The World, Flesh, and Devil: A Biblical Perspective.
INTRODUCTION:
The Bible contains numerous teachings that provide insight into the struggles of human life. One of the most significant themes found within its pages is the concept of “the world, the flesh, and the devil.” This triad represents the primary adversaries that Christians must overcome in their journey towards spiritual salvation. In this post, we will explore these adversaries in detail, as outlined in the Bible, and discuss how believers can triumph over them.
The following are 3 things that cause problems and trials to come into our lives.
1. THE WORLD:
The term “the world” in the Bible refers to the secular system of values and ideals that are opposed to God’s will. It encompasses the materialistic desires, the pursuit of worldly pleasures, and the attachment to worldly possessions. The Bible warns believers against being conformed to this world, as it leads to spiritual decay and moral corruption.
Romans 12:2 (NLT) says “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 5: 3-5 (NLT) says “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
John 16:33 (NLT) says “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
James 1:2-4 (NLT) says “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
Your faith and how you react to problems and trials is what makes you stronger!
By embracing a life of simplicity and detachment from materialism, Christians can resist the temptations of the world and remain faithful to God’s commandments.
2. THE FLESH:
The term “the flesh” in the Bible refers to the sinful nature that resides within every human being. It represents the physical desires, cravings, and appetites that are contrary to God’s will. The Bible teaches that the flesh is the source of all sin and that it constantly wars against the spirit.
Romans 7:18 (NLT) says “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) says “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
To overcome the flesh, Christians must engage in a constant battle of self-control, mortifying their desires, and seeking to live according to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
3. THE DEVIL:
The devil, also known as Satan, is the primary adversary of God and humanity. He is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and now seeks to lead humanity into sin and damnation. The Bible describes the devil as the “prince of this world” and the “father of lies”.
John 12:31 (NLT) says “The time for judging the world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out.”
John 8:44 (NLT) says “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
The devil uses various tactics to deceive and tempt humans, including tempting them to sin, causing division among people, and spreading doubt and confusion about God’s truth. To overcome the devil, Christians must rely on the power of God’s word, the protection of Christ, and the armor of God.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT) says “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
James 4:7 (NLT) says “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
1 Peter 5: 6-11 (NLT) says “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. All power to Him forever! Amen.”
A WARNING AGAINST DRIFTING AWAY
Hebrews 2:1-3 (NLT) says “So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus Himself and then delivered to us by those who heard Him speak?”
CONCLUSION:
The world, the flesh, and the devil are formidable adversaries that every Christian must confront in their journey towards spiritual salvation. By understanding the nature of these adversaries and the Biblical teachings on how to overcome them, believers can grow in their faith, resist temptation, and live according to God’s will. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Bible, Christians can triumph over the world, the flesh, and the devil and attain the ultimate goal of eternal life with God in Heaven.
Remember: All our problems and trials come from the world, the flesh and the devil. God does not cause our problems or trials – God is the problem and trial solver. As long as you stay with Jesus, He will get you through all your problems and trials.
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