MY BODY IS NOT MY BOSS

Colossians 3:5–7 So put to death the sinful, earthly things LURKING WITHIN YOU. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 YOU USED TO DO THESE THINGS when your life was still part of this world. (NLT)

4 STEPS TO GET VICTORY OVER YOUR FLESH

1. RECOGNIZE YOUR FLESH SHOULD NOT LEAD YOUR LIFE

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (NIV)

2. IDENTIFY SINFUL PATTERNS

Colossians 3:5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. (NLT)

Colossians 3:8-9 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. (NLT)

James 1:14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their OWN evil desire and enticed. (NIV)

James 5:16 Therefore confess YOUR SINS to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off EVERYTHING that hinders and THE SIN that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, (NIV)

3. RECOGNIZE THE CONSEQUENCES OF FLESH-LED LIVING

Colossians 3:6 Because of these sins, the ANGER of God is coming. (NLT)

Galatians 6:7–8 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap DESTRUCTION; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (NIV)

James 1:15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to DEATH. (NIV)

Romans 8:6 The mind governed by the flesh is DEATH, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (NIV)

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (ESV)

4 PUT YOUR FLESH IN ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE

4A. CRUCIFY YOUR FLESH

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to DEATH the misdeeds of the body, you will live. (NIV)

Galatians 5:24 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have CRUCIFIED the flesh with its passions and desires. (NIV)

Matthew 5:30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, CUT IT OFF and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. (NIV)

1 Peter 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, TO ABSTAIN from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. (NIV)

Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make NO PROVISION FOR THE FLESH, to gratify its desires. (ESV)

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must DENY themselves and take up THEIR CROSS DAILY and follow me. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (ESV)

MOST CHRISTIANS ARE NOT DEFEATED BY DEMONS. THEY’RE DEFEATED BY THE UNDISCIPLINED DESIRES.

John 8:34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. (ESV)

4B. START PRACTICING SPIRITUAL HABITS

Colossians 3:9-10 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 PUT ON YOUR NEW NATURE, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. (NLT)

2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have DIVINE power to destroy strongholds. (ESV)

1. FASTING

2. DAILY PRAYER, WORSHIP, AND BIBLE READING

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV)

3. CHURCH

4. SERVING

5. SMALL GROUP

6. SABBATH

4C. START FOLLOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT’S LEADING

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (ESV)