FLESHY INFLUENCE!

Genesis 3:1-7 NLT

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, "Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?" [2] "Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden," the woman replied. [3] "It's only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, 'You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.'" [4] "You won't die!" the serpent replied to the woman. [5] "God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil." [6] The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. [7] At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.


Influence! There are all kinds of influence, not manipulation, good and honest influence, even when negative, is still impactful. The flesh is as influential as everything else. In chapter two, verse 17, the Lord gave strict instructions of what not to do, but the serpent was cunning enough to influence Eve’s flesh, the carnal mind, to do what was forbidden. Galatians 6:8 says, "the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." Romans 8:13 says, "if we live according to the flesh, we will die; but if by the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body, we will live." This suggests that one must reject sinful behaviors and live in accordance with the Holy Spirit's guidance, not allowing the flesh to influence our actions.

What is influencing you? The Spirit of God or the flesh, your carnal mind? Temptation comes from the lust of the flesh or sin that appeals to the carnal and physical appetites. It is the intense human desire to do what God has commanded us not to do, as we see with Adam and Eve and every other human. But Romans 8:12 says we mustn’t be debtors to the flesh, that is, not to allow the flesh to influence and rule the spirit. Flesh must die, crucified and subjected to the Spirit of God as stated in Colossians 3:5. Killing the flesh is to overcome sinful desires and live according to spiritual values.

Remember that Eve, not Adam, was the one deceived. But why? The flesh! That is, Adam’s flesh. Eve was taken from Adam—in Genesis 2:23, “the bones of Adam’s bone and flesh of Adam’s flesh.” We can say Adam was too young, immature, or inexperienced to handle his flesh—remember, he was just newly formed and had no measure of what to do. This meant that he didn’t know how to subject his flesh to the Spirit of God or that he even needed to do so. Man’s spirit is transient in nature as explained in Ecclesiastes 12:7; man’s spirit is subject to God and, by implication, the flesh is subject to the appetites of the mind. Adam wasn’t deceived as 1 Timothy 2:14 states; unfortunately, he had not mastered his flesh like many of us today, and his flesh led him into sin because the flesh beguiled her and she yielded to the deception of the flesh.

Who rules in your world, mind, and heart? The Spirit of God or your flesh? We must put the flesh to death if we want the Spirit of God to rule and lead us where and how He desires. Putting the flesh to death, in essence, is transforming one's life by prioritizing spiritual growth and moral integrity over earthly desires. Galatians 5:24 says, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." This means that we must put sinful desires to death in order to live a life that aligns with Christian values. The flesh rises up always, and like Adam and Eve, we either succumb or subdue the flesh—exercising our free will without the word and Spirit of God is detrimental to overcoming temptations and fleshly influence.

Overcoming temptation is a common struggle, and different strategies work for different people. We must first identify triggers and understand what situations or emotions lead to temptation to help us avoid or manage them more effectively. Then take to prayer as Matthew 26:41 instructs. Pray for strength and guidance to resist temptation. The Bible offers solutions for every eventuality, so making Bible reading habitual and meditating on the scriptures can help fortify our resolve. Having someone to hold us accountable is a huge help in avoiding and overcoming temptations. Sharing our struggles with a trusted friend or spiritual mentor can provide support and encouragement. Don’t be influenced by the flesh!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to net be led into temptation and never to give room to my flesh to rule me in Jesus’ name, amen.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/womenoflight/episodes/FLESHY-INFLUENCE-e2u7q8u

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