Gospel

Willing Spirit, Weak Flesh

by Roland Crim
07/02/18
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 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” Matthew 26:41-46 NIV

Even as Jesus was now prepared to be delivered into the hands of evil men, He speaks to three of His disciples, letting them know to pray that they not be led into temptation.

Even we, who belong to Christ, face temptation. Why is it that the mind and soul can be willing to follow the Lord, yet, we are tempted to succumb to sin? It is because we are still in the flesh. The flesh is of this world. When we pass from this world, our soul will be separated from our flesh. The flesh shall perish and be buried, as it is of this world. God is spirit, and to worship Him, we must do so in spirit, not in flesh. The human flesh cannot be saved. It belongs to this world. But, our core being, who we truly are can belong to the Lord. We must submit to Him, and He will change us, giving us a rebirth in Spirit. When we pass from this earth, we shall receive our heavenly bodies to accompany our souls. We shall spend eternity in the presence of God.

While we live out our earthly lives for the Lord, we need to continually pray for protection from temptation. The evil one is constantly in attack mode. He wants to pull us away from God. Do not allow yourself to be lured by him and his lies. Ask the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, to guide your paths, that you remain faithful to the Lord and His will. He answers the prayers of those who are faithful to Him.