Day 4: Fighting the Flesh
By: Kensey Zimmerman
Question: What is a way in which you let the flesh rule in your life?
Bible Passage: Romans 8:5-8 (ESV)
“5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Reflection: We live in a fallen world, and in a country that prioritizes gratifying desires immediately. We’re bombarded daily with things to think about, purchase, focus on. And if you’re like most of us, the flesh gets to win a lot. We add to cart. We drink the caffeine. We numb the pain with our substance of choice. We scroll. Now, inherently, those things are not all bad. But we let them win far too often.
Take a moment to sit and ponder, “what’s a way that I let the flesh win?” Ask the Spirit to reveal it to you.
Part of the discipline of fasting is saying to that flesh: “you don’t get to rule anymore. You don’t get to be in charge.” It’s a tangible reminder that we aren’t slaves to this world any longer. We can stake claim over our lives, our bodies, our minds because they don’t get to stay in charge. How is the Spirit revealing to you that there may be something you need to lay down? To cut out? To prune back? When you feel that tug at your heart, heed it. It’s not something we can do on our own strength, but it is an effort that’s worth pursuing.
With the Spirit’s help, we can fight against the desires of the flesh and begin to tap into what is described in Romans 8:7, the “life and peace” that God has in store for us.
Prayer: Lord, would you show me the places in my life where I let things take the place of you? Would you show me the unhealthy patterns? Then, by the power of the Spirit, would you give me the strength to help tackle them. My spirit is willing, Lord, but my flesh is so weak. I need your help. Shape my mind to be more like yours. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Question: What is a way in which you let the flesh rule in your life?
Bible Passage: Romans 8:5-8 (ESV)
“5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Reflection: We live in a fallen world, and in a country that prioritizes gratifying desires immediately. We’re bombarded daily with things to think about, purchase, focus on. And if you’re like most of us, the flesh gets to win a lot. We add to cart. We drink the caffeine. We numb the pain with our substance of choice. We scroll. Now, inherently, those things are not all bad. But we let them win far too often.
Take a moment to sit and ponder, “what’s a way that I let the flesh win?” Ask the Spirit to reveal it to you.
Part of the discipline of fasting is saying to that flesh: “you don’t get to rule anymore. You don’t get to be in charge.” It’s a tangible reminder that we aren’t slaves to this world any longer. We can stake claim over our lives, our bodies, our minds because they don’t get to stay in charge. How is the Spirit revealing to you that there may be something you need to lay down? To cut out? To prune back? When you feel that tug at your heart, heed it. It’s not something we can do on our own strength, but it is an effort that’s worth pursuing.
With the Spirit’s help, we can fight against the desires of the flesh and begin to tap into what is described in Romans 8:7, the “life and peace” that God has in store for us.
Prayer: Lord, would you show me the places in my life where I let things take the place of you? Would you show me the unhealthy patterns? Then, by the power of the Spirit, would you give me the strength to help tackle them. My spirit is willing, Lord, but my flesh is so weak. I need your help. Shape my mind to be more like yours. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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