The Flesh
The Bible defines 'flesh' as both the physical body and the lust of man's flesh, driven by desires and lusts.
Watchman Nee explores the concept of 'flesh' in the Bible, distinguishing between the physical body and the psychological desires that arise from it. He emphasizes that the term 'flesh' encompasses both our physical form and the various lusts associated with our senses, such as the desire for beauty, gratification, and sensory pleasures. Nee highlights the importance of understanding these desires as they can lead us away from spiritual fulfillment. By recognizing the dual nature of flesh, believers can better navigate their spiritual journey and resist temptations. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper awareness of how our physical and psychological desires influence our relationship with God.
Text
The word flesh is used in many different ways in the Bible. Here we will mention only its two most important uses. First, it is used in reference to man's flesh. Second, it is used in reference to the lust of man's flesh. When it refers to the flesh, it means the physical body. When it refers to lust, it means the psychological flesh. What is the lust of man's flesh? The human body has five senses. These five senses have their desires. The eyes desire beauty. The sense of touch desires gratification. The "itching ear" desires sensuous sounds. The mouth desires titillating tastes. The nose desires exotic aromas. There are many other desires. Because these lusts are of the flesh, they are also called the flesh.
Sermon Outline
- I. Definition of Flesh
- A. Physical body
- B. Psychological flesh (lust)
- II. The Lust of Man's Flesh
- A. Desires of the five senses
- B. Eyes desire beauty
- C. Sense of touch desires gratification
- D. 'Itching ear' desires sensuous sounds
- E. Mouth desires titillating tastes
- F. Nose desires exotic aromas
Key Quotes
“The human body has five senses. These five senses have their desires.” — Watchman Nee
“The eyes desire beauty. The sense of touch desires gratification. The 'itching ear' desires sensuous sounds. The mouth desires titillating tastes. The nose desires exotic aromas.” — Watchman Nee
Application Points
- Recognize the desires of the flesh and their impact on your life.
- Understand that the lust of man's flesh is a product of the human body's five senses.
- Seek to live a life that is not controlled by the desires of the flesh.