Spirit within us because our spirit (flesh) is weak and incapable of keeping His law.

Paul vividly contrasts the choice that lies before God’s children every day.

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. – Romans 8:5-8 NLT

Our sinful nature is alive and active, but we are no longer enslaved to it. We have been set free from its control by the indwelling Spirit of God, who provides us with direction for living a God-honoring life and the power to accomplish it. But we must choose to live under His control instead of our own. We must submit to His leadership, and desire what He desires and long for those things that He has determined as best for us.

But in his letter to the Galatian believers, Paul reminds us of the constant battle going on within us.

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other… – Galatians 5:17 NLT

If we try to please God through our flesh, we will fail. But if we live our lives in dependence upon the Spirit of God, His prescribed means for living a godly life, we will experience life, peace, joy, contentment, and the ongoing transformation of our lives into the likeness of Christ.

Father, thank You for providing Your Son to serve as the sinless sacrifice for me. And thank You for providing Your Spirit to take up residence in me, so that I might have the power to live in keeping with Your will. You knew my flesh was weak, so You provided a workaround. You sent Your Son to pay my sin debt and Your Spirit to fill the power vacuum in my life. As Peter put it, You have “given us everything we need for living a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3 NLT). My sin no longer condemns me because I stand as righteous in Your eyes, covered by the righteousness of Christ and filled with Your Holy Spirit. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.22

Hope For the Lawless

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21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. – Romans 7:21-25 ESV

Up to this point in his letter, Paul has mentioned six different laws at work in the lives of those to whom he was writing. There was the law of Moses, which God had given to the people of Israel, and which could only expose and condemn sin. There was also the law as a principle, apart from the law of Moses, which equips all men with an awareness of right and wrong. Paul also included the law of faith, which operates apart from any acts of self-righteousness. There is the law of the mind, which agrees with the law of Moses, but is incapable of obeying it because of the law of sin. The law of sin, yet another law, is always victorious over the law of the mind. Then, finally, there is the law of the Spirit, which provides the believer with victory over the law of sin that resides in his body and allows him to live obediently to the law of Moses.

In verse 21, Paul says that when he wants to do what is right, the temptation to do evil is always there in his mind. He calls this a law. He is most likely referring to the law of the mind, which is aware of God’s holy expectations, but always susceptible to the desires of the flesh or the law of sin. He says, “I delight in the law of God (the Mosaic law) in my inner being (in his mind)”, but he sadly confesses, “I see in my members (his body) another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members” (Romans 7:23 ESV).

The dilemma Paul presents is one that all believers face every day. We know in our minds what God expects of us, and we want to do what is right, but the law of sin exists in our bodies. We have our sinful natures that remain alive and active in our earthly bodies. And as Paul says in Galatians, our sinful natures do battle daily with the Spirit who lives within us. It is a battle for control.

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. – Galatians 5:17 NLT

It is interesting to note that the Greek word Paul repeatedly uses for “law” is nomos, and, according to Strong’s Concordance, it is derived from another Greek word, némō, which means “to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals.” Nomos came to mean, “anything received by usage, a custom, a law, a command.”

So the law of the Spirit requires usage. God has given the Spirit to us to be utilized, like a shepherd providing food to grazing animals. Unless they eat what is provided, they miss out on the intended benefits. Paul paints a picture of what daily life is like for the believer. We have active sin natures that stand opposed to the Spirit’s role in our lives. The law of our minds tells us what we need to do, but in our own strength, we lack the moral fortitude to obey. In that sad condition, we are forced to echo Paul’s cry, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24 ESV).

The law of the mind is no match for the law of sin. The mind’s desire to do what is right cannot repel the body’s desire to sin; any victories we enjoy will be short-lived. That is why self-righteousness does not work. It’s also why we need the law of the Spirit. He is the key to our deliverance from this body of death, and He was provided to us through Jesus Christ. But we must make use of His presence and power. The principle or law of the indwelling Spirit of God is only effective when we submit to His authority in our lives. Which is why Paul reminds us to allow the Spirit to control our lives.,

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. – Galatians 5:16-18 NLT

There are many laws at work, but only the law of the Spirit can equip us to live Christ-like lives in the midst of a sinful world and despite our indwelling sin natures. We must learn to live in obedience to His promptings, submitting our will to His and relying on His power rather than our own.

