Arresting the Flesh
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to your word.
Psalm 119:8
The godly conduct that produces spiritual stability depends on obeying the divine standard of God’s Word. The Word is what cultivates godly attitudes, thoughts, and actions that will keep you from being overwhelmed by trials and temptations.
To understand the relationship between godly attitudes, thoughts, and actions, consider this analogy. If a policeman sees someone who is about to violate the law, he will arrest him. Similarly, godly attitudes and thoughts produced by the Word act as policemen to arrest the flesh before it commits a crime against the standard of God’s Word. But if they are not on duty, they can’t arrest the flesh, and the flesh is free to violate the law of God.
The analogy teaches that right attitudes and thoughts must precede right practices. Paul realized only spiritual weapons will help in our warfare against the flesh (2 Cor 10:4). By using the right weapons, you can take “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5).
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 355). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Listen to this entry
Psalm 119:8
The godly conduct that produces spiritual stability depends on obeying the divine standard of God’s Word. The Word is what cultivates godly attitudes, thoughts, and actions that will keep you from being overwhelmed by trials and temptations.
To understand the relationship between godly attitudes, thoughts, and actions, consider this analogy. If a policeman sees someone who is about to violate the law, he will arrest him. Similarly, godly attitudes and thoughts produced by the Word act as policemen to arrest the flesh before it commits a crime against the standard of God’s Word. But if they are not on duty, they can’t arrest the flesh, and the flesh is free to violate the law of God.
The analogy teaches that right attitudes and thoughts must precede right practices. Paul realized only spiritual weapons will help in our warfare against the flesh (2 Cor 10:4). By using the right weapons, you can take “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5).
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 355). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Listen to this entry
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