Flesh

  • Recognizing Our Enmity

    Think of the characteristics and qualities of intimate friendship, then apply these to your spiritual relationship with the heavenly Father. Are you truly a friend of God? Read More

  • Becoming a New Creation

    Thank God for the new heart of flesh He has implanted in your spiritual being. Read More

  • What Really Counts

    Galatians 5:5–6

    “It is not our doctrine that the faith which justifies is alone; we maintain that it is invariably accompanied by good works; only we contend that faith alone is sufficient for justification” (John Calvin). If works of love are not ...Read More

  • The Battle Within

    Romans 7:7–25

    Only the person who has been given a new heart by the Holy Spirit can long for His precepts (Ps. 119:40); therefore, only the regenerate person has a real struggle within when he fails to obey. If you trust ...Read More

  • The Flesh

    Romans 8:1–8

    Learning to love the things God loves is essential to the mortification of our flesh. Aside from studying Scripture by ourselves, small-group Bible studies and accountability relationships between members of the same sex are powerful weapons in our spiritual warfare ...Read More

  • Playing for Keeps

    Philippians 3:12–16

    Part of the discipline needed for spiritual growth is regular participation in the local church. Worship on Sunday wherein we hear the Word preached and see it made visible in the sacraments is vital to our long-term spiritual health. But ...Read More

  • The Works of the Flesh

    Galatians 5:19–21

    Take the time today to do a “spiritual inventory” and consider whether any of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19–21 are characteristic of your life. If you have a trusted, Christian friend, ask him if any ...Read More

  • Not Under the Law

    Galatians 5:16–17

    John Calvin comments, “If we would obey the Spirit, we must labor, and fight, and apply our utmost energy; and we must begin with self-denial.” Walking by the Holy Spirit is the denial of the self and one’s fleshly ...Read More

  • Resisting the Sinful Nature

    Galatians 6:1–18

    As we finish our study of Galatians, consider anew Paul’s defense of the Gospel. All in whom the Spirit has worked must continue to fulfill the law of Christ. We are not redeemed to live independently. God gave the ...Read More