Feeding the Spirit: Overcoming Fleshly Desires

 

Summary

In today's gathering, I shared a personal story from my childhood that highlighted the internal battle we all face between our fleshly desires and our spiritual convictions. As a young boy, I was tempted to deceive a store owner to get a fishing lure, a decision that left me with a lingering sense of guilt. This story serves as a metaphor for the spiritual battle described in Galatians 5:16-17, where the desires of the flesh are in constant conflict with the desires of the Spirit. We all have tasted sin, and like the young Bible college student I mentioned, we often find ourselves drawn to what seems appealing, only to realize it leaves us empty.

This emptiness is akin to the experience of eating Chinese food, which fills us temporarily but leaves us hungry again soon after. Sin operates in the same way, offering temporary satisfaction but never truly fulfilling us. We are created with a mind, body, and spirit, designed to seek God's wisdom, be satisfied by Jesus, and draw close to Christ. Yet, our sinful nature often leads us to fill these needs with worldly desires.

I also recounted the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, a miracle that demonstrates God's ability to provide abundantly beyond our understanding. Despite witnessing this miracle, the people sought Jesus not for spiritual fulfillment but for physical satisfaction. Jesus, however, emphasized that He is the "bread of life," the only source that can truly satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst.

As we partake in communion, we are reminded that the bread and juice symbolize the body and blood of Christ, meant to fill us spiritually. This act of remembrance is central to our faith, as it commemorates Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Today, I invite you to reflect on whether you are feeding your spirit or your flesh. If you find yourself struggling, I encourage you to seek the true bread of life, Jesus, and allow Him to fill you completely.

Key Takeaways:

- The Battle Within: We all face an internal struggle between our fleshly desires and spiritual convictions. This battle is ongoing, and the choices we make determine which side prevails. By walking in the Spirit, as Paul advises in Galatians, we can overcome the desires of the flesh. [41:04]

- The Illusion of Fulfillment: Sin offers temporary satisfaction, much like a meal that fills us for a moment but leaves us hungry again. True fulfillment comes only from Jesus, the bread of life, who satisfies our deepest spiritual needs. [44:36]

- God's Abundant Provision: The miracle of feeding the 5,000 illustrates God's ability to provide beyond our understanding. It challenges us to seek spiritual nourishment from Jesus rather than merely satisfying our physical desires. [49:51]

- Communion as Spiritual Nourishment: The act of communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the spiritual nourishment He provides. It is an opportunity to reflect on our spiritual hunger and seek fulfillment in Christ alone. [56:09]

- The Call to Be Healed: Jesus' question to the paralyzed man, "Do you want to be healed?" is a question for us all. It challenges us to consider whether we truly desire spiritual healing and are willing to let go of excuses to embrace a life led by the Spirit. [59:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Personal Story: The Fishing Lure
- [05:00] - The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit
- [10:00] - The Illusion of Sinful Fulfillment
- [15:00] - God's Design for Mind, Body, and Spirit
- [20:00] - The Miracle of Feeding the 5,000
- [25:00] - Seeking Jesus for Spiritual Fulfillment
- [30:00] - Communion: A Reminder of Christ's Sacrifice
- [35:00] - The Call to Spiritual Healing
- [40:00] - Invitation to Seek the Bread of Life
- [45:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
- [50:00] - Announcements and Baptism
- [55:00] - Final Song and Dismissal

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:16-17
2. John 6:25-35
3. Romans 8:7