In the very next chapter, Paul tells us we are to “walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:4 ESV). We are not to conduct our lives according to the law of Moses, attempting to earn favor with God by keeping His holy commands. We are not to live according to the law of the mind, determining to do what we know to be right in our own strength, but constantly failing. We are also not to live according to the law of sin, simply giving in to our fleshly desires.

We are to live according to the law of faith, apart from any acts of self-righteousness, and we are to live according to the law of the Spirit, relying on His presence and power within us to produce His fruit through us.

Father, whether we want to admit it or not, we tend to like rules. Because we are made in Your image, we are wired to do Your will, and even non-believers have an innate desire to live according to a prescribed code of conduct. But our sinful natures cause us to reject the very rules we codify to regulate our behavior. Our flesh and our minds are in a constant state of war, vying for control of our lives. Like Paul, we end up crying out in despair, “when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong” (Romans 7:21 NLT). When we sin, it brings a momentary sense of pleasure, but then our minds convict us and the guilt sets in. It is a never-ending battle but one that has a source of victory through faith in Your Son. You have placed Your Spirit within the life of every believer, equipping them with the power they need to live in obedience to Your will. But we must submit to the Spirit’s guidance and allow Him to provide the power we need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3). Thank You for graciously providing the Spirit to serve as my helper and advocate. But please continue to patiently, lovinngly teach me to lean of the Spirit at all times. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.22

The Battle Within

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13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. – Romans 7:13-20 ESV

In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul had to address some pressing issues within their local fellowship. Like a loving father confronting his wayward children, Paul took them to task for their spiritual immaturity, which had led to some less-than-godly behavior.

Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ.  I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NLT

This passage is essential to understanding what appears to be Paul’s personal confession in Romans 7. There are those who would claim that Paul is speaking of his pre-conversion experience, but it seems that Paul is describing the condition all believers face every day. Even though we are set free from captivity to sin and death by Christ’s death on the cross, we still have our indwelling sin natures to deal with.

When Paul writes, “I am of the flesh,” he is saying that he still has his sarkikos or carnal nature. At salvation, we are not removed from these earthly bodies, and these earthly bodies are driven by earthly appetites. The Greek word Paul uses is sarkikos, and it refers to anyone who is “governed by mere human nature not by the Spirit of God” (Outline of Biblical Usage). To be governed by the flesh is to allow oneself to be controlled by one’s earthly appetites. It is the same Greek word that Paul used in his letter to the Corinthians. He wrote, “You are still sarkikos.” In other words, they were saved, but were conducting their lives as if they weren’t. Then he gave them examples of what being sarkikos looked like.

You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? – 1 Corinthians 3:3 NLT

Each believer maintains the capacity to live under the control of their sin nature or flesh. Yes, they have the Spirit of God living within them, but they must choose to live under His control or the control of their sinful nature (flesh). Paul makes this choice very clear in his letter to the believers in Galatia.

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. – Galatians 5:16-17 NLT

It is a matter of control. In his letter to the churches in Ephesus, Paul used an interesting comparison to illustrate what it means to be controlled by the Spirit.

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. – Ephesians 5:18 NLT

To be drunk with wine is to allow yourself to be under the influence of the alcohol in the wine. It alters your behavior, speech, and thought processes. You act in ways that are contrary to your normal behavior, and that is exactly what happens when you allow the Holy Spirit to fill or control you. It is not a matter of getting more of the Spirit; we receive all the Spirit we need at salvation. But it is a matter of allowing the Holy Spirit to have more of us.

The dilemma we face as believers is exactly what Paul described.

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. – Romans 7:18 ESV

Our flesh is sarkikos or unspiritual. But we are to live as spiritual creatures or new creations, because of Christ’s saving work and the Spirit’s presence within us. But our fleshly or sinful nature battles against our new spiritual nature. The flesh is of this earth; its appetites and desires are driven by the temporal things of this world. But we are no longer of this earth. We are citizens of heaven, which makes us aliens and strangers here. We are residents of God’s kingdom, which is not of this world. Even Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36 NLT).

