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The Seven Enemies of the Flesh—Part 1—An Explanation of the Flesh

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  Joshua leading God's people in conquest by James Tissot Brooklyn Museum Conquering the Land of Our Lives This study will draw a lesson from the Biblical book of Joshua, particularly as it concerns taking possession of the land and conquering its enemies. In this case, Joshua relates to our spiritual life, land, and territory, and pictures Jesus as our Savior, commander, and chief. The enemies Joshua confronts will expose the real foes within us as we attempt to give Christ all the territory of our lives. The enemies in the book of Joshua are named, which will help us identify and overcome them. The following was a warning the Lord gave His children concerning their conquest of their enemies. ... if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell.  — Numbers 33:55 What we choose to tolerate in our sel...
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The Seven Enemies of the Flesh—Part 2—The Spiritual Application of the Seven Enemies

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  Joshua leading God's people in conquest. James Tissot Brooklyn Museum   Introduction and Review In Part 1 of this study, the three main venues of the flesh as described by the Bible were extensively examined. This installment will examine how the enemies of Israel can represent our spiritual enemies and our flesh as we seek to conquer the territory of our lives for God. The Battle Begins Now that we understand the role and dominion of the flesh in the territory of our lives, specifically who rules and reigns over it, we can continue with the subject of this lesson, beginning with a passage from the book of Joshua. This scene occurs at the end of the 40-year wilderness wanderings of God's children. God had delivered his children from the Egyptians and promised them a permanent land of their own, where God would be their king, ever-present with them, and would satisfy all their needs. But this possession would not come without a fight. And Joshua said, “By this you shall know ...
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Who We Are and Whose We Are

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The Fundamental Needs of All Human Beings Today's writing is a lesson on our sense of identity and belonging, both fundamental needs of all human beings. We will examine how God has made many provisions in Christ to satisfy our hunger and thirst to belong and to be seen as valuable and loved.  The Scripture passage for this lesson is found at Christ's baptism in the River Jordan. At this event, the Father declares Him His Beloved Son.  As we will see, we have no purpose, value, or belonging apart from the living God who made us. The key to finding all we need is to be in a relationship with His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and to follow Him.  Let us continue with the Bible text about baptism and see how it applies to us personally.  When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “Thi...
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