Can we be justified by the Flesh?
Romans 7:5 (NLT) When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced sinful deeds, resulting in death.
Introduction: We bless God for the opportunity to see another week as Scriptures speak into our lives. I pray that nothing will make us abandon our Guide and Guard in this wicked world in Jesus name.
I have realised that one of the best way to keep enemy away from that great institution orchestrated by God (that is Marriage) is to be united with our spouse Irrespective of differences and misunderstandings that are bound to happen for various reasons known also to Satan himself.
One of Satan’s potent weapon is our human nature, enemy within us. Satan uses this nature to convince us we are on the right track even though it is contrary to what Holy Spirit is telling us.
Apostle Paul recognised the terrible influence of this inherited Adamic nature known as the flesh in Romans 7:24-25 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Sometimes ago, my wife read a write up by a woman I think is a Christian. My wife wanted me to see how women think which she quickly identified with and wanted me to hear. The writer who also is a Councillor spoke about something her husband said that hurt her probably in the course of disagreement. She said her husband sincerely apologised during settlement and she forgave him. Normal blissful relationship had thereafter continued. She said one day, as her husband was praying during their devotions, she just remembered what her husband said that hurt her which she knew had been settled with sincere apology from her husband. Her mood changed probably with nasty reaction that made her husband to notice and asked what the matter was. She then told him that she remembered what he said that hurt her, and demanded for apology again. This is the point my wife was pointing out that if she’s the one that acted like that, I will be angry and think she is evil. She now said that is exactly the way women think. I then asked her, “Is that a good attribute? She said “No” but women need to be helped by constantly apologising for past sins probably until the husband dies.
I thereafter had course to thank God who forgives All our sins without remembrance.
🗣 Jeremiah 31:34c … for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
❓The question to answer now is; Can we be justified by the deeds of the Flesh? Certainly not.
Irrespective of our gender, the works of the flesh set our thoughts in motion to activate fruits of death in marital relationship. Dwelling in the flesh, or still allowing old nature to control our emotions brings back hurts on what has been settled. This attitude cannot please God.
Romans 7:5(NLT) When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death.
The battle we need to fight by the word of God comes from the flesh, the world (especially opinions from social media) and Satan. We shall always condemn past actions of our spouse if we still walk after the dictates of the flesh. That is why Holy Spirit should be our companion and advisor on all matters.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
The things of the flesh include remembering past offence which had been settled. Then there will be fleshly suggestions to revenge or believe there will be a repeat occurrence of the offence which can distrupt peaceful coexistence in marital relationship.
Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
I am not sure if Christian husbands keep any offence by their wives to heart especially when it is settled. I know Christian wives have storage for yesteryear offence that can come up to affect their moods. I believe it is where we need to put that human nature under control to keep Satan away from blissful marital relationship in Christian marriage.
Romans 8:13; 13:14 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
✍ Finally brethren, whatever we sow into our marriage is what we shall reap. It is either we sow what is inherited by tradition and family background, which is still human nature and reap corruption or we sow the word of God by the Holy Spirit, which is unknown to the world, and reap life everlasting.
Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
As Christian couples, let the Word of God richly dwell in us than worldly traditions.
Colossians 3:16-20 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
✋ Maranatha
