The expression “the flesh is weak” is commonly used by many people as a justification to sin willingly, without considering that this “weakness” has nothing to do with the flesh but often relates to the type of spirit we have.
It is worth clarifying that it is not an evil spirit, but that of the person himself, which is characterized by the way you think, how you see yourself and everything around you, and what you prioritise. All of these affect the choices you make and how you react.
This Bible verse is often used and taken out of context, it was stated not as an excuse but as a warning: “…the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
Jesus stated that the flesh is, in fact, weak. However, by saying that the spirit is ready, Jesus reveals that a person’s spirit is able to resist whatever temptation it is faced with.
For example, if the flesh is tempted to lie, but the person has a sincere spirit, he will not lie. Likewise, if the flesh is tempted to betray, but the person has a faithful spirit, he will not give in to infidelity.
For this reason, the Lord Jesus also said: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63). However, His Words only produce Life when the Spirit of God abides within a person.
Gideon experienced this change of spirit, he no longer accepted being a slave to the oppression that surrounded him. He, who was not only the least of Israel, but also saw himself in this way. When he allowed the words of God to enter inside of him, the spirit of inferiority and fear came out and the spirit of courage took place.
When a person decides to listen to what God says and obey Him, the greatest miracle happens. God gives them a new heart, capable of making them give up their own will for God’s, and seals this transformation by giving them His Spirit.
In other words, they receive the mind of Christ, which means that they will think as God thinks. From then on, they cease to be controlled by impulses, emotions and desires and begin to make a point of practicing what pleases God and move away from everything He abhors.
Although a change of mentality may not take place overnight, you can start now by attending the service this Sunday at 10am at your local Universal Church. Invite your family members to join you as we will be praying for them, and don’t forget your Bible and a bottle of water to be blessed during the service.
