3. Ignore the claims of the flesh.

Romans 8:12

“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.”

“The flesh” is a fighter and will never abdicate the throne of its own will nor will it ever renounce its claim upon the believer’s life. We owe “the flesh” nothing: we owe the Saviour, who severed us from its deadly, deathly poison, everything. Our invariable, unswerving attitude to every claim of “the flesh” upon us should be one of insistent refusal. It is the believer’s privilege in the face of any claim it may advance to quietly, persistently say, “I am dead to that thing.” Take sides instantly with the Holy Spirit whenever “the flesh” puts forth a claim to any part of your life and victory in Christ will be yours.

4. Mortify the members of the body.

Colossians 3:5

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

Romans 8:13

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

The body is the playground of “the flesh.” Through it as a channel, the believer is continuously open to temptation; its members have long been the tools of sin. But by yielding every member of the body as an instrument of righteousness to Jesus Christ, we may cooperate with the Holy Spirit in routing “the flesh” from its long-fortified stronghold.

We Must Cast Off the Old Man

Ephesians 4:22

“That ye put away as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit.”

Colossians 3:9

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.”

The old nature is cast aside as a filthy, worthless garment. It is as though a beggar had become betrothed to the King of all the earth and cast aside her filthy rags that she might don her bridal robe.

Source: “Life on the Highest Plane” by Ruth Paxson

Gracious Lord, all of this is impossible without our being filled with the Holy Spirit. Thank you that what You ask of us can be accomplished through our cooperation with Your Holy Spirit.