Topic: LORD, deliver us from the works of flesh so we don’t become less than conquerors.
Texts: Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 6:16.
EXPOSITION:
When we speak of ‘the works of the flesh’, we are referring to those sinful acts that the Adamic sinful nature in us often prompts us to commit. There are nineteen (19) of these as listed in Galatian 5:19-21 – “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
These works of the flesh being 19, they could by rightly termed ‘19 steps to hell.’ There is no opportune time better than this prayer season to pray to God to deliver us from these sinful acts. As we would pray on this topic, God in His mercy, will hear us and help us to avoid these acts in the name of Jesus.
It is pertinent to note that these works of the flesh are self-centred acts, and operate as a two-edged sword, bringing harm to the perpetrator of the acts on the one hand, and on the other hand to those at the receiving end of the acts. The boomerang effect of any work of the flesh occurs when it triggers negative reactions and counter actions from others. Before you know it, the ugly scene has become broad, almost becoming uncontrollable. Better to avoid indulging in any of the works of the flesh than to think of seeking a remedy to its boomerang effect!
Paul says in Romans 6:16 – “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves salves to obey, you are the one’s slaves, whether of sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?” As long as we fraternise rather than to strongly resist these works of the flesh, we will continue to be held in grip and become slaves to them.
This season, the stronghold of these works of flesh shall be broken; their yoke shall be destroyed, shattered and scattered and shall gather no more in the name of Jesus. Amen and amen. God bless you. SHALOM.