As believers, we must realize that our flesh stands opposed to all that is godly. It is natural and of this world and does not desire anything that is of God. It is driven by selfish, sinful desires. That is why Paul says, “I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave” (1 Corinthians 9:27 NET). And he encourages us to “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5 NET).

We must live with a constant awareness of our sinful nature. We can never allow ourselves to be lulled into a sense of complacency or overconfidence, thinking we have gained complete mastery over our sinful natures. They are always there, ready to take back control of our lives as soon as we let our guard down. So we must live in constant awareness of our need for the Spirit’s control, because while we may have the desire to do what is right, we lack the ability to carry it out on our own.

Father, it is comforting to know that even the great Apostle Paul struggled with his fleshly desires. He was not an automaton and immune from the temptations of his own indwelliing sin nature. Yet, he was able to put to death the deeds of his flesh because of his reliance on Your Holy Spirit. As Peter said, You have given us everything we need for living a godly life (2 Peter 1:3). We have Your Word, the body of Christ, and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit at our disposal. So, there is no reason for us to give into the desires of our flesh — except that we want to. It is a choice we have to make everyday. I want to live increasingly more dependent upon You and under the control of the Spirit. Keep me in Your Word, surrounced by fellow believvers, and keenly aware of my need for the Spirit’s power, provision, and protection from Satan, the world, and my own flesh. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.22

Sin No Longer Has Dominion

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12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. – Romans 6:12-14 ESV

It seems obvious that Paul knew the power and reality of indwelling sin. He would not have told his readers, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body,” if the possibility of it happening had not existed. In verse 16, he writes, “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 ESV).

Each day, Christ-followers have the choice to give in to and be enslaved again by sin or to live in obedience to their God-given, Spirit-empowered new nature. The temptation to give in to sin is ever-present, and that’s why Paul warned his readers, “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desire” (Romans 6:12 NLT).

There is a conscious choice that must be made. We can present our bodies to sin as instruments for unrighteousness or to God as instruments for righteousness. We can allow our sin nature to determine our actions, or, through the power of the Holy Spirit, use our bodies as instruments of God’s will. These physical bodies in which we live are the means by which we can accomplish God’s work in this world. With these bodies, we can love others as Jesus commanded, or we can lust after one another. We can use these bodies to accomplish God’s will or to selfishly fulfill our own.

Following the natural inclination of our sinful nature can produce some very damaging and destructive fruit. In his letter to the churches in Galatia, Paul described the outcome of a life in which sin is allowed to reign. 

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. – Galatians 5:19-21 NLT

If you allow sin to dictate and dominate your behavior, you will end up obeying its passions and desires. Paul understood the power of “the flesh” and took steps to keep his physical body in check.

I discipline my body and keep it under control. – 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

Paul stresses that, as believers in Jesus Christ, we have died to sin; it was as if we were crucified alongside Christ.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. – Galatians 5:24 NLT

The sinful passions and desires that emanate from our sinful nature no longer have control over us. And yet, our physical bodies constantly tempt us to satisfy our basest instincts. We have to fight the constant cravings and desires that stand opposed to God’s will for us. Paul put it this way:

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other. – Galatians 5:17 NLT

But Paul also gives us the key to resisting the urges of our flesh:

…let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. – Galatians 5:16 NLT

We can choose to live under the Spirit’s control and influence, or we can allow our sin nature, working through our physical bodies, to dictate our behavior. That is why Paul so strongly encourages us to “put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world” (Colossians 3:5 NLT).

He warns us, “Run from sexual sin!” (1 Corinthians 6:18 NLT). He encourages us to “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT).

We belong to God. We have been purchased by the blood of His Son, and while these earthly bodies are temporary and will one day be replaced with new, redeemed bodies, we are obligated to use them for God’s service as long as we live on this earth.

At one time, Paul had used his earthly body to persecute Christians, throwing them into prison and even putting some of them to death. But once he was redeemed from his old way of life by placing his faith in Jesus, he radically reversed course. Having been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, Paul determined to make his body his slave and to use it for the glory of God and the good of His Kingdom. Rather than live as a captive to his body’s desires, he made his body his slave, using it to accomplish God’s will.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul made his sin-prone flesh an instrument for righteousness. And that is God’s call for all believers. He has not yet redeemed our physical bodies, but He wants to use them for our good and His glory. Paul describes our current condition in these terms:

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. – 2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT

Sin’s dominion or control over us takes place primarily through our physical bodies. It is with our bodies that we fulfill our sinful passions. We use our tongues to lie and deceive. We use our eyes to lust and covet. We use our bodies to commit immoral acts. We use our hands to steal. We use our feet to take us places that are against God’s will for us. We use our brains to think inappropriate thoughts and plan unrighteous acts.

