iSacrifice
Physical Craving – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:27

No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

As we pick up from where we left off yesterday, let’s think more about the battle of our flesh.  Jude 1:23 wrote of the stain left on us by the corrupted flesh.  The Apostle Paul speaks of the flesh, using it as a symbol of the sinful nature.  In Romans 7:18 the Greek word used is “sarx,” which is normally translated as flesh, though the New International Version translates it as “sinful nature.”  The word was used to refer to the sensuous nature of man; modern terms like “animal nature” might be appropriate.  It basically references our cravings that incite us to sin.

          In my opinion, it is at this point that our need for sacrifice is greatest, as well as hardest.  As Christ followers, we must be willing to sacrifice the cravings of our flesh, when they are contrary to the will of God as described in the Bible.  We must start each day with an understanding that we are going to battle against our cravings and will desperately need God’s help.  That mindset sends us to our knees seeking the all-sufficient help of God’s Holy Spirit in us.  We really can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13).

          Let’s go back to the Apostle Paul’s word picture: I beat my body down.  In other words, we must tell our cravings they are not in charge of our behavior!  Just because I feel a want, doesn’t mean it’s a need!

Father, I will fight my cravings and make Jesus Lord over my body and spirit!  I am not my own—I am yours!  In Jesus’ name, amen.