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#### Observation Questions
1. In the sermon, the pastor shared a personal story about a fishing lure. What internal conflict did this story illustrate, and how does it relate to Galatians 5:16-17? [41:04]
2. How does the pastor compare the temporary satisfaction of sin to eating Chinese food? What point is he trying to make with this analogy? [44:36]
3. What miracle did Jesus perform that demonstrated God's abundant provision, and how did the people react to it according to the sermon? [49:51]
4. During the sermon, what significance does the pastor attribute to the act of communion, and how does it relate to spiritual nourishment? [56:09]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the internal battle between fleshly desires and spiritual convictions, as described in Galatians 5:16-17, manifest in everyday life? [41:04]
2. The pastor mentioned that sin offers temporary satisfaction. How does this concept challenge the way people seek fulfillment in their lives? [44:36]
3. In the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, what does the pastor suggest about the difference between seeking physical versus spiritual fulfillment? [49:51]
4. How does the pastor interpret Jesus' question to the paralyzed man, "Do you want to be healed?" and what implications does it have for personal spiritual growth? [59:01]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision where you felt torn between your fleshly desires and spiritual convictions. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently next time? [41:04]
2. Consider the ways you seek fulfillment in your life. Are there areas where you are relying on temporary satisfaction rather than seeking spiritual nourishment from Jesus? [44:36]
3. How can you actively seek spiritual nourishment in your daily life, similar to how Jesus is described as the "bread of life"? What practical steps can you take this week? [56:09]
4. The pastor emphasized the importance of communion as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice. How can you make this practice more meaningful in your spiritual journey? [56:09]
5. Jesus asked the paralyzed man if he wanted to be healed. Are there areas in your life where you need to let go of excuses and embrace spiritual healing? What steps can you take to move forward? [59:01]
6. Reflect on the analogy of the two wolves. Which "wolf" are you currently feeding more in your life, and how can you shift your focus to feed your spirit? [49:51]
7. Identify one specific area where you feel spiritually hungry or thirsty. What is one action you can take this week to seek fulfillment in Christ rather than worldly desires? [59:01]

Devotional

Day 1: The Internal Struggle Between Flesh and Spirit
In our daily lives, we often encounter a profound internal struggle between our fleshly desires and our spiritual convictions. This battle is ongoing, and the choices we make determine which side prevails. Galatians 5:16-17 speaks to this conflict, urging us to walk by the Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh. This struggle is not unique to any one person; it is a universal experience that requires conscious effort and spiritual discipline. By choosing to walk in the Spirit, we align ourselves with God's will and find strength to resist the temptations that seek to lead us astray. [41:04]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the tension between fleshly desires and spiritual convictions. What practical steps can you take today to walk by the Spirit in this area?


Day 2: The Illusion of Sinful Fulfillment
Sin often presents itself as a source of temporary satisfaction, much like a meal that fills us for a moment but leaves us hungry again. This illusion of fulfillment can lead us to pursue worldly desires that ultimately leave us empty. True fulfillment, however, comes only from Jesus, the bread of life, who satisfies our deepest spiritual needs. By seeking Jesus, we find a source of nourishment that transcends the fleeting pleasures of sin and fills us with lasting peace and joy. [44:36]

Isaiah 55:2 (ESV): "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food."

Reflection: Consider a recent decision where you sought fulfillment in something other than Jesus. How can you redirect your focus to seek true satisfaction in Him today?


Day 3: God's Abundant Provision
The miracle of feeding the 5,000 is a powerful illustration of God's ability to provide abundantly beyond our understanding. Despite witnessing this miracle, the people sought Jesus not for spiritual fulfillment but for physical satisfaction. This story challenges us to seek spiritual nourishment from Jesus rather than merely satisfying our physical desires. By trusting in God's provision, we open ourselves to receive His blessings in ways that exceed our expectations. [49:51]

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's abundant provision in your life. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in His continued provision?


Day 4: Communion as Spiritual Nourishment
The act of communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the spiritual nourishment He provides. As we partake in communion, we are reminded that the bread and juice symbolize the body and blood of Christ, meant to fill us spiritually. This act of remembrance is central to our faith, as it commemorates Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. It is an opportunity to reflect on our spiritual hunger and seek fulfillment in Christ alone. [56:09]

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."

Reflection: As you prepare for your next communion, take time to examine your heart. What areas of your life need to be surrendered to Christ for true spiritual nourishment?


Day 5: The Call to Be Healed
Jesus' question to the paralyzed man, "Do you want to be healed?" is a question for us all. It challenges us to consider whether we truly desire spiritual healing and are willing to let go of excuses to embrace a life led by the Spirit. This call to be healed invites us to confront the areas of our lives where we resist change and to seek the transformative power of Jesus. By embracing this call, we open ourselves to the healing and wholeness that only He can provide. [59:01]

John 5:6-8 (ESV): "When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, 'Do you want to be healed?' The sick man answered him, 'Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.' Jesus said to him, 'Get up, take up your bed, and walk.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need spiritual healing? Are you willing to let go of excuses and allow Jesus to bring healing and transformation today?

