FLESH -- VERSUS – SPIRIT
Meditating on the writings of the Apostle Paul, concerning
the flesh versus the Spirit, things above, … ; and thinking on the list
recorded by the Apostle Peter about Christian Virtues … ; the Hebrews-writer
comments about running the race … ; and dwelling in thought about six decades
in this fight – these contrasting
thoughts about a carnal life versus a spiritual life begin to develop – their different
traits and attributes, their opposite effects …
16 But I say, walk by
the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of
the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the
flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you
would. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law. 19 Now
the works of the flesh are plain: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, 20
idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension,
party spirit, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I
warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom
of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such there is no
law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its
passions and desires. 25 If we live by
the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
(Galatians 5 RSV)
8 Finally, brethren,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there
is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4 RSV)
3 His divine power has
granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the
knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he
has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you
may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and
become partakers of the divine nature. 5 For this very reason make every effort
to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and
knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and
steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and
brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, they
keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord
Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and
has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren,
be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you
will never fall; 11 so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into
the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1 RSV)
1 Therefore, since we
are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every
weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the
race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our
faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12 RSV)
CONTRASTS BETWEEN THE “FLESH” AND THE “SPIRIT”
two lives, two paths, two results, two destinations …
1.
Entangling vs. Elusive/slippery
2.
Physical vs.
Phantasmal
3.
Visceral vs. Ethereal
4.
Immediate vs. Ultimate/delayed
5.
Disappointing vs. Satisfying
6.
Intrusive vs. Elusive
7.
Unavoidable vs. Evasive
8.
Common vs. Rare
9.
Distracting vs. Enlightening
10.
Confusing vs. Clarifying
11.
Destructive vs. Constructive
12.
Temporal vs. Eternal
13.
Selfish vs. Sacrificial
14.
Hurtful vs. Helpful
15.
Taking vs. Giving
16.
Deceptive vs. Discerning
17.
Entrapping vs. Freeing
18.
Sickening vs. Healthful
19.
Alarming vs. Calming
20.
Wrong vs. Right
21.
Impulsive vs. Deliberate
22.
Corrupting vs. Purifying
23.
Weakening vs. Strengthening
24.
Sapping vs. Invigorating
25.
Stunting vs. Perfecting
26.
Ugly vs. Lovely
27.
Dishonoring vs. Honorable
28.
Shameful vs. Virtuous
29.
Regrettable vs. Thankful
30.
Reprimanding vs. Praiseworthy
31.
Bad vs. Good
32.
Nasty vs. Pristine
33.
Besetting vs. Propelling
34.
Burdening vs. Encouraging
35.
Sub-human vs. Edenic
36.
Animal vs. Angelic
37.
Earthly vs. Heavenly
38.
Dissonance vs. Harmony
39.
Anxiety vs. Peace
40.
Cursing vs. Rewarding
41.
Natural vs. Supernatural
42.
Instinctive vs. Rational
43.
Adulterated vs. Innocent
44.
Crippling vs. Fulfilling
45.
Easy vs. Difficult
46.
Numbing vs. Painful
47.
Degenerating vs. Glorifying
48.
Accusing vs. Justifying
49.
Poisoning vs. Sanctifying
50.
Cursing vs. Blessing
51.
Harmful vs. Helpful
52.
Darkening vs. Enlightening
53.
Suffocating vs. Refreshing
54.
Consuming vs. Enlarging
55.
Embarrassing vs. Encouraging
56.
Cowering vs. Emboldening
57.
…
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