The Spirit and the Flesh: by Andrew Murray

 

Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
—Galatians 3:3

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh.
—Philippians 3:3-4

The flesh is the name by which Scripture designates our fallen nature—soul and body. The soul at creation was placed between the spiritual and the worldly to guide them into that perfect union that would result in man attaining his destiny, a spiritual body.

When the soul yielded to the temptation of the senses, it broke away from the rule of the Spirit and came under the power of the body—it became flesh. And now the flesh is not only without the Spirit, but even hostile to it: “The flesh lusts against the Spirit” (Galatians 5:17).

In this antagonism of the flesh to the Spirit, there are two sides. On the one hand, the flesh lusts against the Spirit. On the other hand, its hostility to the Spirit is shown no less in its seeking to serve God and do His will. In yielding to the flesh, the soul sought itself instead of seeking God. Selfishness prevailed over God’s will.

This spirit of self is so subtle and mighty in sinning against God, that, even when the soul yearns to serve God, it still refuses to let the Spirit lead alone. In its efforts to be religious, it is still the great enemy that hinders the Spirit. This deceitfulness of the flesh often causes the same problem Paul found among the Galatians: “Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” The surrender to the Spirit must be complete and maintained by waiting on Him in humility. If this is not done, then what the Spirit has begun very quickly passes over into confidence in the flesh.

Having begun in the Spirit, continue, go on, and persevere in the Spirit. Beware of continuing the work of the Spirit in the flesh. Let “no confidence in the flesh” be your battle cry. Let a deep distrust of the flesh and fear of grieving the Spirit keep you humble before God. The Holy Spirit will indeed take the place of your life, and Jesus will be enthroned as the Keeper, Guide, and Life of your soul.