Victory Over Carnality Through the Bread of Life By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” — Romans 8:6 (KJV)
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Introduction
In the journey of every believer, there lies a constant war—one that is not fought with external enemies alone but one that rages within. This inner conflict pits the spirit against the flesh, the new creation against the old nature, and the divine against the carnal. Many Christians are unaware of the intensity of this warfare and the subtle alliance their carnal tendencies maintain with demonic forces. It is this internal battle that determines whether we walk in victory or defeat.
The message of the Lord reveals a truth too often neglected: our greatest enemy is not always external, but internal—the very carnality that dwells within us. Despite being saved, many continue to yield to the old man, thereby aligning with the devil’s purposes unknowingly. This lesson is a call to spiritual alertness, a revelation of the enemy within, and a passionate plea to embrace the life-giving bread of heaven that brings satisfaction, strength, and victory.
In the pages ahead, we will explore the depth of this spiritual war, the consequences of carnal living, and the glorious liberty found in surrendering to the Holy Spirit. We will see that the true nourishment of the soul is not found in physical bread or carnal wisdom, but in the living bread of life—Jesus Christ. The Lord does not call us to live in defeat; He calls us to live in power, joy, and divine wisdom.
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The War Within: Carnality vs. the Spirit
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other...” — Galatians 5:17
The greatest battleground in the believer’s life is not the world or external circumstances—it is within. Carnality is not just a set of bad behaviors but an entire mindset that is hostile to God. It is a tendency that leans toward independence from God, relying instead on the arm of flesh, worldly reasoning, and self-will.
Many fail to recognize that carnality is not passive; it is in active cooperation with demonic strategies. The old nature is deceptive, alluring, and deeply rooted in rebellion. Yielding to the flesh repeatedly places believers in a cycle of defeat and spiritual stagnation. We must understand that every time we submit to carnality, we are giving the enemy an access point into our lives.
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Living in the Newness of Life
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead... even so we also should walk in newness of life.” — Romans 6:4
God’s desire for us is not to live in bondage to our old ways but to walk in the resurrection power of Christ. This new life is not theoretical—it is practical, transformational, and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Victory over carnality is not achieved through self-discipline alone but through full submission to Christ.
When believers meditate daily upon God’s salvation mercies, they are transformed from within. Revelation replaces assumption. Spiritual hunger is ignited. The more we remember the cost of our salvation and the love that delivered us, the more our hearts are drawn into obedience. This is not out of religious duty but out of grateful reverence.
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Seeking the Counsel of the Holy Spirit
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
One of the deadliest traps of carnality is the reliance on human wisdom. When we resort to our own reasoning or that of others—no matter how educated—we often drift from divine alignment. The Lord clearly warns that trusting in the arm of flesh brings a curse because it exalts man’s mind over God’s will.
The Holy Spirit is given to us not only as a comforter but as a counselor. His guidance is accurate, timely, and perfectly aligned with the will of the Father. To ignore His voice is to embrace confusion and death. Every believer is called to walk in continual dependence upon the Holy Spirit, receiving daily instructions from heaven’s divine headquarters.
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The Deathly Consequence of Carnal Living
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” — Romans 8:13
Carnality always ends in death. It is not merely a matter of inconvenience or occasional weakness; it is a spiritual cancer that erodes our relationship with God. The carnal mind resists the will of God, seeks pleasure in rebellion, and ultimately brings destruction. Many who begin in the Spirit fall back into bondage because they underestimate the subtlety of the flesh.
God calls us to be a Spirit-led people. When we allow the Holy Spirit to mortify the deeds of the body, we partake in the eternal life that Jesus offers. There is no mixture allowed—carnality must be crucified daily if we are to walk in the fullness of life.
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The Bread of Life: A Divine Solution
“I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” — John 6:35
Many today are spiritually starving because they feed on the wrong bread. They consume knowledge, entertainment, food, and distractions but are still empty. This is because the only satisfying bread is that which comes from heaven. Christ, the bread of life, satisfies the soul and strengthens the spirit.
This bread is not temporal—it is eternal. It nourishes the inner man, renews the mind, and energizes the will. The Lord does not give us stones; He gives us heavenly bread that fills, heals, and empowers. It is this bread that breaks the cycle of addiction, emotional despair, and spiritual dryness.
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Spiritual Hunger vs. Fleshly Appetites
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” — Matthew 5:6
The obesity crisis in the natural world is a reflection of a deeper issue—spiritual emptiness. When people are disconnected from God, they seek comfort in the flesh, often through food or entertainment. But overconsumption of natural things never satisfies a spiritual need.
God calls His people to redirect their hunger. Instead of feeding destructive appetites, He invites us to feast on righteousness, holiness, and truth. When we hunger for God, we are filled with life. We become whole, not just emotionally or mentally, but spiritually. This satisfaction cannot be manufactured; it is the result of divine communion.
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Summary
The war within is real, and its consequences are eternal. Carnality allies itself with the devil, seeking to pull believers back into bondage and destruction. However, God offers a victorious path—the way of the Spirit. By meditating on God’s mercies, seeking the Holy Spirit’s counsel, and partaking of the bread of life, we walk in newness and freedom.
This lesson reminds us that we cannot afford to live passively or depend on our understanding. We must be Spirit-led in every decision, every appetite, and every thought. Christ offers more than forgiveness; He offers fullness, satisfaction, and life eternal.
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Conclusion
Victory over the flesh is not just possible—it is God’s will. But it demands that we become deeply aware of the war within and the subtle alliances of our old nature with evil. It also requires us to commit daily to the bread of life, resisting the appeal of the flesh with the strength that comes from the Spirit.
Those who walk by the Spirit are not victims—they are victors. They do not live in despair but in divine satisfaction. In a world filled with death, discouragement, and decay, God's people must rise as testimonies of life, joy, and power.
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Call to Action
Today, ask yourself: Am I walking in the Spirit or yielding to carnality?
Choose to seek divine wisdom daily. Feed your soul with the bread of life through prayer, the Word, and communion with the Holy Spirit. Reject the counterfeit satisfactions of the flesh. Let your hunger be for righteousness, and your thirst be for the living God.
Let this be the day you draw the battle line and say, No more! Walk in victory. Serve God in joy. Be fed by His Word and guided by His Spirit.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Do not be discouraged by the battles you face. They are a sign that you are alive in the Spirit. Victory is yours through Jesus Christ. As you seek Him daily, He will guide you step by step. When you fall, rise again. When you’re weak, call upon Him. He gives strength, counsel, and bread that satisfies forever.
Remember, you are not alone in this war—the Holy Spirit fights with you, within you, and through you. Be bold, be faithful, and be victorious.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father, I come before You today realizing my need for salvation. I confess that I have sinned and walked in carnality, depending on my own understanding. But now, I turn away from sin and I turn to You. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again. I ask You, Lord Jesus, to come into my heart, be my Lord and Savior, and lead me by Your Holy Spirit. Fill me with the bread of life and cause me to walk in righteousness. Thank You for forgiving me and giving me eternal life. I surrender to You now, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
