Beloved in Christ, one of the greatest battles we face is not with witches, demons, or principalities, but with the flesh. The Bible calls it the “old man” that constantly struggles against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17).
The works of the flesh are dangerous because they look ordinary, yet they destroy destinies more than visible enemies.
- What Are the Works of the Flesh?
Paul gives us a clear list in Galatians 5:19–21:
Adultery
Fornication
Uncleanness
Lasciviousness
Idolatry
Witchcraft
Hatred
Variance (strife)
Emulations (jealousy)
Wrath
Seditions
Heresies
Envyings
Murders
Drunkenness
Revellings
And he concludes with a warning: “They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
- Why the Flesh Must Be Crucified
The flesh does not care about heaven. It only seeks pleasure, pride, and rebellion against God. If left unchecked, it can make a believer lose his testimony and even his salvation.
Romans 8:13 says: “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.”
- How to Overcome the Flesh
Walk in the Spirit: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). When the Spirit controls you, the flesh loses its grip.
Renew Your Mind Daily: Fill your heart with God’s Word (Romans 12:2). What you feed grows—feed the Spirit, starve the flesh.
Practice Fasting & Prayer: These weaken the desires of the flesh and strengthen your spirit-man.
Confess and Repent Quickly: Do not cover sin; expose it before God and receive cleansing.
Stay Accountable: Fellowship with believers helps keep you from secret struggles.
- The Fruit of Victory Over the Flesh
When you overcome the works of the flesh, you begin to manifest the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
This fruit becomes the evidence that Christ truly lives in you.
🔥 Prayer Point: Lord, crucify every work of the flesh in me. Let my life reflect the fruit of Your Spirit daily.
💡 Reflection: Which works of the flesh am I still struggling with? Have I truly surrendered them at the cross?