But as gospel-transformed, Spirit-empowered believers, we have the capacity to use these fallen bodies as instruments of righteousness. We can use our hands to serve others. We can use our eyes to see needs and meet them. We can use our bodies to accomplish God’s will. We can use our tongues to encourage. We can use our feet to take the gospel across the street and around the world. Because sin no longer has dominion over us.

How great the chasm that lay between us
How high the mountain I could not climb
In desperation, I turned to heaven
And spoke Your name into the night
Then through the darkness, Your lovingkindness
Tore through the shadows of my soul
The work is finished, the end is written
Jesus Christ, my living hope

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope

“Living Hope”, Phil Wickman, Brian Johnson, Bethel Music Publishing, Phil Wickham Music, Simply Global Songs, and Sing My Songs (administered by Essential Music Publishing

Father, every day is a battle. I sense Your presence and I am aware of Your Spirit’s prompting in my life, but I still feel those constant urges to give in to my sinful flesh. Anger can come far too easily and quickly. Improper thoughts can manifest themselves at the blink of any eye. Jealousy, envy, coveteousness, greed, pride, and revenge jockey for prominence and dominance in my life. And yet, I enjoy regular time in Your Word and an increasing awareness of Your Spirit’s power and provision. The truth is, this life can be a roller-coaster existence of spiritual highs and lows. But, as Paul said, sin is no longer my master. I don’t have to give in to my basest desires or buy the lies of the enemy that tempt me to prioritize my will over Yours. That is the power of the gospel. I am a new creation, and I have a new capacity to live in keeping with Your will. Not in my own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, it’s a daily battle, but one that I am able to win because Jesus has conquered sin and death. He has not only made my new life possible, but highly achievable. And I have You to thank. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.22

The Weapon of Words in the War of Wills

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1 I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. – 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 ESV

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but Paul’s experience was just the opposite. His long-distance relationship with the Corinthians had created some significant leadership issues for him. While he had been away, various individuals had shown up who questioned his apostolic authority, accused him of being heavy-handed, painted him as a coward, and labeled him weak. A good portion of this letter contains Paul’s defense of his actions and authority. He felt compelled to defend himself because, ultimately, an attack on him was an attack on the very gospel he preached. He viewed the battle as a spiritual one. For Paul, this wasn’t just a case of one man’s opinion over another’s; it was about the integrity of the gospel.

Paul uses military terms to describe what was happening, and he indicates that the conflict was taking place behind the scenes in the spiritual realm. Those who were raising doubts about Paul’s integrity and undermining his ministry were actually being used by Satan himself to damage the cause of Christ. He makes it clear that the attacks against him demanded more than a “fleshly” response. He was human (of the flesh), but his actions were anything but fleshly (according to human means). He says, “We do not wage war according to human standards” (2 Corinthians 10:3b NLT). He wasn’t going to resort to human means to fight a spiritual battle. Manipulation, deceit, slander, lying, self-promotion, power-grabbing, and hypocrisy had no place in a battle that was spiritual in nature.

Yet, Paul’s enemies were waging war according to the flesh. They were using any means possible to tear down Paul and destroy his influence among the Corinthians. They spread rumors about him and raised questions about his integrity. They insinuated his lack of trustworthiness and flatly denied his apostleship. They accused him of timidity when he was among them, but of being arrogantly bold when he was writing his letters from a safe distance.

But Paul used a different fighting technique. He says, “The weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT). He knew the source of his enemies’ attacks, and it was none other than Satan. Paul was facing more than a war of words and wits. He describes the verbal attacks of his enemies as “arguments and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:5a NLT).

When these people attacked Paul and his ministry, they were really speaking against God Himself. These pawns of the enemy were causing people to doubt the reality of God and the veracity of His offer of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. The NET Bible translates verse five as, “we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.” Paul wasn’t going to let the false opinions and deceptive teachings of his enemies slide by. He was going to attack them and make them his captive, forcing them to surrender to the sovereignty and Lordship of Christ.

