3 Ways To Deny Your Flesh in Today's Modern Life & What To Do If You Fail to Deny it!

The concept of denying the flesh, as mentioned by Paul in the Bible, often refers to resisting sinful desires and temptations in order to live a more righteous and spiritual life. It's about prioritizing spiritual growth and aligning one's actions with God's will rather than indulging in worldly desires that may lead to harm or moral compromise.

The Bible has several verses that discuss denying the flesh, including:

Romans 8:12-13

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.  For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Romans 8:5-6

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 13:14

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh

Galatians 5:17

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

1 Corinthians 9:27

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

Galatians 5:16

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Our flesh is the sinful nature deeply imbedded in each of us.

When we give in to our flesh we sin.

When we sin, we grieve the holy spirit that rests in us. (What does it mean to grieve the holy spirit? Click HERE)

Below are three methods I personally use to practice self-denial and have recommended others try as well.

1. If you're in the moment and are unsure if what you're thinking or wanting to partake in is against the spirit that God has placed in you take a moment to review the 10 commandments or think of the many parables Jesus shared in the new testament. Is what you're thinking or wanting to partake in listed there? If so you should probably push those feelings aside and pray about what you're feeling. You could also do a scripture keyword search on google for what you're feeling. Vengeful, Lust, Envy, Greed, Lazy etc... Take some time to review the scriptures and pray. Often times simply praying, even the shortest of prayers... "Jesus help me" is enough to re-center your heart posture to what is good.

2. Simply think to yourself- is this something I would tell Jesus I did and be proud of myself for/would I be ok continuing in this if Jesus was sitting here in the physical watching me? I find this slight change of thought makes a difference even though we already know He sees every move we make.

3. Finally if you already know what you're thinking or doing is wrong, let good things invade your mind instead.
   

   1. Consider our Father & the many earthly & eventual heavenly rewards that await you when you deny your flesh.

   2. Paul tells us to meditate on good in Philippians 4:8  Think of what the Lord has done for you. How faithful He's been by simply waking you each day. Turn the desire to sin or that impure thought into a praise session! Consider this...our heavenly Father knows we need his help with our sin. This is why he sent his son Jesus and gifted us with His spirit to rest in us. Our God is a compassionate God. Isaiah tells us this in Ch 55:6-7. If we return to God he is faithful and ready with compassion to pardon us. In fact Isaiah tells us God will ABUNDANTLY pardon!! What does abundant mean? in large quantities; plentifully. AMEN!!!! God is also rich in mercy! Ephesians 2:4 It's all here for us to take advantage of.
      

WHAT IF I TRIED & COULDN'T DENY SELF???

See #3 always go back to reflecting on His goodness and know he CANNOT heal or forgive what we don't reveal. There is NO condemnation in Christ. Jesus died so you could be forgiven even for the things you've yet to do so pray to Him and ask him to forgive your behavior and to help you do better. I promise you He's waiting for you!