I was once sitting in a men’s meeting, and one of the brothers shared something raw and honest. He said he needed prayer—not because he did something terrible, but because of how he felt.
Someone who had wronged him in the past was going through a really tough time. And instead of feeling sad or sympathetic, he felt… glad. Not on the surface, but deep down, a part of him felt like it was justice. He hated that feeling. It made him feel gross inside. He said, “It just shows how sinful I still am. I need to kill the flesh.”
That stuck with me. Because while I totally get where he was coming from—and I’ve had those moments too—there’s something important we often get wrong in these situations.
Let’s Get the Basics Straight
If you’re in Christ, you do not have a sinful nature. The Bible says you were crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). That sinful self, that “body of sin,” was done away with. You’re not dragging around a sinful nature anymore. You’ve been made new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
But then… what’s this “flesh” the Bible talks about? And why does it feel like there’s still a part of us that’s messed up?
What Is the Flesh, Really?
When Paul talks about the flesh, he’s not talking about your physical body or some kind of evil nature inside of you. The Greek word sarx refers to a way of thinking—a mindset. It’s the old operating system that was programmed before you came to know Jesus.
The flesh is that leftover “stinking thinking” that still pops up from time to time. It’s the old patterns, old responses, old instincts. You’ve been made new, but your mind is still catching up. That’s why Paul says to be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).
So, when you feel that rush of satisfaction at someone else’s downfall, or that temptation to react in a way that you know doesn’t line up with who you are in Christ—that’s not the real you. That’s the flesh trying to take the wheel.
You’re Not at War With Yourself
A lot of Christians walk around feeling like they’re stuck in a lifelong civil war—good me vs. bad me. But here’s the truth: you are not divided. Your old self died. You’re not two people in one body. You’re not a sinful person trying to get better—you’re a righteous person learning to walk in step with the Spirit.
Yes, there’s a struggle. But the struggle is between the Spirit and the flesh—not between the “old you” and the “new you.” The old you is gone. Buried. Dead. (Colossians 3:3, Romans 6:6)
So What Do We Do When Flesh Shows Up?
Good question. Because the flesh doesn’t disappear. It’ll still throw junk thoughts at you, whisper lies, pull old files from the past. But you’re not helpless.
Here’s how to handle it:
- Recognize it’s not you.
That ugly thought? That petty reaction? That moment of smugness when someone gets what you think they deserve? It’s not coming from the real you. It’s the flesh. Name it for what it is and move on. - Choose to live by the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16 says “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” It doesn’t say those desires go away—it says you just dot have to give them the time of day. You’ll choose love, joy, peace, patience. You’ll respond as the new creation you really are.
Final Thought: You’re Not Sinful. You’re New.
You’re not defined by your worst thoughts. You’re defined by Christ.
So the next time the flesh flares up—when bitterness tries to creep in, or selfishness whispers in your ear—remember who you are. You’re a child of God. You’re holy, righteous, and new. And you have the Spirit of God inside you, helping you live like it.
Flesh may try to talk, but it doesn’t get the final word. The Spirit does.
And He’s saying, “You’re mine. You’re new. Now let’s walk this out together.”
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