THE FLESH
Definition:
The Christian Meaning of “The Flesh”
In Christianity, “the flesh” (sarx in Greek) refers not merely to the physical human body but to the fallen, sinful, self‑centred nature inherited through the Fall.
It describes the part of human nature that resists God, seeks independence from Him, and gravitates toward sin.
The flesh is an inner inclination toward self rather than God — a spiritual condition, not primarily a physical one.
BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
A. A Power Opposed to God
“The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God…” — Romans 8:7–8
“The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit…” — Galatians 5:17
The flesh represents a spiritual power opposed to the Holy Spirit
The flesh is not neutral — it is actively resistant to God’s rule.
This truth shows that spiritual conflict is real and internal.
You can recognize that the battle within you is not imagined — Scripture names it clearly.
B. The Flesh as Fallen Human Nature
“Gratifying the cravings of our flesh…” — Ephesians 2:3
“Nothing good dwells in me… in my flesh.” — Romans 7:18
The flesh is the arena of fallen desires and self‑rule
The flesh is not your body — it is your fallen nature.
This truth reveals that sin originates in the heart, not the physical frame.
You can approach God honestly, knowing He understands your inner struggle.
THEOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING
A. Augustine
The flesh = disordered desires
Good longings twisted by sin
Rebellion, not substance, is the problem
This truth shows that sin corrupts what God created good.
You can seek God to reorder your desires toward Him.
B. Martin Luther
The flesh remains even in believers
Corrupted nature seeks its own
Will not submit to God without grace
This truth reveals that salvation does not erase the flesh instantly.
You can depend on grace daily to resist self‑rule.
C. John Calvin
The flesh is a “factory of idols”
Constantly exalts self over God
Makes war against the Spirit
This truth shows that the flesh is relentless.
You can stay vigilant, knowing the Spirit is stronger.
D. John Wesley
The flesh = “inbred sin”
Gradually overcome in sanctification
The heart turned inward on itself
This truth reveals that sanctification is a lifelong journey.
You can trust God to transform you over time.
E. Watchman Nee
The flesh = what we are by natural birth
The Spirit = what we become by new birth
Clear distinction between body and fallen nature
This truth shows that identity in Christ is greater than inherited nature.
You can walk in the new life the Spirit gives.
FLESH VS. SPIRIT
A. Works of the Flesh (Galatians 5:19–21)
sexual immorality
hatred
selfish ambition
envy
fits of rage
These are the outward expressions of inward self‑rule.
B. Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)
love
joy
peace
self‑control
These grow when the Spirit rules instead of the flesh.
Key Idea
The flesh produces self‑centredness; the Spirit produces God‑centredness.
HISTORICAL & CHURCH CONTEXT
Early Church Fathers defended the goodness of the body and clarified that “flesh” refers to moral corruption, not physicality.
Medieval theology saw the flesh as concupiscence — inner inclination to sin.
Reformers taught that the flesh remains active in believers, requiring ongoing sanctification.
Modern theologians describe the flesh as ego‑driven, fear‑based, self‑protective human nature.
This truth shows that Christians across history have wrestled with the same inner battle.
You can take comfort knowing this struggle is universal and understood.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR BELIEVERS
Daily self‑denial
Walking in the Spirit
Renewal of the mind
Humility and dependence on grace
Lifelong sanctification
This truth shows that victory over the flesh is Spirit‑empowered, not self‑achieved.
You can grow steadily as you yield to the Spirit.
SUMMARY
The Flesh is:
The fallen, self‑centred nature inherited from Adam
A spiritual condition opposed to God
The source of sinful desires and rebellion
Distinct from the physical body
Conquered gradually through the Spirit’s work
Simple Definition
The flesh is the sinful, self‑focused human nature that resists God, inherited through the Fall and overcome only by the Holy Spirit’s transforming work.
IN DAILY LIFE: LIVING WITH AWARENESS OF THE FLESH
1. Recognize the Battle
Daily Application
Be honest about sinful tendencies Romans 7:18; Galatians 5:17
Reflect on areas where the flesh dominates
Why This Matters
Awareness is the first step toward transformation.
Encouragement
God reveals the battle so He can lead you to victory.
2. Daily Self‑Denial
Daily Application
Resist specific temptations Luke 9:23; Matthew 16:24
Practice small acts of self‑denial
Why This Matters
Self‑denial weakens the flesh’s grip.
Encouragement
Every small “no” to the flesh is a “yes” to Christ.
3. Walk by the Spirit
Daily Application
Invite the Spirit to guide your day Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:13
Rely on the Spirit, not willpower
Why This Matters
Only the Spirit can overcome the flesh.
Encouragement
You are never asked to fight alone.
4. Renew Your Mind
Daily Application
Fill your mind with Scripture Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8
Replace self‑centred thoughts with God‑centred truth
Why This Matters
Renewed thinking reshapes desires.
Encouragement
God transforms you from the inside out.
5. Practice Humility
Daily Application
Acknowledge dependence on God James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6
Serve others quietly
Why This Matters
Humility starves the flesh of pride.
Encouragement
God gives grace to the humble.
6. Live in Sanctification
Daily Application
Develop spiritual disciplines 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 10:5
Confess failures quickly
Why This Matters
Sanctification is a lifelong journey.
Encouragement
God is patient and faithful in your growth.
7. Focus on the Fruit of the Spirit
Daily Application
Cultivate one fruit each week Galatians 5:22–23
Practice it intentionally
Why This Matters
Fruit grows where the flesh loses ground.
Encouragement
The Spirit produces what you cannot.
8. Remember Your New Identity
Daily Application
Declare your identity in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:6
Reject guilt and walk in freedom
Why This Matters
The flesh is real, but it is not your master.
Encouragement
You are a new creation — live like it.
Daily Life Summary
Living with awareness of the flesh means:
Recognizing the inner battle
Daily self‑denial
Walking by the Spirit
Renewing the mind
Practicing humility
Pursuing lifelong sanctification
Cultivating the Spirit’s fruit
Embracing your identity in Christ
The flesh is real — but it cannot dominate the believer who depends on God, walks in the Spirit, and meditates on His Word.
Key Scripture References
Galatians 5:16–17
Romans 8:5–8
1 Corinthians 3:1–3
Luke 9:23 Romans 12:2