The Spirit and the Flesh

A central truth of Christianity is that Jesus was both fully God and fully man. As a man he experienced hunger (Matthew 21:18), thirst (John 4:7), anger (John 2:13-16) and sorrow (John 11:35). He demonstrated He was fully God by forgiving sins (Mark 2:5-12), performing miracles (John 21:25) and accepting worship (Matthew 21:9).

As a man Jesus experienced pain and death on the cross. His human death paid the price for our sins (Hebrews 2:17). As God, Jesus provided for His resurrection (John 10:18) which demonstrated that His sacrifice had been accepted by the Father and that we can enjoy eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Also important to us is that Jesus was “tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus divine nature allowed Him to resist the temptation to sin. A benefit of this truth is that Jesus can “sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15). A second benefit is that His example shows us that we also can overcome temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). We must look to the presence of God, who dwells within us, to empower us to resist temptation.

Paul describes our struggle with sin. In Romans 7:15 he states, “I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.” Paul wanted to honor and please God by living his life in obedience to the Word of God. At the same time, the sin nature that dwells in his flesh causes him to stumble and sin. Paul knows his only hope, and ours, is for God to intervene. God intervenes by working in us and through us.

While we do not share in Jesus’ divine nature, we are not alone in this struggle. Scripture tells us that we have God the Father (Ephesians 4:6; John 14:23), Jesus (John 14:23; Colossians 1:27) and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11; John 14:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19) living within us. God’s presence in us empowers us “to will and to work, for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Prepare for temptation by filling your heart and mind with scripture (Psalm 119:11; Philippians 4:8). Anticipate temptation and pray for deliverance (Matthew 6:13; Mark 14:38). Actively avoid temptation (1 Thessalonian 5:22; Proverbs 4:14-15). When confronted by temptation either flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Timothy 6:11-12) or resist it (James 4:7) using the Word of God for strength (Matthew 4:1-11).

The struggle between our sin nature and our redeemed spirit will only end when we are in the presence of God. Until then we are called on to practice deeds in keeping with repentance (Acts 26:20) which are evidence of our salvation (1 John 2:29).