Paul was ready to come and clean house, but his primary concern was the Corinthians’ obedience to God’s will. Once that was taken care of, he would do business with the rebels in their midst, punishing their disobedience once and for all. Paul was anything but politically correct or tolerant. He did not operate on the notion that everyone is free to have their own opinion, at least not when it came to the gospel’s message. And since the gospel included man’s salvation, sanctification, and ultimate glorification, Paul was anything but tolerant of those who claimed to teach a different version of the gospel. He would not tolerate anyone who questioned his commission by Christ because there was too much at stake.

The phrase, “taking every thought captive,” has often been construed to mean that believers are to manage their thought lives. They are to think right thoughts and to control the inner workings of their minds. And while this is true, it would seem that Paul’s point has nothing to do with our thoughts, but with those of the enemies of God. We are to do battle with these false teachings and vain philosophies, taking them captive, like prisoners at the end of a victorious battle. We are to force those thoughts to submit to the Lordship of Christ, like captives kneeling before a conquering king. They have proven insufficient and inadequate to overthrow the King of kings and Lord of lords.

To stand for the truth, you must know it. If we are to do battle with the false teachings and the subtle lies of the enemy, it is essential that we know what the truth is. We can’t spot the counterfeit if we don’t know what the real thing looks like. Our familiarity with the truth enables us to recognize falsehood and stand against it. Our commitment to that truth motivates us to resist the lies, no matter what form they take.

Exposing the enemy’s lies is one of our primary functions as believers. Paul was at war, but he knew he was on the winning side. He was willing to go out swinging, never letting up or giving up, until the Lord called him home. Which is why he could write the following declaration of confidence to his young protegé, Timothy.

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:6-8 NLT

Father, I want to fight the good fight. But I know that means I have to know who my enemy is and what I am fighting for. We live in a confusing world that propogates lies and attempts to promote false versions of the truth. There are so many false gospels out there that offer alternative promises of hope but leave out the reality of sin and the need for a Savior. That was exactly what Paul was dealing with, and nothing has changed. Even among professing believers, there is an ongoing battle over what the truth is and how we are to live in a world where relativity and tolerance rule the day. We are in a spiritual war in which primary weapon of the enemy is words. In the garden, Satan got to Eve by saying, “Did God actually say?” (Genesis 3:1 ESV). By questioning the accuracy and reliability of Your words, he caused Eve to doubt Your authority, and, ultimately, Your goodness. Satan’s tactics have not changed, but his efforts have intensified. He is desperate to win the battle for the minds of men and will stop at nothing to obscure the truth of the gospel. Give me the strength and determination to stand for the truth to the bitter end. Don’t let me get distracted by the cares of this world. Don’t allow me to give up or grow weary. I want to stand for the truth until You call me home or Your Son returns. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Preferring Rights Over Righteousness

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1 When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? 2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! 4 So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, 6 but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? 7 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers! – 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 ESV

It seems that the believers in Corinth were having a difficult time grasping the significance of their new status as members of the body of Christ. The concept of having been set apart to God and separated from the world had not yet sunk in. They were still thinking like Greeks and as citizens of Rome. Their mindset was more worldly than godly. This was not an uncommon problem in the early church. In fact, in his letter to Titus, Paul gave him a much-needed reminder:

…we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. – Titus 2:12-14 NLT

Back in chapter three of this letter, Paul reprimanded the Corinthians for their propensity to live their lives from a worldly perspective.

…you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? – 1 Corinthians 3:3 NLT

It is unclear if Paul is laying down a hardline prohibition against Christians taking one another to court. But his point seems to be that the Corinthians were not approaching their problems from a spiritual perspective. First of all, the fact that they were having disputes among one another that would require legal action was unacceptable. It indicates that they were living in the flesh and not the Spirit.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul gave a lengthy, but far from complete, list of sins associated with living according to our sinful natures. In it, he included sexual immorality, lustful pleasures, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension,  and division. Virtually any lawsuit or legal claim entails one or more of these “deeds of the flesh.” Which is what led Paul to say to them, “Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?” (1 Corinthians 6:7 NLT).

