Reminders – The Flesh
We see the word “flesh” throughout the New Testament, and although it comes from only one Greek word, SARX, its meanings are quite different depending on the context of its usage. We need to seek the Holy Spirit’s intent to understand scripture correctly. If we do not carefully discern the context or proper definition, we will come to false conclusions. There are four basic uses of the word flesh. 1) The physical body. 2) Kinship. 3) Our human desires and weaknesses. 4) The Adamic, or sin nature we are born with as contrasted with the new, spiritual nature received at salvation. In addition, there are words used in conjunction with the flesh such as, “being in,” or, “walking after,” that modify its meaning. Let’s look a little closer at these four.1) Flesh, meaning a physical body. We see Jesus has flesh because He was born human. “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us…” John 1:14 When the Scriptures say that Jesus was in the flesh, it is not telling us He was carnal, (which is another word for flesh) but simply that He had a human body. Jesus said, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see me have.” Luke 24:13 He was 100% human as well as 100% God.
2) Flesh, meaning kinship. This simply has to do with genealogy. “For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” Romans 9:3 Here, Paul was speaking of his Jewish heritage.
3) Flesh, as to the weaknesses and desires of being human. These are not sinful qualities, but simply the desires of the flesh that humans are susceptible to, such as hunger, thirst, emotions, etc. “Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 Jesus, while in His flesh, was hungry, thirsty, tired, and expressed human emotions. The devil used some of these fleshly desires when tempting Him in the wilderness for 40 days. Matthew 4:3
4) Flesh, as in selfishness, stemming from the old nature. This is the negative aspect of the word and meaning of flesh. “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing.” Romans 7:18 and “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other.” Galatians 5:17 Our physical bodies aren’t sinful; our old natures are. The actions of our bodies are just expressions of whom we are in, Adam or Jesus.
Final Thoughts: Besides the context of the word flesh that we need to discern, there are modifying words used with it that can alter its meaning. For instance, there is a difference between “being in the flesh,” and “walking after the flesh.” Paul differentiated between them in his letters. Some examples are, “For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.” Romans 7:5 “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.” Romans 8:8-9 Unbelievers are in the flesh; Christians are in the Spirit. In contrast, to walk after the flesh is to live by serving self. It is the opposite of walking after the Spirit. “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:4 Here, we have a Christian following the leading of the Spirit rather than his own fleshly desires. In conclusion, these seemingly insignificant word studies are not always edifying. Nevertheless, they are necessary, so that we will be found “rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:13
