The War Against the Flesh
1 Peter 2:11 tells us to, "abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul." And we read in Galatians 5:17 that, "the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit." In other words, if you are a Christian, there is a war going on inside of you. As a result of the fall we are all sinful from birth, and our flesh desires things which are opposed to God. But as Christians, we have God's spirit within us to help us live a life that honors God. All of us experience the effects of this battle. We all deal with the temptation to sin. Some are tempted to lie. Others are tempted by homosexuality as we read last week.
Fleeing from Temptation
Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:22, "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness." We are not called to stick around and put up a fight when it comes to sin. We are called to flee!
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Too many people try to fight their temptation on their own. Instead we need to stop and look for the exit. God in his wisdom always provides a way out. We just have to choose to take it!
We Can't Redefine Sin
We unfortunately live in a time when many people don't want to wage war against their sin. Rather than running away from their sin, they decide to embrace it. We saw last week that God is the one who defines right and wrong, but humans often try to seize autonomy and define it on their own terms. The result is that many today are trying to say that homosexuality is not a sin. The problem is that God has already spoken on the issue. Those who struggle with that temptation are no worse off than anyone else. They just need to run away from it by looking for the way of escape. God is faithful to provide a way out. It can be easy to think someone in that lifestyle will never change, but God is always providing opportunities to flee from sin and run to him. Let's be in prayer for God to convict people of their sin that they might repent and live for him!
Family Discussion
What kind of accountability do you have in your life when it comes to your war against the flesh?
What are some ways that God provides a way out from temptation?
What sins do you find yourself trying to justify rather than repent from?