Who Is Doing That

Through a good part of the 1980's the doctrine of spiritual warfare became a major part of the teachings and music in a large portion of the church, especially in the USA. Its focus was mainly tearing down the strongholds of the devil. Like many doctrines that enter the church, this also had many flaws when compared to what the Bible teaches, as a whole, concerning this matter. For instance, many believers were taught that pretty much everything that is wrong in life is the work of an evil spirit, when in fact many of the problems are really nothing more than works of the flesh. When the Word of God talks about keeping the flesh under the dominion of the believers recreated spirit, it not only refers to keeping sexual desires under control, but everything that is associated with the flesh. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul reveals the works of the flesh, "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like..." (Galatians 5:19-21)

What many believers have been calling the works of the devil, the Bible calls the works of the flesh. Again, we see the Holy Spirit reveal to us through Paul some of the traits of the old man (old unregenerate nature, the works of the flesh), "Therefore, putting away lying...Be angry, and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor...Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:25-32) So, let us not be quick to blame the devil on the problems of life when it may be the old nature that has not been brought under the dominion of the believers recreated spirit.

God's Word tells us how to deal with the body and soul (mind, will and emotions) which were not recreated when one is born again. Believers are to, "put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24) Who is to put off the nature of the old man or the works of the flesh? The believer! God is not going to put off the old man for you. However, God has given us the way, His way, to put off the works of the flesh, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)  

God's way of putting off the old man and put on the new man is devoting your body to the service of the Lord and by renewing your mind with His Word. Putting off the old man and putting on the new man is part of your reasonable service or your spiritual worship. If you didn't have your flesh and its carnal nature to deal with, there would be no problem. However, as long as you're in your body, you
will have your fleshly, carnal nature to contend with. For example, if someone physically hits you or says something hurtful to you or about you and your flesh is not in subjection to your spirit, it will want to retaliate in some way. That's the way the carnal nature acts apart from God. Not only does it want to seek retaliation, but it also wants to hold bitterness, resentment and even unforgiveness against the person. Why?

The Apostle Paul tells us, "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." (Galatians 5:17-18) There is a war, so-to-speak, going on in your members that wants to let the works of the flesh have control. But the writer of Hebrews tells us, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) Notice, God's Word is living and powerful. It exposes that which is of the flesh and that which is of the spirit. This is why it is of the highest importance for every believer to read, study and meditate on God's Word daily. It does not matter how much you have done these things in the past, it matters that you are daily about God's Word.

Look at the advice, command, that the Lord gave to Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8) The Holy Spirit through Solomon reveals, "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh." (Proverbs 4:20-22) Through David the Holy Spirit reveals, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105) These are but a few scriptures that shows us the transforming power of God's Word. 

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle James tells us, "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, (to embed; rooted in the heart) which is able to save (make whole; rescue from danger and destruction; to make well; save from evil; preserve) your souls (mind, will and emotions)." (James 1:21) In other words as believers receive God's word, give it complete access into their life and let it take hold, it transforms the soul. The realization of the Word that Jesus spoke is no longer simply a nice scripture, but a life changing event that believers now embrace. "It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life." (John 6:63 AMP)

Therefore, putting off the old man and putting on the new man is a choice. Believers do not have to give in to the dictates of their flesh. Paul tells us, "Walk in the spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16) However, if you let the flesh dominate you, you can get out of control and do and say things you will regret later. Many people want to blame the devil when they let the flesh have its way. But the truth is, they are simply giving in to their flesh and letting it dominate them. By not keeping their flesh in check, they are opening a door to the devil. The Apostle Paul warns, "Do not give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:27) 

So, before we blame the devil for all the problems of life, let God's Word do its job of dividing the soul from the spirit and revealing the thoughts and intents of the heart to see who is really behind what is going on. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all...