NEWNESS OF LIFE

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Rom 6:4-6)

Devotion 4 of 11

FLESH CANNOT BE REFORMED

In Scripture "flesh" refers to the state of nature. Ultimately, it is traced back to Adam. Flesh is corrupt and has therefore been totally renounced by God. The affirmations of the Holy Spirit on this issue are startling because of their clarity. With the flesh, we "serve the law of sin" (Rom 7:25). It is utterly impossible for those following the dictates of the flesh to please God in any way. "So then they that are in the flesh CANNOT please God" (Rom 8:8). If we choose to follow its dictates, we will die, or be cut off from God. "For if ye live after the flesh, YE SHALL DIE: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live" (Rom 8:13).

The Lord has spoken, and His words must be received. "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth NOTHING: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63).

Sinful nature

Some translations render the word "flesh" "sinful nature." There is a sense in which this is correct, yet it does not represent a full picture. The state of nature itself is the point of reference. It is not that there is an aspect of nature that has been corrupted -- nature itself, in its totality, has been written off. Do not doubt this. It is written, "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption" (1 Cor 15:50). Either man experiences something totally new, or there is no hope of being forever with the Lord!

Those belonging to Christ put the flesh to death, refusing to allow it to have the dominance in their lives. The Word of God is clear on this point. "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts" (Gal 5:24). They do not walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Rom 8:1,4). Those who do not crucify the flesh, with its affections and lusts, do not belong to Christ!

Anything but die

It should be noted that flesh is willing to do anything but die. It is willing to be religious and disciplined. "Flesh" will read the Bible, attend church, and do many seemingly wonderful works. But it will not consent to die. You must, in an act of deliberation, "crucify" the flesh. This involves the will and a significant effort. The Holy spirit will provide the means to accomplish this crucifixion (Rom 8:13). The reason for this situation is simply this: flesh cannot be reformed. It cannot be made good.

Basic enmity

The extent of this truth is staggering. The solemn pronouncement of Scripture is, "So then they that are in the flesh CANNOT please God" (Rom 8:8). The reason for this assessment is also revealed. "For to be carnally minded IS death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind IS enmity against God: for it is NOT subject to the law of God, neither indeed CAN be" (Rom 8:6-7). The phrase "enmity against God" is also translated "is death" (NIV, RSV). The New English Bible prefers the idea of "enmity" ("is enmity with God"). This is the sense of the passage. The idea is that the carnal, or fleshly, mind leads away from, and competes with, God. Therefore, it is at variance with Him. Those who are contrary to God are at war with Him.

Textual implications

It is important that we briefly pursue the implications of this text. They are revolutionary, showing to us the futility of living in the flesh, or according to natural principles. If the carnal mind leads to death, it is not possible for true life to come from it. There has never been, nor will there ever be, a thought germinated by the flesh that produced spiritual life. It is utterly impossible for such a thing to occur. Because the flesh is an "evil tree," it cannot bring forth "good fruit" (Matt 7:18). This is why we "must be born again." TAKEN SERIOUSLY, THIS WILL SOUND THE DEATH KNELL FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF CONTEMPORARY RELIGION!

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus I thank you for deliverance from the flesh. I plead for grace to maintain that deliverance by keeping the flesh crucified through the power of the Holy Spirit.

-- TOMORROW: THE IMPOTENCE OF THE NATURAL MAN --