The Enemy Or My Flesh?
Determining the Source of Our Struggles (And What We Can Do In Response)
We all have struggles in our lives, whether it’s a habit, a way of thinking, or some outside influence. However, what we should always consider is the source of our struggles. After all, if we know the source, we can more effectively fight against it!
So, what is the source of our current struggles: Is it the enemy or our flesh?
A LOOK AT OUR FLESH
Our flesh prefers to be lax and is often in rebellion against what God wants from us. When Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he said:
“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”
We tend to blame the enemy for all of our struggles, but it’s often the sinful nature in us that causes us to repeat unhealthy patterns. So, if we find that what we’re struggling with is coming from within – offenses, struggles with sin that we have faced in the past, issues with the drive to do what’s right and resist what’s wrong – we’re probably battling against our own flesh.
HOW TO WIN A BATTLE AGAINST THE FLESH
The good news is that there are some things we can do that will strengthen the Spirit and weaken flesh within us.
Paul said in the next chapter of Romans:
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”
So how do we set our mind on the things of the Spirit and weaken that pesky flesh?
Spiritual disciplines and practices are a good place to start:
Consider fasting
Join a Bible study or a small group
Set aside some private time for prayer and study
Attend a prayer service and pray with other believers
Discuss your struggles with a trusted mentor
Another way to set your mind on the things of the kingdom is to volunteer in a church ministry. Committing your time and energy to spiritual things like ministry can have an amazing effect on pushing back your flesh and strengthening the Spirit in your life.
IS IT THE ENEMY COMING AGAINST ME?
While we can understand that our flesh will turn against us, we also must recognize that we have an adversary who is gunning for our spiritual demise. Make no mistake… the enemy wants to see our spiritual efforts fail, and he will try to trip us up whenever possible.
Ephesians 6:12 explains that our opposition is not flesh and blood but that we are fighting against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. But how do we know if the struggle we’re facing is a result of the enemy’s efforts?
If you’re struggle heavily involves elements that are outside of your control – overwhelming temptation, difficult life circumstances, etc. – it’s possible that you’re struggling with the enemy.
SO, WHAT CAN WE DO TO FIGHT AGAINST THE ENEMY?
The first thing you need to know about fighting the enemy is that you do NOT need to be afraid and you should not despair. After all, the God that dwells within us is so much more powerful than the enemy. Who can stand against Jesus?
James instructed Christians to “resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7). It doesn’t take much to overcome the enemy when you have God on your side.
Start by putting on the whole armor of God to prepare for the battle:
First, we begin with girding our waist with the truth that can be found in scripture. This means we prepare ourselves against the lies of the enemy by keeping the truth close to us.
Secondly, we put on the breastplate of righteousness. This is where our obedience to God flows, and our hearts can be protected from unnecessary trauma as we comply with God’s divine instructions.
Thirdly, our feet are to be ready to run to the gospel of peace, and this means we’re focused on our purpose of sharing Jesus instead of worrying about other things.
Lastly, we take on the helmet of salvation that gives us confidence as part of God’s family and we wield the sword of the spirit. Our enemies will be cut by the word of God which confirms the POWER of God.
““For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
REMEMBER: HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT
Whether it is our flesh or the enemy, God’s desire is not that we continue in sin, but that we triumph over every foe and live victoriously!
We should not feel condemned by our finite capabilities as human beings, though. We should know that we all fall short of the glory of God and that His grace is sufficient for us all (Romans 3:23 & 2 Corinthians 12:9).