Working Through Spritual Matters
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38 ESV)
Keeping on guard and discerning just what is of the Spirit and what is of the flesh is working through spiritual matters. Containing the flesh, keeping it in submission the spiritual matters, embraces prayer and fasting. the knowledge of the Word of God is very important and need not ever be placed secondary to decisions made. The carnal-man must be kept in check so the the spiritual-man can work out the spiritual details in daily life. There are several areas of the flesh that attack spiritual matters. Worry is a great enemy of spiritual matters and when coupled with fear, one can be paralyzed and brought to a stand still. The enemy of the soul is not only the heinous outbreaks of demonic power but also the power of a carnal mind over trusting and believing God for spiritual growth. The posture of watching or being sober-minded is paramount in overcoming the flesh. Prayer takes focus and commitment beyond a quick few words of praise to the Almighty God.
The other crippling factor in keeping one from working through spiritual matters is anxiety (Philippians 4:6) and when that is coupled with hopelessness and doubt the soul and mind of a person can become confused and faithless toward the power and anointing of God. (James 1:6-7) The depth of prayer has no bottom to it. One can pray deeper and deeper and learn more of the spiritual matters than relying quick answers and solutions to major difficulties in life. Temptation does not warn the soul nor show favoritism to cultures or subcultures. (James 1:12) Temptation shows up and pounds the soul and mind so that it mat fall into its grip and births sin. (James 1:15) The spirit of man is willing to continue in prayer and knowing the Word of God but the flesh is weak and will abide to the demands of temptation.
The deterrent to working through spiritual matters is apathy and a lethargic approach to prayer and fasting. In other words, procrastination is a sure sign that the flesh is in control of the spirit and will keep one back from serving God in the fullest of a determined heart. When Jesus went to prayer right before His surrender to His murderers, He went to pray so He could move in the spirit and not the flesh. (Mark 14:34) He kept going out to His disciples but they were asleep! Not considering the spiritual matter of the hour but only considering what the flesh determined to be most important. Not keenly aware of what is going to happen or what is happening around you spiritually is a place of lethargic experiences which will keep one from working through the depth of spiritual matters. The blueprint of spirituality is laid out clearly in God’s Word and is top be lived out openly by His servants on this earth. The reasoning of the mind against the spirit is a consistent battle that rages in the hearts of people. This is why prayer is determined to be the effectual breakthrough one needs to overcome the flesh and move in spiritual depth.
When you recognize the difference between strength and weakness when compared to willingness and courage you will learn that faith will take you to great heights and knowledge of God’s will for your life. Always be in the attitude of prayer and continue to seek after the spiritual matters of life. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Dennis
Remember prayer moves the Hand of God.