Christian Living

Is Your Flesh Blocking Your Spirit?

by Michael Edwards 
02/18/19
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As a believer, there have been many times in my life where I have allowed my flesh to block or stop my Spirit from doing what it desired to do. I had no idea that this is what was happening, but today God pointed out to me that this was happening.

Recently, I have been staying with a friend of 20 plus years for an extended period to help him out. He is Jewish and after over 20 years of talking to him about Jesus, he accepted Jesus as his savior within the first few weeks of my stay. It happened at the awesome Rock church in San Diego. I started going there when I came, and Aaron came along. One Sunday, there was an altar call and Aaron stood up and then he went down to the altar with several other people. He later told me that he had no idea how he had gotten up, let alone go down in front of such a large group of people. Something he would never do in the flesh. It was a great day for Aaron who I believe had wanted to trust Christ for a few years. I can remember talking to him in years past and sensing more than once that he was about ready to trust Christ, but at the last second, he would go another direction. Today, I realize that his spirit heard the calling and desired to come to Christ, but his flesh blocked his spirit, through the use of fear. You see, Aarons dad is also Jewish and in his 90’s, for years I sensed this was the issue for Aaron. He was afraid to come, afraid to disappoint and upset his dad. But in his spirit, he desired to be in union with the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of God was calling him. But instead, for many years he listened to his flesh where fear resides.

I have been walking with Christ for many years now and I would like to say that I never let my flesh block my Spirit, but I cannot. My flesh still stops me more than I would like to admit. If you are a Christian, you can probably relate to your Spirits strong desire to do something and your flesh getting in the way, being a stumbling block, usually playing the fear card. Maybe it was to share your faith, give more than your flesh would allow or get involved and help at your church. These are three of the biggest battles believers fight and that churches must put up within the body. All three involve the flesh blocking the Spirit out of fear.

I love the Rock church in San Diego where I have been attending while staying with Aaron. It is the most racially balanced church I have ever attended. It is a very large active church, filled with many people, many that are in their twenties and thirties. Young people who love Christ and I love to see them in church worshipping God especially because I was not there when I was their age. But since the situation was very fluid and I did not know how long I was going to be in San Diego, I allowed my flesh to block my Spirit from getting more involved. I now know in my heart that this was a mistake. No matter how long or short of a time I was going to be here, I could have gotten more involved. My Spirit really wanted to, but my flesh said no, played the fear card and I listened, grieving my Spirit as I now sense. Who knows what doors or opportunities God had for me, to be blessed and to be a blessing. In hindsight, like always, I should have just dove in at the Spirits calling instead of thinking to much.

Thank God that His grace is sufficient for me. Now I need to focus on all of the good that did come out of this trip. If I do not, the enemy will try and use what I just told you to bring guilt and condemnation. The great news is that Aaron came to Christ and went to the Rock every week with me and to some men’s studies. He got a foothold in Christ. I was also able to help him in several other ways too.

Thank you, Jesus, help me to reject the fears of the flesh and step out when you call. 

New Covenant Studies that Apply:

Your Flesh is Dead Christian, Not in School

If Your Faith is in Christ, Your Flesh Has Been Circumcised, Cut Off 

How Does Jesus Set Us Free from Our Body of Death?

How is the Flesh Crucified?

Walking by the Spirit is Gods Will for Your Life, Guaranteed

How to Walk by The Spirit

How to Walk in the Spirit Instead of the Flesh

Look Through the Eyes of God and Walk in the Spirit

Stop the Adam Struggle by Walking in the Spirit

Many more New Covenant Bible Studies HERE. Jesus poured out His blood for the New Covenant of grace and truth, replacing the Old Covenant law of Moses. Believers are exclusively under the New Covenant, the last will and testament of Jesus that began after the cross. 

And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. Luke 22:20