Today’s focus is on the reality of spiritual warfare, not just with external enemies like Satan and the brokenness of the world, but with the enemy within—our own flesh. Every follower of Jesus faces this internal battle, a struggle with the sin nature that pulls us away from God’s best. This isn’t just a philosophical or theological idea; it’s a daily, lived experience. The enemy outside, Satan, is not omnipotent or omniscient, but he is crafty and studies our weaknesses, seeking to exploit the tendencies and brokenness already present in us. The real danger is not just in the obvious temptations, but in the subtle ways our good desires become disordered, taking the place of God in our lives.

The flesh, as Paul describes, is not just our physical body, but our inward bent toward sin—a self-centered, rebellious nature that opposes God. This is a universal human condition, and it manifests in countless ways: repeated failures, cycles of shame, and the frustration of wanting to do good but falling short. The gospel, however, is not just about forgiveness and a future in heaven; it’s about transformation and freedom today. Jesus died not only to secure our eternity, but to bring heaven into our present reality, empowering us to live differently through the Holy Spirit.

The battle between flesh and Spirit is relentless, but it is not hopeless. The Holy Spirit, God Himself, dwells within every believer, offering power to resist the flesh and live in freedom. Yet, this victory is not achieved through willpower or striving, but through daily surrender—admitting our need, humbling ourselves, and taking decisive action. What we sow today, whether to the flesh or the Spirit, will bear fruit in our lives tomorrow. The stakes are high: our relationships, our peace, our witness, and the future version of ourselves God desires us to become.

Freedom is possible, but it requires honesty, humility, and practical steps—sometimes even seeking help through community, recovery groups, or spiritual practices. There is no condemnation for those in Christ; only an invitation to walk in the Spirit, to crucify the flesh daily, and to experience the rich, satisfying life Jesus promises. The call is to stop believing the lie that change is impossible, and instead, to trust in the transforming power of God’s grace, available right now.

Youtube Chapters

[00:00 ] - Welcome

[01:10 ] - Series Introduction: Stand Firm

[03:00 ] - Understanding Our Spiritual Enemies

[06:44 ] - Interview with Coach John Abensham

[10:14 ] - The Enemy Studies Our Weaknesses

[12:27 ] - The Cycle of Defeat and Shame

[14:53 ] - The Lie of “You Can Never Change”

[17:55 ] - What’s at Stake: The Future You

[20:23 ] - The Gospel: Heaven Into You

[23:29 ] - Defining the Flesh and the Human Condition

[26:52 ] - Good Desires, Disordered Loves

[29:50 ] - How Sin Corrupts Good Things

[31:24 ] - Idolatry: Loving Right Things in the Wrong Order

[33:43 ] - Sowing and Reaping: The Consequences of Choices

[36:14 ] - The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

[45:00 ] - The Power of the Holy Spirit Within

[53:00 ] - Breaking the Cycle: No Condemnation in Christ

[61:15 ] - Taking Decisive Action and Walking in the Spirit

[65:00 ] - Prayer and Invitation to Freedom