The World, the Flesh, and the Devil
One thing that is hard for most Christians to understand is our 3 enemies:
- The WORLD refers to philosophies, beliefs, or world systems that do not include Christ or the Bible. Most governments make rules or laws in reaction to a problem but this is not always beneficial. How many times have you been frustrated in dealing with a beauracy to try and solve a simple problem but their existing system or organization would not allow a change? A worldly belief can be found in many commercials such as "Just Do It!" or popular songs such as "Love the One You're with!" We are to reject worldly beliefs and renew our mind with the truth based on the Bible or biblical principles (Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
- The FLESH refers to aany "work of the flesh" or any behavior that naturally comes from our old sinful nature. Galatians 5:19-21 lists these as: "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like (NIV)." Of course this is just some examples of sinful reactions or behavior that comes from our old sinful nature. We need to claim by faith that our sinful fleshly desires were nailed to the cross of Christ (Galatians 5:16-18) 2000 years ago and ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with the power of the Spirit so we can bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This simply means we are to put a righteous or godly behavior in place of a fleshly or sinful behavior behavior (Romans 13:11-14 and Ephesians 4:20-32). It takes a lot of work to change one's behavior with the help of the power of the Holy Spirit.
- The DEVIL refers to Satan and his "fallen angels", demons, or evil spirits. The Bible commands us to 'resist the devil" and he will flee from us (James 4:6-7 and I Peter 5:6-9). We are to regularly put on the armor of God and use spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18).
