Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 4:15
The sad truth is that sometimes we can make fleshly decisions as Christians. Because of our fleshly choices, we suffer judgment from those around us. But God does not want us acting fleshly, for when we do, we act like lost people. So, God had Peter write in 1 Peter 4:15 a warning for every believer. Through Peter, God warns us to make sure we do not suffer for making bad decisions. Making fleshly decisions always results in sin and, of course, sin always results in death. God also used Paul to write to us and, of course, to the believers at Corinth about being “fleshly” (1 Corinthians 3:1–3). The believers in Corinth allowed jealousy and hostility to linger in their attitudes toward one another. Those attitudes caused them to miss out on the fullness of God’s Word. God does not want us to miss anything He has for us as His children. God desires us to pursue Him and His Word passionately and not allow our fleshly desires to rule and reign in us (Romans 6:12–14). To be clear, all fleshly decisions are from our old way of life. When we surrendered to Christ as Lord, He made us brand new in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). Though we are brand new creatures, we still live in our fleshly shell, and it hungers for the garbage of this world (1 John 2:15–17). To live for our Lord, we must crucify our fleshly desires every day and choose to walk in obedience to our Lord and not our flesh.
Challenge & Application
· Since we live in a fleshly shell that hungers for the junk of this world, how are you dying to your flesh and living in Christ?
· How can you help other Christians who are struggling to overcome their fleshly desires (also see Galatians 6:1–2)?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!