Paul’s primary concern was the integrity of the body of Christ and the honor of God’s name. He is not making a sweeping accusation against the legal profession or courts of law. He simply desires that the believers in Corinth see their Christian faith as more than a label; it was to become a way of life. Their belief in Christ was to influence the way they conducted themselves within their local fellowship and before the eyes of a watching world.

Paul is also not naive enough to believe that disputes will never take place between believers. As long as we live in these earthly bodies, we will be prone to conflicts, even with fellow Christians. But there is a proper way in which we are to settle our disputes. That is why Paul asks, “Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues?” (1 Corinthians 6:5 NLT). For Paul, it made much more sense to settle disputes between believers and within the family of God. It was a matter of common sense. How could ungodly judges know what is best when deciding a dispute between godly believers? What makes legal sense is not necessarily what God would have us do. The right legal decision and the proper spiritual one are not always one and the same.

Remember what Paul said earlier in this very same letter.

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” – 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 NLT

The message of the cross is at the heart of Paul’s argument. The cross of Christ doesn’t just provide us with forgiveness from sin and escape from future condemnation; it provides us with the power to live godly lives in this world. It is a means of both positional and practical righteousness. However, none of that makes sense to those living in the world. While a secular judge may determine that a believer who owes a debt to a brother must pay it in full or face the full penalty of the law, God may require that both the debt and the brother be forgiven. God’s ways are not our ways. His judgments and application of justice will not always follow the legal code established by men.  Since “no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11 ESV), how can an unbelieving judge know what God’s will might be in a given situation?

Paul refers to the lawsuits they were filing as “trivial cases.” He is not suggesting that they were small matters or of little significance. He is simply saying that, in the grand scheme of things, earthly disputes are nothing to worry about. We are to live with a future orientation, fully aware that our ultimate reward is in heaven, where we will sit as judges over the nations. We will rule and reign with Christ, and all disputes, large and small, will be settled once and for all. The greatest dispute to be settled will be the debate over the sovereignty of God and the Lordship of Christ. Everyone who has refused to acknowledge God and accept Christ as Savior will be judged. And yet, here were the Corinthians wasting time and energy disputing with one another over “trivial cases,” and taking one another to court to settle insignificant issues that have no eternal value.

We have been set apart by God and have been given new natures. We have the Holy Spirit living within us and the Word of God to direct us. Our designation as Christians is more than a label; it is a description of our lifestyle. We are to live like Christ. We are to love like Christ. We are to model Christ in all that we do. Christ was willing to suffer so that we might live. He was willing to endure unjust accusations and an undeserved death sentence so that we might be saved. As Isaiah so poignantly put it:

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. – Isaiah 53:7-8 NLT

Father, we live in a culture that is fixated on justice. Yet, we don’t have a clue what that word even means. If You were to inact justice and pour out Your righteous anger on mankind, no one would be left standing, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Every one of us stands condemned and deserving of judgment, yet You provided a way for us to receive mercy, grace, and forgiveness through the seemingly unjust death of Your righteous and completely sinless Son. In the meantime, we fixate over the so-called injustices we suffer at the hands of others. We complain about the slights and mistreatments we have to endure, even from those who claim to be our brothers and sisters in Christ. We waste so much time worrying about our rights in this world and forget that we are citizens of a future Kingdom. Help me have the attitude that Paul expressed to Timothy. “I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10 NASB). Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Fruitfulness of Faith

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16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. – Galatians 5:16-26 ESV

Not only are we free to love others, but we are free to live under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit. But if we’re not careful, we are also free to live according to the desires of our own sinful flesh — our sin nature. It’s a choice. I can choose to let the Holy Spirit guide and direct my life, or I can give in to the constant cravings of my sinful nature. It’s not only a choice, but it’s also a daily battle. Paul puts the contentious nature of these two options on full display when he writes, “These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions” (Galatians 5:17b NLT).

The Holy Spirit directs us one way, while our sin nature prompts us to take an opposite and radically dangerous path. Allowing ourselves to get enslaved to the law only feeds our sin nature. Paul pointed out his own personal experience with this reality in Romans Chapter 7.

…it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.” But sin used this command to arouse all kinds of covetous desires within me! – Romans 7:7-8 NLT).

