Hi Everyone,
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:14
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:24
I hope I can make the following clear and understandable because I believe it’s really important, especially today.
I’m becoming aware of something I wanted to share with you. You’ve probably noticed it as well.
While it’s been true in the past as well, I’m seeing more and more Christians and pastor/teachers feeding and expanding their intellectual understanding while neglecting to crucify their flesh – crucifying the flesh maintains humility which is vitally necessary in order to follow Christ. As a result, many Christians and pastor/teachers are opening themselves up to theological and spiritual error, and to the world’s influence as well. This can be seen clearly in the spirit of mammon that’s trying to dominate Christians. That type of focus will send us off in many damaging directions and puff up the flesh instead of crucifying the flesh.
The only thing I know of that will unite the church and give the mind proper, biblical discernment is to become Christ’s disciples by continuing in His Word. Only in doing the Word will the flesh be crucified – Knowledge of the Word is not enough.
Then said Jesus to those Jews who believed in Him, “If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed.”
John 8:31
I believe that what Jesus meant in John 8:31 was that if we continue to learn and do His Word, all areas of our lives would become free from the impact our flesh has on us. We would be more free from pride and other pressures of the flesh.
If we’re not crucifying the flesh by living the Word, by being doers of the Word, the flesh will continue to dominate us and attempt to dominate and control our spirits. As we all know, the flesh has a voracious appetite and will fight all attempts to be taken over. It has little discernment and is open to pride – Satan’s downfall. Pride feeds the intellect and dispels the notion that the flesh must be crucified.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 1:22
Christ commands us to be doers of the Word if we’re to become His disciples. It’s the only way I know of to become free indeed.
Please don’t misunderstand me here. I’m not saying we need to discard our minds and intellect. But, both need to be brought under the control of the Holy Spirit by renewing them to the Word of God.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27
I’ve never had God’s peace while living for the flesh. On the other hand, the more I listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit, the more my flesh is dying and the more free I’m becoming in the peace, rest, and joy of the Lord.
I love you all.
God bless,
Mark