October 21, 2025

UNDERSTANDING THE FLESH

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: Romans 8:7 KJV – “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”

WHAT IS THE FLESH? The flesh is not the physical body but the sinful nature inherited from Adam. It is the seat of lust, pride, anger, selfishness, and every desire that opposes God. The flesh always seeks to dominate man’s spirit, pushing him to disobey God. Paul describes the struggle clearly: “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh” (Galatians 5:17). Until the flesh is crucified, a believer cannot fully please God.

THE DECEPTION OF THE FLESH: I was talking with a daughter of mine one day, and she said to me, no believer should underrate the power of the flesh. I said in my mind, thank God for giving me wise children to lead to Him. Every wise and heavenly conscious believer should have that in his or her mind. Beloved in Christ, the flesh always promises satisfaction but produces emptiness. It makes man desire the temporary things of the world over eternal things of God. A carnal Christian cannot grow because the flesh keeps dragging him back into sin. This is why many struggle with prayer, holiness, and obedience—because the flesh resists everything spiritual. When the flesh is not subdued, it will open the door to sin again and again.

THE END OF THE FLESH: The flesh cannot be reformed or improved; it must be crucified with Christ. To pamper the flesh is to allow the enemy a foothold in your life. Romans 8:13 says, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” This means every believer must daily die to self, denying worldly desires, and choosing the way of the Spirit. Without this, the flesh will ruin a man’s destiny.

PRAYER:

Lord, help me to crucify my flesh daily and not allow it to rule over me. Give me the strength to walk in the Spirit, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

REFLECTION:

Galatians 5:19 KJV – “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness…”