The spirit vs the flesh strictly draws the comparison between the spirit and the flesh, it compares and contrasts to bring an inference on which is more important, which should be given more attention, which of them should we invest in, which will bear fruit.
First we need to remind ourselves that man is a spirit that lives in the flesh and has a soul. Therefore there are three components and the main component there is the man, others are just supporters.
The Spirit vs The Flesh
The main part can exist on its own. Ofcourse, if the flesh decides to walk away with the soul, the spirit will still be able to make it on its own. On the contrary, if the spirit decides to leave, the flesh and soul cannot exist on their own.
This is one direct proof that the spirit is more important than the rest of the components that constitute the human being.
What is God’s Mind On The Spirit vs The Flesh
Philippians 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.
This is Paul the apostle declaring that there’s no confidence in the flesh. This is a strong statement of condemnation. This means we should never depend on the flesh for anything.
It doesn’t mean we should discard the flesh. As long as we are on earth, we need the body to function on earth. Therefore we have to take care of the body, nourish it and do everything to keep it healthy.
Our spirit can exist on its own but not in the earth, that would be in heaven. The flesh cannot exist in heaven either. Therefore just for that packaging purpose, we have to take care of the flesh to help the spirit to be functional on earth.
Good, but what the bible is talking about is that the flesh has a part of it that always tries to rule the spirit, a part of it that always tries to make the spirit submit to the flesh, a part of it that always opposes the spirit. That part of the body is called the soul which comprise of the mind, the senses, the feelings.
In other words the flesh fights against God because the spirit is God’s part of man. Therefore the bible is directly telling us never to rely on our feelings, our emotions, our senses, because they will always go against the mind of God which is the word of God. The flesh will always contradict the bible. This is how It fights God.
There are important facts that makes it necessary to study the spirit vs the flesh, of which we cannot neglect.
For more understanding, let’s look at the amplified and the message versions of the bible.
Philippians 3:3(amp) For we [Christians] are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence [on what we are] in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances–
Philippians 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Philippians 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Philippians 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
How To Walk In The Spirit
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Galatians 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Galatians 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Galatians 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