Paul asserts that the law tells us what we should not do, and then our sinful natures respond by tempting us to do those very things. It’s like telling a young child not to touch a hot stove; that “law” becomes the one thing they want to do. Their sin nature creates a desire for the very thing that has been denied or placed out of bounds.

Like Eve in the garden, we can’t seem to stay away from the one thing God has told us is off limits. When you attempt to live according to laws, decrees, rules, and standards, your sin nature will always resist, tempting you to break those rules or justify your decision to ignore them. When you try to keep God’s commands in your own strength, you will fail. But when you live empowered and guided by His Spirit, you will have all the strength you need and the motivation to do what needs to be done. The apostle Peter explains the life-transforming power that God has made available to every believer.

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. – 2 Peter 1:3-5 NLT

But again, we have a choice to make. We can choose to follow the desires of our sinful nature or rely on the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. They both produce unavoidable outcomes that stand in stark contrast to one another, and Paul provides a comprehensive list for both. Relying on our sin nature produces “sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these” (Galatians 5:19-21 NLT).

Notice the diverse nature of his list. He includes sexual immorality alongside jealousy. Drunkenness makes the list right there beside envy. All of these things, from the dramatic to the seemingly inconsequential, have one thing in common: they are focused on the self. They are self-centered and driven by selfish desires. This list contains destructive behaviors that are anything but conducive to community and selfless servanthood.

Attempting to live your life according to some set of standards or rules will feed your sin nature and produce an unhealthy and destructive list of “fruits.” You’ll end up comparing yourself with others. You’ll compete and attempt to outdo others in rule-keeping. You’ll justify your own insufficiencies and expose those of others. All of this will lead to division, dissension, quarreling, jealousy, anger, and more.

When we try to produce the fruit of the Spirit on our own, we end up with results that look nothing like what we were aiming for. Rather than producing love that is focused on others, we end up loving ourselves. In place of joy, we find ourselves displaying discontentment and dissatisfaction. Instead of producing patience, we become irritable, judgmental, and angry. Kindness gets replaced with pettiness and an overwhelming need to find fault in others so that we can feel better about ourselves. Goodness gets trumped by selfishness. Faithfulness manifests itself as unreliability and an unattractive penchant for self-promotion. Gentleness becomes harshness. And self-control goes out the window, as love of self takes over our lives, turning our attention inward rather than outward.

Only the Spirit of God can produce the fruit God is interested in; they cannot be self-produced. We are incapable of manufacturing any of them on our own. When we try, we only end up with cheap imitations that are like those knock-off perfumes you can buy at the local drug store. They may cost less, but they are nothing like the real thing. Paul encourages us to live by the Spirit, according to His power and not our own. Rather than living enslaved to the desires of our old sinful nature, we are free to live in the Spirit’s power, allowing Him to produce in and through us what we could never have done on our own.

The Spirit supernaturally produces in us what we could never have produced naturally. Just as with our salvation, this is the work of God, not our own self-effort. It is no longer about trying to live up to some set of standards, rules, or laws. It is not about trying to behave in such a way that somehow makes God happy and satisfied with us. There is no longer any need to compare ourselves with others or measure our righteousness based on some arbitrary standard that makes us look good.

Paul is emphasizing the fact that we must learn to recognize that our righteousness is the work of God from beginning to end. It is the fruit of His Spirit and not our flesh. It is made possible by the work of Christ, not anything we do or don’t do. That is why Paul so emphatically states, “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives” (Galatians 5:25 NLT).

Let’s live in His power and operate according to His agenda. Let’s seek His will, not our own. Let’s watch Him produce His fruit in us, rather than trying to produce it on our own. Paul encouraged the believers in Rome to place their hope for true life change in the power of the indwelling Spirit of God.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. – Romans 8:1-2 NLT

We are free to live in the power of the Spirit and to bear the fruit of the Spirit — for the good of others and not ourselves.

Father, I want to live increasingly in the power of Your Spirit. I want to say no to my sin nature and yes to Your Spirit’s leading. I desire to see His fruit produced in and through me. My attempts at fruitfulness always fall short and never produce what You’re looking for. My sin nature tends to make everything about ME. But I want to live for You. Continue to patiently show me how to live in Your power, according to Your will, and expressing Your love for others through my life. Amen.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.