“I’m a mystery to myself, for I want to do what is right, but end up doing what my moral instincts condemn.” ~ Romans 7:15 (TPT)
Paul’s frustration is something many of us can deeply relate to; that addiction or habit you swore you’d never return to, yet somehow you find yourself back at it.
The truth is, our human nature is inherently sinful. Its corrupt tendencies remind us why, as Christians, we must gain mastery over our flesh. No wonder Paul so often emphasized mortifying the flesh; dying daily to self and ruling over sinful desires.
Remember the warning God gave Cain in Genesis?
“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.” ~ Genesis 4:7 (AMPC). Cain ignored this warning, and it led to the murder of his brother Abel.
Like Cain, we too face sin, constantly lurking at the door of our hearts and only when we gain mastery over our flesh can we fully resist the enemy’s schemes.
Until we conquer the flesh, the doors of demonic oppression in our lives will remain wide open. Despite our prayer efforts, the only way to shut those doors is by gaining control over the flesh.
We are being called to a place of discipline and mastery, where our bodies do not dictate our actions, but the Spirit does. This is what it means to live a godly life.
So, how then do we mortify the flesh and master it?
- The Word of God
God’s Word is the antidote to the poison of the flesh. Speaking the Word, which carries life and power, reminds your mortal self who is truly Lord over it. Think of it as erasing a harmful virus and replacing it with healthy, life-giving truth. - Prayer
A praying believer is not easily preyed upon by the enemy. To starve the flesh is to feed the Spirit and feeding the Spirit cannot happen apart from prayer. - The Law of Genesis
It’s much easier to kill a lion when it’s still a cub. In the same way, don’t wait until a small habit grows into a full-blown addiction. Deal with it at the root, nip it in the bud at the first instance.
Another key ingredient is being intentional about your way of life. That entails what you watch, the music you listen to, the friends you keep, and the environments you allow yourself in. Avoid situations that can cause you to stumble.
And if you do fall, get back up and return to your place of prayer. Never let the accusing voice of condemnation keep you out! Go back to the one who can help you, and plead earnestly for His help and mercy.
Even while staying in God, you may encounter challenges that could lead you to backslide or hide from God in shame.
Brethren, don’t run away from God, don’t draw back. Drawing back is how the devil seeks to keep you in bondage, plunging you deeper into error.
Remember: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” So pick yourself up and run back to the One who created you. He alone can help you walk in victory over the flesh.
Like Paul said, after you’ve done everything to stand, STAND!
