SATISFYING OF FLESHLY
DESIRES
INTRODUCTION
Satisfying of fleshly desires are human urges focused on physical and self-centered pleasures that override moral, ethical, or spiritual boundaries. Religious and biblical teachings reveal that innocent biological needs turn into fleshly desires when they become uncontrolled or selfish.
Common examples of fleshly desires: Sexual Immorality which is engaging in adultery, fornication, pornography, or lustful behaviors outside of moral commitments; excess and gluttony which is overeating, abusing alcohol, or misusing substances to chase physical numbing or constant over-indulgence.
Other examples of fleshy desires include: Anger and strife through fits of rage, holding bitter grudges, or acting with aggressive, manipulative behavior toward others; envy and jealousy by resenting other people for what they own, achieve, or experience; and pride and arrogance by seeking constant self-praise, striving to dominate others, or demanding personal comfort at the expense of everyone else.
Satisfying of Fleshly Desires
Righteous and Foolish
Scripture reveals the nature of both the righteous and foolish: The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish but he casts away the substance (satisfying of fleshly desires) of the wicked (Proverbs 10:3). The wise lays up knowledge but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction (Proverbs 10:14). As the whirlwind passes so is the wicked no more but the righteous is an everlasting foundation (Proverbs 10:25).
The integrity of the upright shall guide them but the perverseness (deceit) of transgressors (the unfaithful) shall destroy them (Proverbs 11:2). The thoughts of the righteous are right but the counsels of the wicked are deceit (Proverbs 11:5). He that is walks in uprightness fears the Lord but he that is perverse in his ways despises him (Proverbs 14:2). There are many comparisons as to what satisfying of fleshly desires or a righteous walk in the Lord will bring.
Advancement of Fleshly
Desires
The term flesh refers to the body as distinguished from the soul of man; the carnality (fleshly) appetite and corruptible body of man. Satisfying is to gratify desires to the full extent; being deprived of the Spirit of God and dominated by sin. Satisfying of fleshly desires is being encouraged towards feasting on any desired want and making it ready available.
We are witnessing immorality under the guise of entertainment and enlightenment rather than being condemned. There is an outpouring of acceptance, from a once godly stance, towards appeasement (satisfying of fleshly desires) rather than continuation of godly principles. The fostering of such has become as a cancer that is hard to contain as it spreads its tentacles to include other areas to be dominated.
There are nations that were once aligned with godly principles but have now allowed advancement of ungodliness and immorality to prevail. We have witnessed sweeping changes through a cultural drift that is bearing the traits of the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit.
Onrush of Ungodly Activity
There is an onrush of ungodly activity that is being promoted with pride; whereas before it was condemned. We are witnessing ungodliness passed on to children, at a tender young age, in an attempt to alleviate godly values of the past. We are witnessing the endangering of the soul through what has been warned against in God’s Word: The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life.
Apostle John wrote: Love not the world, neither the things of the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father (God) is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (all of which reflect satisfying of fleshly desires), is not of the Father, but is of the world.
The world passes away, and the lust thereof; but he that does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:15-17). It was noted that the term world, utilized in this passage, signifies the evil desire and sin that is so much a part of human existence.
Beginning of Deception
Beginning of deception came to fruition in the Garden of Eden when the serpent (Satan's tool of deception) countermanded God’s Word to introduce acceptance of the forbidden fruit. Scripture reveals: When the woman (Eve) saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired of to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also to her husband (Adam) with her; and he did eat (Genesis 3:6).
Satan and his cohorts, are still offering forbidden fruit today towards satisfying of fleshly desires, rather than obedience to God’s Word. It has been noted it will do three things: It will take you where you never intended to go; it will keep you longer than you intended to stay; and it will cost you more than you intended to pay. Ungodliness (sin) is a costly business that separates people from God; However, genuine repentance brings forgiveness and restoration with God.
Ungodly Maneuvering
Apostle Paul wrote: We wrestle not against flesh and blood (humanity) but against principalities (rulers), against powers (authorities), against the rulers of darkness (sinfulness) of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). We are witnessing ungodly enhancement though appointed or elected officials, who are openly endorsing acceptance of ungodly ways that are condemned in God’s Word. Thank God for those who stand firm on the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God without compromise.
Satisfying of fleshly desires starts with the leadership and then is passed down to the masses. Leadership of a corrupt nature will conceal the truth and replace it with deception. Jesus said: If you continue (abide) in my word, then are you my disciples; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32). The truth will set one free from a life in sin, satisfying of fleshly desires, and other avenues that would attempt to deceive and lead one’s soul towards a path of destruction.
Make Not Provision
for the Flesh
Apostle Paul wrote: Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof (satisfying of fleshly desires) (Romans 13:14). Walk in the Spirit (Spirit of God) and you SHALL NOT fulfill (carry out) the lust (desires) of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Paul gave warning to those of his day; how much more is it needful as the hour of darkness (sinfulness) becomes more prevalent?
Apostle Paul wrote: Come out from among them (the ungodly), and be you separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing (satisfying of fleshly desires), and I will receive you; and will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).
It was noted that a Christian should live a life that reflects the nature of God who saved him. He should separate himself from the actions, influences, which would contaminate him (bring sin into one’s life). There is a great need of teaching and preaching the holiness of God within the church. Scripture reveals: Follow (pursue) peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
New Life in Christ
Apostle Paul wrote: There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Spirit of God) (Romans 8:1). It is imperative that this whole verse remain intact; there are some translations that omit the last portion of this verse; but Paul noted the importance of maintaining a godly stance that is without condemnation.
The church, in some cases, has lost such a commitment by changing bylaws, and rulings, to accommodate endorsement of ungodly lifestyles condemned in God’s Word. Paul addressed separation rather than fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (sin). Paul wrote: If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature (creation); old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Salvation of the Soul
God’s Word is full of encouragement towards salvation of the soul. A walking away from satisfying of fleshly desires towards a walk in the Lord will see one through every hindrance that would attempt to divert one from such a path. The Prophet Isaiah noted: The Lord shall guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought (dry places), and make fat (strengthen) your bones, and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters shall fail not (Isaiah 58:11).
Apostle Paul wrote: My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). It was noted that in proportion to His unlimited resources He will meet the need gloriously and in a splendid manner. There is victory in the name of Christ. Apostle Paul wrote: Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). In a world of doubt and uncertainty there is a peace beyond all understanding through Christ Jesus (John 15:27).
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