SATISFYING OF THE
FLESH
INTRODUCTION
Satisfying of the flesh is as a consuming fire as man accepts the ungodly culture that has surfaced and is prevalent in many areas of life. There is an underlying force that motives the sinfulness of man to become acceptable rather than condemned.
The Prophet Isaiah uttered this significant prophecy: Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight (Isaiah 5:20-21).
Isaiah then pronounced the result of such: As the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust, because they have cast away the law of the Lord and despised the word of the Holy One (Isaiah 5:24).
Satisfying of the Flesh
Encouraged
The term flesh refers to the body as distinguished from the soul; a carnality (fleshly) appetite and the corruptible body of man. Satisfying is to gratify wants, wishes or desires to the full extent, being deprived of the Spirit of God, and dominated by sin. Satisfying the flesh is encouraged by an electronic age to partake of the fleshly desires of man feasting on any desired want.
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 the flesh) rather than continuation of godly precepts.
There are nations that were 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 bears the traits noted in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit. Thank God, for any nation or individual, who have seen the light (the fruitfulness of godliness) and are opposing the darkness that seeks to dominate.
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 the education of children, at a tender young age, being drafted into an ungodly culture that destroys the godly values of the past. We are witnessing the endangering of the soul when man allows acceptance of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life warned against in God’s Word.
Apostle John wrote: Love not the world, neither the things in 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 eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passed 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 world, utilized in this scripture, signifies the evil desire and sin so much a part of human existence.
Poisoning of the Soul
Satisfying of the flesh first begin 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 the forbidden fruit today towards satisfying of the flesh, rather than obedience to God’s Word; with an electronic age (previously noted) helping to promote the forbidden fruit, that otherwise could not have been attainable to such a degree as now.
Danger Facing the Church
Apostle Paul wrote: Mark (note) them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly (satisfying of the flesh); and by good (smooth) words and fair (flattering) speeches deceive the hearts of the simple (innocent) (Romans 16:17-18).
Paul gave words of warning concerning danger threatening the church; to not to be seduced by deceivers, the source of divisions and stumbling blocks towards maintaining the truth of God’s Word. It is concerning when the world attacks the church; but even more concerning, when those within the church promote the secular ways of the world rather than stand for the eternal truths of God’s Word.
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 of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). We are witnessing ungodly maneuvering through appointed or elected officials, in government and the church, who are openly endorsing acceptance of ungodly ways. Thank God for those who stand for the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God without compromise.
Satisfying of the flesh starts with the leadership then to the masses. When the leadership becomes corrupt or ungodly; so the people, with truth being concealed. Jesus said to those who believe on Him: 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 the flesh, and other avenues that would direct one’s soul towards a path of destruction.
New Lifestyle
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 was noted that many manuscripts omit the last portion of this Scripture. In the portion omitted, Paul noted the importance of maintaining a godly stance.
The church, in some cases, has lost such a commitment as it changes bylaws and rulings to accommodate the sinful nature of ungodly lifestyles. Jesus said to His disciples: Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41); He, as the Son of God, was fully aware of the future that would befall mankind; beset those who did not follow Him wholeheartedly.
Make Not Provision
Apostle Paul wrote: Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh (satisfying of the flesh), to fulfill the lusts thereof (Romans 13:14). Walk in the Spirit (Spirit of God) and you shall not fulfill (carry out) the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). As Paul gave warning to those of his day; how much more is it needful, in the hour of darkness (sinfulness) that is prevailing today?
It was noted that one should not seek opportunities to satisfy the deep-seated desires of the sin nature but rather seek the lifestyle that is consistent with a new life in Christ. Apostle Peter wrote: Come out from among them (the ungodly), and be you separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; 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. There is a great need towards a renewal of teaching and preaching of holiness within the Church. Scripture reveals: Follow (pursue) peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Apostle Paul wrote: Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable (rational) service (Romans 12:1).
Salvation of the Soul
God’s Word is full of encouragement, both Old and New Testament, towards salvation of the soul, walking away from satisfying the flesh, towards a walk in God that will see one through every hindrance that would attempt to divert one from the truth. 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 in Christ Jesus (John 15:27).
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