SATISFYING OF THE
FLESH
INTRODUCTION
Satisfying of the flesh is as a consuming fire as man accepts the ungodly culture that has surfaced and is prevalent in many areas of life. There is an underlying force (satanic) that motives the sinfulness of man to become acceptable rather than condemned!
Prophet Isaiah uttered this significant warning: Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight (Isaiah 5:20-21).
He then pronounced the result of such: As the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust, because they have cast away the law of the Lord, and despised of the Holy One (Isaiah 5:24).
Satisfying of the Flesh
Encouraged
The term flesh refers to the body as distinguished from the soul; a carnality (fleshly) appetite and the corruptible body of man. Satisfying is to gratify wants, wishes or desires to the full extent, being deprived of the Spirit of God, and dominated by sin. Satisfying of the flesh is encouraged by an electronic age that encourages the fleshly desires of man to feast on any want or desire!
We are seeing immorality blossom forth under the guise of entertainment and enlightenment rather than condemned! There is an outpouring of acceptance, from a once godly stance, towards appeasement (satisfying of the flesh) rather than continuation in godly principles.
There are nations that have experienced a “Nation under God” concept but have allowed the advancement of ungodliness and immorality to supersede that concept! We are seeing sweeping changes in a cultural drift that bear the traits noted in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit!
Onrush of Ungodly
Activity
There is an onrush of ungodly activity that is being promoted with pride whereas before it was condemned! We are seeing the education of children, at a tender young age of acceptance, drafted into an ungodly culture that destroys godly values of the past. We are witnessing the endangering of the soul as man caves into acceptance of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life warned of in God’s Word.
Apostle John wrote: Love not the world, neither the things in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father (God) is in not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof; but he that does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:15-17).
Poisoning of the Soul
Satisfying of the flesh began in the Garden of Eden when the Serpent (Satan’s tool of deception) countermanded God’s Word to seduce acceptance of the forbidden fruit. Scripture reveals: When the woman (Eve) saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired of to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also to her husband (Adam) with her; and he did eat (Genesis 3:6).
Satan, and his cohorts, are still offering the forbidden fruit today; using the satisfying of the flesh, rather than obedience to God’s Word, as a tool towards acceptance! As previously stated, an electronic age has helped promote the forbidden fruit as acceptable and desirable!
Danger Facing the Church
Apostle Paul wrote: Mark (note) them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly (satisfying of the flesh); and by good (smooth) words and fair (flattering) speeches deceive the hearts of the simple (innocent) (Romans 16:17-18).
It was noted that Paul gave words of warning concerning danger threatening the church; to not be impaired by deceivers, who are the source of divisions and stumbling blocks towards maintaining the truth of God’s Word! It is concerning when the world attacks the church; but even more concerning when those within the church promote the ways of the world rather than standing for the eternal truths of God’s Word!
Ungodly Maneuvering
Apostle
Paul wrote: We wrestle not against flesh and blood (humanity) but against
principalities (rulers), against powers (authorities), against the rulers of
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians
6:12). We are witnessing ungodly
maneuvering through appointed or elected officials who openly endorse
acceptance of ungodly cultures!
Satisfying of the flesh starts from the leadership then elevates downward to the masses. When the leadership becomes corrupt and ungodly; so are the people due to truth being concealed. Jesus said to those who believe on him: If you continue (abide) in my word, then are you my disciples; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32). The truth will set one free from a life in sin, satisfying of the flesh, and other avenues that would direct one’s soul towards the path of destruction.
New Cultivated Lifestyle
Apostle Paul wrote: There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Spirit of God) (Romans 8:1). It was noted that many manuscripts omit the last portion of this Scripture. In the portion omitted, Paul noted the importance of maintaining a godly walk through leadership of God's Spirit!
The church, in many cases, has lost such a commitment as it changes bylaws and rulings to accommodate the sinful nature of a new lifestyle! Jesus said to His disciples: Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41); He, as the Son of God, was fully aware of the future that would befall mankind; beset those who did not follow Him wholeheartedly!
Provision for the Flesh
Apostle Paul wrote: Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh (satisfying of the flesh), to fulfill the lusts there of (Romans 13:14). Walk in the Spirit (Spirit of God) and you shall not fulfill (carry out) the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). As Paul gave warning to those of his day; how much more is it needful now, in the hour of darkness (sinfulness) that is so much prevalent today?
One should not seek opportunities to satisfy the deep-seated desires of the sin nature but should seek to manifest works that are consistent with a new life in Christ! Apostle Paul wrote: Come out from them (those promoting ungodliness), and be you separate with the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will be receive you (2 Corinthians 6:17).
It was noted that a Christian should life a holy life that reflects the nature of God, who saved him. He should separate himself from the actions, influences, which would contaminate him! There is a great need towards a renewal of teaching and preaching of holiness in the Church. Scripture reveals: Follow (pursue) peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
Coming Judgment
Satisfying of the flesh brought man to a point where the Lord said, my spirit shall not always strive (abide) with man, for that he is flesh; yet his day shall be a hundred and twenty years (Genesis 6:3). It was noted that man was given 120 years after this warning before judgment of the Flood (pre-Flood days of Noah) came.
Apostle Peter noted: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished (2 Peter 3:6). He then brought it closer to home: But the heavens and the earth, which are now (to this present day), by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against (until) the Day of Judgment and perdition (destruction) of ungodly men (2 Peter 3:6-7).
Is God’s spirit continuing to strive (abide) with man? Peter gave the reason why it may be so: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (destruction of the ungodly), as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Day of the Lord
Satisfying of the flesh, towards one’s ill-conceived ways without the benefit of godly instruction, will be dealt with in God’s time! Apostle Peter noted: The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat (possibly a nuclear holocaust), the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10).
Peter than gave an appeal to those who will experience the Judgment of God, if they continue in their ungodly ways: Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness (2 Peter 3-11).
Then a promise to the believer in Christ: Nevertheless we (the believer) according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. Wherefore, seeing that you look for such things, diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless (2 Peter 3:13-14).
Salvation of the Soul
God’s Word is full of encouragement, both Old Testament and New Testament towards salvation of the soul, walking away from satisfying of the flesh, towards a walk in God that will see us through every hindrance that would attempt to divert one from the truth! The Prophet Isaiah noted: The Lord shall guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought (dry places), and make fat your bones (strengthen); and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not (Isaiah 58:11).
Apostle Paul noted: My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). It was noted in proportion to His unlimited resources He will meet the need gloriously and in a splendid manner by Christ Jesus! There is victory in the name of Christ; Apostle Paul wrote: Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
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