Life driven by the outward man

Text: 1 John 2:15-17, Romans 8:1-8

Memory verse:"For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace." Rom. 8:6 (TPT)

Introduction

We give God all the glory for making the scriptures explicit enough for our understanding. Genesis 2:7 says; "And the Lord formed man out of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul". Significantly, it means after God created man a lifeless creature, He then planted His spirit (His life) in man for divine connectivity, which further created a soul (the life of the body) in man to enable his existence here on earth. Looking deeper, we see that the empty casing of man, that is to say his body, received life immediately the spirit of God came in contact with it. This further reveals that the true source of a man's life is the spirit of God in him, and as many that give regards to this order, find life and peace ( memory verse).

Discussion

One standing consequence of the fall of man which still affects most humans today, is that of renewing the corrupted soul (mind or thought system) which now feeds from the outward casing of man (i. e. the five sense organs of man), as against the Spirit. The soul which was originally created to receive only from the Spirit of God, in order to fulfil the demands of God, has become rebellious, seeking rather to fulfil the desires of the flesh through the influence of the human sense organs in the lives of those controlled by their outward man.

The first text guide to this study, brings a pertinent issue to our notice; that the problem of struggling with the will of God or shuffling between the Spirit life and the flesh, is a problem of the five human sense organs: the lusts of the flesh, eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). All that characterized that life is the desire for the self glory, and satisfaction of the yearnings of the flesh. These are the same things that were presented as temptations to Jesus Christ in the wilderness; He overcame the satan, so that those that understand the true value of life will not be driven by such peripheries, there is a real reason to live. (Luke 12:23, 29-31). 

Central Theme

A life driven by the outward man is rebellious and shallow, and cannot please God nor draw from Him. Everything about that life is summarized in the strength of it's casing as conditioned by the environments of man: age, sex, qualifications, genotype, weather, and others. This Kind of life is always in competition within his/herself, and in fact, everyone, and everything in this life of vanity. It never gets to the point of satisfaction. And most importantly it fades away with the passing glory of this world because it is not drawing strength from the true source of life (1 John 2:17)

Conclusion

Dearly beloved, as if Jesus Christ is before you this moment asking "... what shall it profit you to gain this whole world, but lose your soul?" What is your response? 

"Those who are motivated by the flesh only pursue what benefits themselves. But those who live by the impulses of the Holy Spirit are motivated to pursue Spiritual realities". Romans 8:5 (TPT)

Think about this!!!