.webp)
At first blush, when you
see the phrase "flesh vs.
spirit," you may imagine they are locked in constant combat. The Bible
sometimes does bring them into opposition, leading us to believe flesh is
always working against the Holy Spirit. However, here is a profound reality
hidden in this notion—one which, once it's uncovered, will transform your walk
as a Christian. To uncover that truth, we first have to define what the Bible
calls the "flesh" in
different passages.
Understanding the Biblical Meaning of "Flesh"
One of the biggest errors in interpreting the Bible is to assume that a word has the same meaning in every passage. One word that illustrates this fallacy well is "flesh" It can have various meanings depending on the context, and recognizing these differences is crucial to understanding the deeper principles of Scripture.
Various Meanings of "Flesh" in
Scripture
- Human Body: "For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church." (Ephesians 5:29, KJV) Here, "flesh" simply refers to the body, which we care for and maintain.
- Human Existence: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." (John 1:14, KJV) This verse teaches Jesus taking human nature—not sinful nature, but full humanity in body, soul, and spirit.
Misinterpreting these distinctions can have serious doctrinal implications. Some wrongly believed that the flesh body itself is sinful, leading to extreme asceticism. But the Bible illustrates that the flesh is not sinful in itself—it is the misuse of the flesh through sin that is the issue.
The Spirit in the "Unsinful Flesh"
Paul makes a relevant distinction in 2 Corinthians 10:3 (KJV): "For although we live in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh."
Here, Paul recognizes that we live in the body ("live in the flesh") but explains that our real conflict is not of the body ("do not war according to the flesh").
Similarly, in Galatians 2:20 (KJV), Paul states: "I am crucified with Christ: yet I live; yet not I, but Christ lived in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
This verse reminds us of
a fundamental principle: although we are in the flesh, our lives are governed
by Christ's faith. The flesh in this context is not bad—it is just our mortal
life. Even Jesus was in the flesh sinlessly.
The Holy Spirit Needs Your Flesh
One of the largest things that Christians misconceive is that the Holy Spirit only operates apart from our faculties. In fact, the Holy Spirit dwells within us and expresses Himself through our minds, emotions, and behaviors.
Paul affirms this in Ephesians 5:30 (KJV): "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones."
This is to say that as
Christians, our entire self—spirit, soul, and body—is Christ's. The Holy Spirit
does not bypass our human nature; rather, He works through it to effect God's
plans on earth.
The Mysteries of The Holy Spirit in the Flesh
One profound mystery of the Christian faith is that the Holy Spirit has become one with our human spirit. Paul explains this in 1 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV): "But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit."
This means:
- We don't have two separate spirits within us.
- The Holy Spirit doesn't merely live beside our human spirit.
- Instead, we are totally joined with Him as one spirit.
This heavenly marriage
enables God to communicate His character through us in ways we might not even
realize. Thoughts which appear mundane can in fact be nudges from the Holy
Spirit. Emotions we feel may be His direction. Many Christians do not hear
God's voice, not because He is not speaking, but because they have not learned
to discern how He speaks through their mind and heart.
Growing in Spiritual Discernment
Sisters and brothers, we must learn to distinguish between our natural thoughts and those generated by the Holy Spirit. This is spiritual maturity.
Instead of declaring, "I don't hear God's voice," begin to ask you, "How do I become more sensitive to His leading?" Start practicing being attentive to hearing Him in the routine of everyday life.
- Notice thoughts in harmony with Scripture.
- Listen when you suddenly feel convicted or at peace about a decision.
- Be attuned to desires that glorify God, not self.
As you grow in
discernment, you will experience greater clarity in your walk with God. You
will begin to realize that the Holy Spirit has been working in and through you
all along—shaping your actions, directing your decisions, and guiding your
life.
What Will You Do With This Revelation?
- Now that you understand the way the Spirit works in your human existence, will it change the way of your living?
- Will you imagine yourself as a vessel through whom God manifests His will?
- Will you stop pushing aside ideas and feelings which might be nudges from the Holy Spirit?
- Will you start traveling with greater consciousness of His presence in everyday living?
The battle between the flesh and spirit is not to deny our flesh but to yield it entirely to the Spirit of God. When we do this, we are living expressions of Christ on this earth.
Let this truth shape
your walk with the Lord today!
