The physical quality that separates humans from God is frequently used in the New Testament (NT) as a symbol of human sinfulness in contrast to God’s perfection.
The flesh is the bodily substance of human beings.
As individuals or in relation to others Ps 84:2 Also see: Ge 2:23-24; 29:14; 1Co 15:39
As how Jesus Christ identified with the human race to bring salvation Jn 1:14 Also see: Eph 2:15; Heb 10:20; 1Jn 4:2
As subject to mortality Isa 40:6-7 Also see: Ps 78:39; Ac 2:31; 1Co 15:50
As subject to weakness 2Ch 32:8 Also see: Ps 73:26; Mt 26:41 pp Mk 14:38
Flesh as contrasting human nature with God’s perfection
The powerlessness of human beings contrasted with God’s eternal power Isa 31:3. Also see: Jn 3:6; 6:63
Human or worldly standards contrasted with God’s standards Jn 8:15 Also see: 1Co 1:26; 2Co 5:16; 10:3-4
Flesh as denoting the sinful nature of human beings
The tendency to sin Ro 7:18 Paul does not mean that no goodness exists in people, nor that the physical aspect of human beings is inherently evil. He means that humans are invariably infected by evil and subject to its power. Also see: Jer 17:5
The conflict in human experience between the sinful nature and the Spirit of God Gal 5:17 Also see: Ro 8:4-9; Gal 5:19-25
The sinful nature is opposed to God and his will
This opposition finds expression in a range of acts and attitudes Gal 5:19-21 See also Ro 7:14-25; 8:7; 13:13-14; 1Co 6:9-11; Eph 5:5; Jas 1:14-15; 1Pe 2:11; 2Pe 2:10,18; 1Jn 2:16
Confidence in the law is futile Ro 8:3 Because of the sinfulness of human nature, God’s law is powerless to bring people into a relationship with God; Gal 3:3 Even the attempt to find acceptance with God through keeping his law is an act of the sinful nature because it involves rejecting his offer of salvation through his grace. See also Ro 7:25; Php 3:3-9
The sinful nature controls human behavior in ways that run counter to God’s purpose Ro 8:8 See also Ro 7:5
Therefore, sinful nature makes people subject to God’s judgment and death.
Ro 8:13; Eph 2:3 See also Gal 6:8
The sinful nature does not control believers
Through Jesus Christ’s entering into human flesh, God delivers from the power and consequences of human sinfulness Ro 8:3 Also see: Eph 2:15
Believers have crucified the sinful nature Ro 7:5-6. Also see: Ro 8:8-9; Gal 5:24; Col 2:11
The power of God’s Spirit enables believers to continue to resist the sinful nature Ro 8:13 See also Ro 13:14; Gal 5:13; Col 3:5-6; 1Pe 2:11
God’s provision of church discipline in eliminating the sinful nature 1Co 5:5 The discipline of excluding a sinner from the church community is intended to bring him to repentance and so abandon his sinful course of action. Repentance provoked by physical suffering is possibly also in mind.
Lord Jesus, I believe you are the son of God, and you died for my sins and rose again from the dead, I trust you for cleansing and forgiveness, and you have received me as a Child of God. If there is any resentment or unforgiveness for anyone, I lay it at your feet and ask you to forgive me. I ask your forgiveness for being involved in other religions, witchcraft, or the occult seeking other gods. I acknowledge this as sin and loose myself right now in Jesus name. And now, Lord Jesus, I come to and yield my body, mind, and spirit to you. I give you my all. Come into my heart and be my personal Saviour. I surrender my tongue to you to be an instrument of righteousness to worship you in a new language. By faith, I receive it now, Lord in Jesus name. Amen.
