Fighting the flesh

We have been discussing in my Sunday school class the last few weeks about something I have been intrigued with and that is the fact that I do the things I don't want to do and I don't do the things I want to do. If that sounds familiar it's because Paul said it. Yes, even the great architect of the early church struggled with this just like I and you do. Why is that we struggle with this? In Galatians 5 Paul states that the Spirit and the flesh are in constant conflict. That our sinful nature desires those things that are contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit desires things that are contrary to sinful nature. There's the problem, we are in a constant battle with our fleshly desires. So how do we fight our sinful flesh?

At this point I think it would be good to point out that no matter how good our walk with God is, we will mess up and do something we shouldn't. He doesn't expect us to be perfect and he will forgive us if we ask. But Satan will use a guilt trip of self-doubt and self-pity to separate us from God's loving mercy and forgiveness. The key at this point is to equip ourselves with some tools to help us fight our flesh. In Romans 12 Paul states "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." What does that mean "renewing of your mind?" I think what Paul is trying to convey is that if we are going to get an upper hand on our flesh we have to "renew" our minds everyday in Jesus. Praying, studying the Bible, lifting praises to God, hearing the word preached are just some of some things that can help us renew our minds. There are also things that can give your flesh the upper hand. Watching any number of TV shows, looking at questionable material on-line all can help give the flesh the upper hand.

I pray that I learn to renew my mind daily by praising God, studying his word and praying. Help me God to fight my flesh and lean on your strength in those weak times where Satan is attacking me.