Desire is referred to in the New Testament in two different contexts. In and of itself, desire can be either good or bad, but the lust or desire of the flesh is the most common use of the word. But, as seen in Romans 7, there is also a desire of the mind or spirit. Paul desired the law of God after the inner man. When writing the brethren in Galatia, he explains that the flesh and spirit are contrary to one another so we would not do the things we want to do. This is what produces the war that is waged against the soul. Jesus tells the three disciples in the garden, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” This description should describe every child of God because without it, there is no war and no desire to serve God. The battle would, then, be lost. The fight must go on until the redemption of the body. So, one way to examine how we are doing in the war, is measuring the intent of our hearts. If we tend to give in because the flesh continues to be weak and our efforts are not longer made to prevent and fight the flesh, then our attitude toward sin will change and we will no longer stand against the wiles of the devil. His influence and the presence of evil promoted by evil men and women is still alive and well. Build your faith in God’s promises and don’t let the flesh discourage you and you begin to question the power of God’s grace.
Furthermore, in preparing for battle, we must do as Jesus did when Satan tempted him in the wilderness. We must hide His word in our hearts that we not sin and with each temptation, speak the words, “It is written.” It is the only offensive weapon for soldiers of Christ. Paul calls it “the sword of the Spirit,” which he explains, “is the word of God.” Some professed Christians think that by our own power we just need the strength to say “no”. While discipline is important, we must depend upon God and His word. Now, stand guard and prepare for battle, today.