A Call to Overcome Carnality By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." – Matthew 4:17
Introduction
In a world filled with distractions, temptations, and the overwhelming pursuit of personal desires, it is easy to stray away from the path that the Living God has set for us. The flesh, with its desires and lusts, continuously battles against the spirit. As believers, we are called to live not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. This requires discipline and submission to God’s will, a willingness to buffet our bodies and align ourselves with His truth. This lesson serves as a reminder to examine our lives, evaluate where we have allowed carnality to rule, and turn back to the Father’s will.
The Call to Subjectivity to God
God calls His people to be subjects to His authority, not slaves to their own fleshly desires. The flesh wants to dictate our actions, lead us into sin, and bring us into bondage. However, when we keep ourselves in submission to God’s Spirit, it becomes a delight to obey His commands. Living according to the flesh leads to laziness and slothfulness, while submission to God leads to clarity and purpose in our lives. In this state of subjectivity, we walk according to the standard of righteousness set by the Living God.
Supportive Verse: Romans 8:13 - "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
The Dangers of Laziness and Carnality
The age we live in is one marked by a spiritual laziness, where many have abandoned the standard of God’s Spirit. Instead of being guided by His commands, people have succumbed to the desires of their base nature, which leads to self-destruction. This is particularly evident in the lives of those who profess to be believers yet live in carnality, seeking comfort, material wealth, and self-indulgence above the will of God. In the pursuit of personal gain and pleasure, they fail to realize that true fulfillment lies in following God's plan and purpose.
Supportive Verse: Philippians 3:19 - "Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things."
The Ultimate Agenda of God
God’s ultimate agenda for humanity is not that we live according to the desires of the flesh but that we come into relationship with Him and walk in His will. This is the way to eternal life, to bear much fruit, and to experience true satisfaction. Many, however, are deceived into thinking they will find happiness and fulfillment by following their own desires. But this path leads to destruction, as they reject the wisdom and discipline of God. Those who refuse God’s instruction end up destroying themselves, forsaking the glorious life He intended for them.
Supportive Verse: Proverbs 14:12 - "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."
Overcoming the Flesh
To overcome the flesh, we must first recognize the dangers of living in submission to it. We must buffet our bodies, keep them under control, and submit our desires to the will of God. This requires daily discipline, rejecting the easy comforts of the world and choosing to obey the Spirit. It means saying no to laziness, sin, and self-indulgence, and instead choosing the path that leads to life. God is calling His people to rise above the base desires of the flesh and walk in the glorious life He has set before them.
Supportive Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:27 - "I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
Summary
In this age of spiritual laziness and self-indulgence, we are reminded of the importance of living in subjectivity to the will of God. We must buffet our bodies and reject the desires of the flesh that lead us away from God’s purposes. True fulfillment comes not from seeking comfort or personal gain, but from walking in the truth of God’s commands. We are called to rise above carnality and live according to the Spirit, embracing the life and purpose God has for us.
Conclusion
As believers, our greatest joy and purpose is found in following God’s will. When we allow the flesh to rule, we are led astray. But when we submit ourselves to the Living God, we find true peace, joy, and purpose. Let us not be like those who seek their own way, but let us be faithful in seeking the will of God, following His commands with gladness. We are called to be people of the Spirit, walking in righteousness, truth, and light.
May we never forget that God's ultimate agenda for us is to live long, bear much fruit, and remain in close communication with Him. Therefore, let us choose to live in subjectivity to God, buffet our bodies, and walk in His will, that we may fulfill the purpose He has for our lives.