Quotes

"I was having this battle between my flesh, and I was having this battle between my spirit. And Paul tells us in Galatians 5, 16, and 17, he says this, he says, I say walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh, for the desires of the flesh are against the spirit, and the desire of the spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other to keep you from doing the things that you want to do." [00:42:37] (30 seconds)


"We've all tasted the fat, we've all tasted this fleshly filling, and we've all filled our bellies with things that we weren't supposed to fill our bellies with. So, we know what it tastes like. I heard from a young Bible college student who was homeschooled and was always in the church, and what he said was he wasn't really exposed to a whole lot of sin in his life as a child, but then when he would see it, he would say, that looks like it tastes good." [00:43:15] (32 seconds)


"And maybe you don't know what I mean when I say flesh, and that's okay because the Greek word for flesh in the New Testament is sarx, which it can refer to your physical body. But it also can refer to our sinful desires, our spiritual desires. For example, Romans 8, 7 says, the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law. So, we have this earthly flesh." [00:44:33] (32 seconds)


"Well, that's what sin is. That's what we do. That's what people are trying to do. They're trying to fill themselves up, and they'll go through anything, whether it's alcohol, or drugs, or porn, or food, or lust of the world, or gambling, or whatever. I mean, whatever it is. They do these things, and they think that that's going to fill them up and satisfy them. And for a moment, it does." [00:46:15] (26 seconds)


"And as Christians, we're kind of designed like that, because we have a mind, and we have a body, and we have a spirit. And when God created us, so He created our mind to seek God's knowledge and wisdom. Our mind, we're supposed to search that knowledge and that wisdom of the Lord through the Scriptures. Proverbs is a great book that talks about searching for the knowledge of God and having that wisdom." [00:47:01] (29 seconds)


"And our spirit was created to draw close to Christ, and to follow the spirit. But the problem is, we've all sinned, and we've all fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3 .23. So, now our mind is telling us that we need to feed our flesh. Our mind says, that looks good. We should go do that. But our spirit's saying, no, no, no, no. We must seek Christ." [00:47:53] (29 seconds)


"And so, here we are. We got this battle raging inside of this. And I don't know if I've used this analogy before here on a Sunday morning. But there was this Indian chief, and he told this son, he says, there's two wolves that live inside of you, son. There's an evil wolf and a good wolf. And he says, the evil wolf represents all evil, all bad, all murder, all hate, all lies. Everything that represents bad, that wolf represents that." [00:48:33] (26 seconds)


"So, we have this battle inside of us. We got these, and it's whichever one feeds is going to win. So, if you're feeding your flesh, your flesh is always going to win. But if you're feeding your spirit, the spirit's always going to win. And so, we're going to get to the lesson here in a second. And it's going to be the last IM of Jesus." [00:49:16] (24 seconds)


"And Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, are you seeking me not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves? And so what Jesus is saying, Are you seeking me not because you saw signs? You're not seeking me because of that miracle. You're not seeking after me because I just fed 10, 20 ,000 people and I filled them up. You're seeking me because you ate your fill of the loaves. You got your physical bellies filled up. I satisfied your hunger." [00:55:09] (36 seconds)


"So Jesus is saying, That bread that your fathers got in the desert wasn't from Moses. It was from God. It was from the Father. And then Jesus says, For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. They said to him, Sir, give us this bread always. And Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life." [00:58:02] (33 seconds)


"When Jesus says that he is the bread of life, he is saying to us, we don't need anything else but him. And we need to remember that. That's what the table is all about. That's what communion is all about. That's what church is all about. If Jesus never died on that cross and was never resurrected out of that tomb, why would we even be here today?" [01:01:52] (28 seconds)


"Are you searching to be filled? Are you grabbing the wrong food and filling yourself with the wrong things? If you are, then I ask that you come to the real table and you take the real bread and you eat of that bread and be filled. Jesus says, I am the bread. If that's you, I would ask that you would come forward this morning and then say, you've been a Christian for a while and you've already tasted this bread, but you're struggling with the fighting, the flesh, and the spirit." [01:02:54] (42 seconds)


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Transcript
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