The Struggle of the Flesh
The flesh, a carry-over from our old life of sin, must be completely replaced by our continual transformation toward Christlikeness.
Charles Stanley delves into the concept of 'the flesh' in the Christian life, explaining that it goes beyond just the physical body to include deep-seated desires from the old life of sin. He contrasts the destructive consequences of living by the flesh, such as immorality and anger, with the rich spiritual fruit produced by a life led by the Holy Spirit, like love, joy, and self-control. Stanley emphasizes the need for continual transformation towards Christlikeness, acknowledging that our flesh cannot be disciplined or improved but must be replaced by focusing on becoming more like Jesus each day.
Text
Galatians 5:16-26
One of the most misunderstood concepts in the Christian life is the idea of "the flesh." Exactly what is it? How do we respond to it? Does it refer to just our bodies, or is there a deeper meaning?
Today's passage presents in a painfully honest way the results of living by the flesh. These include immorality, impurity, idolatry, anger, strife, dissensions, and other destructive consequences.
In contrast, a life moved and motivated by the Holy Spirit produces rich, ripe spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these two lifestyles sounds more rewarding?
Many people, while desiring the higher, spiritually-minded life, fall to fleshly sin time after time. They may cry, "I can't help it! My body is working against me!" But when we speak of "the flesh," we are not simply referring to the physical body. Rather, the term points to something deep inside, a carry-over from the old life of sin that was replaced by God's Spirit at the moment of salvation. Therefore, "flesh" refers to the inherent, residual desires that lead to ungodly ways.
Your flesh cannot be disciplined, changed, or improved. Instead, it must be completely replaced by your continual transformation toward Christlikeness. Ask the Lord every day to make you more and more like Jesus. As He becomes a stronger and stronger foundation of your life, your eyes will begin to move away from yourself and toward your true focus: your heavenly Father.
Sermon Outline
- The Misunderstood Concept of the Flesh
- The Contrast: Living by the Holy Spirit
- Breaking Free from Fleshly Sin
- The Flesh Cannot be Disciplined
- The Need for Transformation
- Focusing on Christlikeness
Key Quotes
“Your flesh cannot be disciplined, changed, or improved. Instead, it must be completely replaced by your continual transformation toward Christlikeness.” — Charles Stanley
“Ask the Lord every day to make you more and more like Jesus.” — Charles Stanley
“As He becomes a stronger and stronger foundation of your life, your eyes will begin to move away from yourself and toward your true focus: your heavenly Father.” — Charles Stanley
Application Points
- We must ask the Lord every day to make us more and more like Jesus.
- Our focus should be on our transformation toward Christlikeness, not on trying to discipline or improve our flesh.
- As we focus on our heavenly Father, our eyes will begin to move away from ourselves and toward our true focus.