SIN, FLESH, DEATH; RIGHTEOUSNESS, SPIRIT, LIFE

SIN, FLESH, DEATH; RIGHTEOUSNESS, SPIRIT, LIFE

A Comparative Study of Two Spiritual Camps

(i) It is the Spirit that quickens, the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you, they are Spirit and they are Life. (John 6: 63)

(ii) If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die, but if ye through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the flesh, ye shall live. (Romans 8: 13)

(iii) For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8: 16)

An Overview

On a broader view, there are clearly two realms of operations in the whole existence –the realm of God, and the realm of the devil. The powers in operation in two reals are the power of God and that of the devil.

The above items in the title are elements which characterizes these realms. Sin, flesh (or carnality) and death for the realm of the devil while righteousness, Spirit and Life characterise the realm of God.

Sin, Flesh and Death

These three are evident manifestations of the powers of the devil. These are what dominates and control the children of the world. Sin is an act, thought or word which is not in agreement with the word of God.

These are pleasant to the flesh (our bodies) but are repulsive to the spirit. It feels good and exciting, yet, it is a heap of burden on our soul.

The flesh profits nothing. Our second text says, 'If you live after the flesh, you shall die. This death is two dimensional: physical death and spiritual death. Spiritually, those who live worldly lifestyle, and patronize carnality would eventually choke their spiritual sensitivity. This indeed is a worse death.

The physical death is a certainty for all mortals. 'Flesh' here refers to carnality. This life or realm is powered by the devil and it leads people to sure regret, shame and condemnation.

Righteousness, Spirit, Life

These three are glorious manifestations of the power of God. Righteousness on the other hand is the lifestyle of the believer. This is the continuous consciousness of the word and presence of God with you. Righteousness is living in way pleasing to God.

Compared to the righteousness by the law, our righteousness is a gift we have received packaged in Christ. The Spirit is the life-giving potential of the Holy Spirit. These three work in consonance in the life of every believer.

This Christ-consciousness and operation of the Spirit revives every organs of our lives. It introduces life (Zoe) to our lives. They light up our souls and spirits.

Choose Righteousness, Choose Life

In case you find yourself in the realm of sin, flesh and death, here is good news. You are not condemned. Do not condemn yourself. Get up quickly and put away the way of the flesh.

Put on Christ Jesus, and make no provision (or room) for the flesh. (Romans 13:14) Choose righteousness, choose Christ, and choose life. This realm is the most fruitful and fulfilling.

God bless you! Listen to Goodlife Podcast 🎧

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