The Cure for the Weak Flesh

Matt 26:41 “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (NKJV)

I have often heard people say of some Christians who appear to have an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ as being too Heavenly minded. Nevertheless, the Lord Jesus told us not to work for the food, which perishes, but for the food, which leads to eternal life. I do not believe you can be too Heavenly minded. If our citizenship is in Heaven then our behavior should be in agreement with the rules and conduct of Heaven.

Colossians 3:1-2 If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. (Quick Amplified Bible)

What do you believe to be taking place right now in Heaven? Everything that has breath is praising the Lord Jesus Christ.

In this verse, what does the English word flesh mean? Many people believe the word flesh is referring to our physical bodies. In many cases in the Bible when the Lord refers to the flesh, He is speaking of the physical body of man.

For example when the Prophet Isaiah said “All flesh is as grass” and Peter in the New Testament repeated this, they both were referring to our physical bodies. However, in Matthew 26:41 the Lord Jesus is referring to our frail or corrupt human nature. Christ understands the weakness of our human nature. He has allowed a remnant of our corrupt nature to remain with us until we see Him face to face. Plainly, He wants us to overcome our remaining corrupt nature and He has given us first the Spirit and His Word.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to, controlled, and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). (Quick Amplified Bible)

John 6:63 It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life. (Quick Amplified Bible)

Why will we just not believe what the Lord says to us in His Word? The instruments of our bodies are not independent agents acting and reacting on their on accord. They require instruction from a central program office. The central programmer is the mind. Our mind is where we win or lose this battle over the flesh. Cure the mind and bring the flesh under control. How do we start this curative process to overcome our flesh? Our minds require renewing daily.

Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of all the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. (Quick Amplified Bible)

Well we could probably stop right here, but the Bible has so many things to say about our mind. This is where the real problems arise. I can testify personally that Christ continues to teach me daily how to get control of my thought life. It is not easy let me tell you. There is no time for a time out or rest period. The enemy does not take breaks or holidays. As God, neither sleeps nor slumbers and our adversary (the devil) he too is never going to rest. He seeks to devour us by taking our joy, victory, etc.

When we see the constant love shown by the Lord Jesus Christ for the Nation Israel it is staggering to our understanding. The spiritual adultery practiced amongst the people over the generations resulted in very harsh punishment by the Lord to the people of Israel. However, despite His fierce rebuke, He never stopped drawing them with His wonderful love.

Hosea 11:4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love, and I was to them as one who lifts up and eases the yoke over their cheeks, and I bent down to them and gently laid food before them. (Quick Amplified Bible)

Listen to this exhortation, stop resisting, and let the Lord Jesus Christ have your mind. The great battle is for our minds. When a thought comes to our mind it is from one of three sources and only one of the three is the right source. The three sources of our thoughts are (1) The devil, (2) Our own corrupt heart, (3) From the Lord Jesus Christ (God the Holy Spirit).

Now here is where the battle ensues, because we do not have a lot of time to discern or determine which of the three sources has transmitted the communication. What do you do? Well if your mind is full of love for the Lord Jesus and His Word then it makes it much easier for you to discern the truth. We will not be in situations at all times where we will have our Bible's with us for a quick reference check.

Our hearts implanted with the Word daily. When we are walking in the Spirit and controlled by the Holy Spirit, He turns our quiet time and Bible Study into warfare training. He is in the process of growing us up into great spiritual warriors for the Kingdom of God. The only way He can accomplish this in our lives is to have control of our mind. He will not initiate a hostile takeover of our minds. We have already stated earlier from Hosea how God only works by love. Our training comes by preparing our minds with thoughts like these from the following Scriptures:

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. (Quick Amplified Bible)

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 “For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, inasmuch as we refute arguments and theories and reasoning and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ.” (Quick Amplified Bible)

If you want to experience the cure for the flesh (because the cure is available), just do one thing and that is surrender. Stop making excuses for the flesh and sin. When you purpose in your heart to surrender to the will of God, the flesh will be destroyed and you will rejoice always and give glory to God for His mercies are everlasting.

1 Peter 4:1 “So, since Christ suffered in the flesh {for us, for you}, arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having the mind of Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God].” (Quick Amplified Bible)

Sincerely in Christ,

Copyright Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of Silent Assassins of the Soul (not yet published; coming soon)