Topics

Flesh

The flesh refers to our sinful nature and physical desires that oppose God's Spirit, while also describing Christ's incarnate body given for our salvation.

Overview

Scripture uses "flesh" in two primary ways: the sinful nature inherited from Adam that produces worldly desires and behaviors, and Christ's physical body given as a sacrifice for humanity's redemption. Understanding both meanings is essential to Christian living and faith.

Key Scriptures

"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these" (Galatians 5:19-21, ESV).

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh" (John 6:51, ESV).

"Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you'" (John 6:53, ESV).

Application

Recognize the flesh's desires within you and daily depend on Christ's Spirit to mortify sin and embrace the nourishment of Christ's sacrificial work.

Scripture References 16
Galatians 5:19 Galatians 5:20 Galatians 5:21 John 6:51 John 6:52 John 6:53 John 6:54 John 6:55 John 6:56 John 6:57 John 6:58 John 6:59 John 6:60 John 6:61 John 6:62 John 6:63
Full Topical Reference List 16 total — Nave's Topical Bible

Figurative, fruits of

Galatians 5:19 Galatians 5:20 Galatians 5:21

Symbolic, body of Christ symbolized by the bread of the holy eucharist

John 6:51 John 6:52 John 6:53 John 6:54 John 6:55 John 6:56 John 6:57 John 6:58 John 6:59 John 6:60 John 6:61 John 6:62 John 6:63
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