In this study, we will look at the final two sections on the enemy of the soul that the Bible calls the flesh. We consider the principle of sowing and reaping, and the importance of forming habits through practices.
Summary
‘The law of returns’: addiction is a common human condition, and is effectively what the Bible calls slavery to our own desires. We can either be enslaved by the flesh or set free by the Spirit. Galatians 6:7-8 reminds us that this is determined by the principle of sowing and reaping, or the law of returns. Our daily acts have consequences – greater consequences than we realise. It’s like the way compound interest can grow a little into a lot. What we invest in life, we get back with interest. This is biblical but also just ancient truth – it’s the human condition. Modern neuroscience is revealing the same principle – what we do and think becomes part of our muscle memory, becoming automatic in us. This is true of sin, of living by the flesh, as well as of formation into Christlike character. Psychology shows this truth – our actions form habits that form a character. ‘We make our decisions and then our decisions make us.’ Philosophy shows this truth – we have self-determining freedom but that freedom can shrink as we make decisions that shape us so that it becomes more difficult to choose to change. And theology shows this truth – by the choices we make, we are becoming the people we will be forever, fit either for heaven or for hell. Character is destiny.
‘So I say, live by the Spirit’: it is good for us at times to feel guilt. Guilt is about what we have done whereas shame (rarely helpful) is about who we are. When we feel guilt we should pay attention. It is to the soul what pain is to the body. It tells us something is wrong. We can learn how to fight the flesh by looking at Galatians 5 again. Firstly, we crucify the flesh – we starve it rather than feed it. Because when we give in to the appetites of the flesh we become like animals (2 Peter 2:10, 12). Secondly, we keep in step with the Spirit. We fight the flesh not with willpower but with Spirit-power. Willpower is not bad (we should make good choices) but it’s not enough. We need a power beyond us and we access this power through spiritual practices. We make decisions of the will to do these practices which position us to receive the power to do things we can’t do by willpower alone. The spiritual practices are the counter-habits to those of the flesh. Two especially helpful practices are fasting, going without food for a period of time. It reveals what is controlling us. It helps to break the power of sin in our lives. The other is confession. We need to drag our sin into the light. To name our sin to people we know we can trust. It is a true part of community. We can’t always control our desires, but we can begin to change what we can control – habits of mind and body – to then influence what we can’t control, our flesh. Let’s not become weary of this battle with the flesh and we will reap a harvest of Christlike character.
For Reflection/Discussion:
- Where have you seen this principle of sowing and reaping work in your life, both for good and for bad?
- What might ‘crucifying the flesh’ look like in practice for you? How might fasting be a part of this?
- What can we do to make confession a healthy part of our community life?
Next:
In the next study, we will begin to look at the third enemy of the soul that Comer writes about – the world. We will consider how right and wrong now seem to be decided by popular opinion.