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Mortifying the works of the flesh
Romans 8:11-13; Gal 5:16-26
To ‘mortify’ is to cause someone to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated.
To subdue the body or its needs and desires by self-denial or discipline. It also means to subjugate (to bring under control), or to put to death…
Right from the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, the typical man had become alienated from the life of God. Consequently, man doesn’t need to be taught how to sin, because the ‘adamic’ (sinful) nature is inherent in him.
The spirit and the flesh lust against each other.
Therefore, they that are in the flesh cannot please God. They can’t discern or understand spiritual things. The ways of God are hidden to them, because they always see them as foolishness.
The proceeds of the flesh can never glorify God. Friendliness with the world system is enmity against God.
The flesh is referred to as the corrupt, sinful nature, the old man, the world system, etc.
The works of the flesh include:
Adultery
Fornication
Uncleanness
Lasciviousness
Idolatry
Variance, etc
READ: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 15:50
For this reason, the Son of God is made manifest, that He may destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
How to mortify the works of the flesh?
1. Walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16)
How can I walk in the Spirit?
1. You must be born again (John 3:1-8)
2. Give room for the Holy Spirit in your heart; grieve not the Spirit of God… (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thess. 5:19)
3. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14)
4. Feed/feast on the Word of God
5. Grow by the sincere milk….(1 Peter 2:2)
6. Thereafter, you gradual to the level of strong meat and so on…(Hebrews 5:14)
7. Do the will of the Father.
8. Only those who do the will of the Father will abide forever (1 John 2:15-17; Matt. 7:21)
9. Accept and embrace the Cross (Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20; 6:14)
In conclusion, we need to mortify the flesh (through the help of the Holy Spirit) before it steals our hearts away from sincere and absolute devotion to Christ.
PASTOR NATHANIEL SADELA
Resident Pastor
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