When we are born again our Spirit man is reborn. On it’s own it has no problem communicating with God. This is true as all those that are in Heaven are Spirit and live in peace and harmony with God. But here on earth, we have the flesh and the mind to deal with. And even though the Spirit is born again, our mind and body need to come in line with God and His word.
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation; The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Ephesians 4: 22-23
That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind
Many Christians struggle in their Christian walk because they do not realize that the real battle in Spiritual growth is bringing these two elements into line with God and His word. We do not just get born again and all our troubles float away. It is not a bed of roses the moment you get saved. It is a struggle between your flesh and mind and your spirit.
Romans 7:14-25
The Passion Translation
14 For we know that the law is divinely inspired and comes from the
spiritual realm, but I am a human being made of flesh and trafficked as a
slave under sin’s authority.
15 I’m a mystery to myself, for I want to do what is right, but end up doing
what my moral instincts condemn. 16 And if my behavior is not in line with
my desire, my conscience still confirms the excellence of the law. 17 And
now I realize that it is no longer my true self doing it, but the unwelcome
intruder of sin in my humanity. 18 For I know that nothing good lives within
the flesh of my fallen humanity. The longings to do what is right are within
me, but will-power is not enough to accomplish it. 19 My lofty desires to do
what is good are dashed when I do the things I want to avoid. 20 So if my
behavior contradicts my desires to do good, I must conclude that it’s not my
true identity doing it, but the unwelcome intruder of sin hindering me from
being who I really am.
21 Through my experience of this principle, I discover that even when I want
to do good, evil is ready to sabotage me. 22 Truly, deep within my true
identity, I love to do what pleases God. 23 But I discern another power
operating in my humanity, waging a war against the moral principles of my
conscience and bringing me into captivity as a prisoner to the “law” of
sin—this unwelcome intruder in my humanity. 24 What an agonizing situation I
am in! So who has the power to rescue this miserable man from the unwelcome
intruder of sin and death? 25 I give all my thanks to God, for his mighty
power has finally provided a way out through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed
One! So if left to myself, the flesh is aligned with the law of sin, but now
my renewed mind is fixed on and submitted to God’s righteous principles.
This is a passage of Scripture that Paul talks about the struggle between the flesh and the spirit. Basically what he says is this
I know what I should be doing, because my spirit man tells me. But I do what comes naturally instead, even though I know it is sin and I feel terrible after I do it. It is a constant struggle of the mind and flesh fighting against what is right and godly and it is a never ending cycle. And when my intentions are to do good and what I sincerely plan to do, somehow the flesh overcomes me and I don’t do it.
It seems like an impossible thing to please God. The battle never seems to be over. But thank God for the next verse
"So who has the power to rescue this miserable man from the
unwelcome intruder of sin and death? 25 I give all my thanks to God, for his
mighty power has finally provided a way out through our Lord Jesus, the
Anointed One!"
So the objective in this battle is to let the Lord take over and to allow the Holy Spirit to help you renew your mind to the word of God and to bring your flesh under subjection.
Ephesians 4:20-24
New King James Version
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and
have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off,
concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to
the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and
that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true
righteousness and holiness.
It is not easy. I would be lying to say it is. Our flesh does not want to
give up what comes easily. It is a constant battle. And this battle is real
in every area of our lives. Our flesh always want the easy way out. "It's
too hard" is what the devil will whisper in your ear. "Just do what comes
naturally...why fight it?" We must always be on our guard because the enemy
of our soul, would love to drag us back down into that mess.
So how do we do it? Does the Holy Spirit just take over our
mind and we instantly do not have to control ourselves? No! We need to get
the scriptures down in our heart in abundance and have them coming out of
our mouth so that when things arise to tempt us, we can speak the word and
have the strength to resist them.
Romans 12:2
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.
It has to be an act of our will! God cannot do it for you! You have to
choose!
Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set
before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that
both you and your descendants may live;
If we are not entering into the Deep Place in God, we need to question why. Is our flesh and mind hindering us from hearing from God? We know all the scriptures, we can say them by heart, but if we do not have our body and mind under the control and influence of the Holy Spirit, they will foul us every time. Doubt and fear can come in.
This is when we need to remember Philippians 4:7&8
“And the peace of God which passes knowledge shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally my brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Keeping our mind on the things listed above will be our strength in times of weakness. Negative thoughts surround us every day. The devil will see to that. But that does not mean we have to focus on them? We need to focus on what is good and pure and holy and cast aside anything that will bring us down or cause us to dwell on the problem, instead of the answer.
If we can get our spirit and mind in harmony, our body will come in line. It only responds to what it is fed. If you feed on the lies of the devil, your body will react. If he tells you that you are weak and your mind believes it and communicates it to your body, you will be weak. The same applies to sickness and whatever else he would try to send your way. But if your mind is renewed on the scriptures that teach us
2 Corinthians 12:10
The Passion Translation
10 So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my
weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every
side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet
stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.
Luke 4:8
8 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is
written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall
serve.’ ”
1 Peter 5:8
The Passion Translation
8 Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams
around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11
New King James Version
10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have
forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence
of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not
ignorant of his devices.
James 4:7
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
So we need to know the Word, renew our minds, bring our bodies under
subjection to the Word of God, submit to God...and resist the devil.
All these are key ingredients to victory over our flesh and mind so we can
acheive God's will, and see His Word work in our lives.
Then these things cannot take over your body. The battle is in the mind.
Once we start to walk in the realm of the Spirit, spirit, soul and body, then we will enter into the Deep Places in God. God cannot fellowship with someone that is not willing to let the Holy Spirit take over the job of renewing your mind and bringing your body under subjection to the things of God. But if you will make the step to do this, that is all he requires. He needs a willing vessel. It is not going to happen overnight. But with His help, we will come to a place eventually, if we continue to yield to Him, then resisting the flesh and the lusts thereof, will be a part of life for you.
The temptations and trials will never cease until we get to heaven. So it is important to keep a constant guard up and continue to yield to the Holy Spirit every day and rely on him for guidance and strength to see you through. And then instead of yielding to every evil thing that comes are way, our reaction will be as Jesus’
