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Many Christians endure unnecessary struggles simply because they fail to grasp the divine design of humanity—one that is not merely physical but intrinsically spiritual (Genesis 2:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:23). This lack of understanding blinds them to the relentless war waged within—a battle between flesh and spirit that has raged since the moment Adam and Eve consumed the forbidden fruit. That fateful act in Genesis 3 fractured the original harmony of body and spirit, creating a schism that continues to manifest in the daily struggles of mankind.

When humanity partook of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, it did more than introduce moral awareness—it internalised the very conflict itself. The battle between good and evil was no longer an external force but a war waged within the human soul. By consuming it, mankind did not merely gain knowledge but absorbed its duality, binding themselves to the struggle between righteousness and corruption.

This is the universal (immutable) law of consumption: you become what you eat. Just as nourishment from food is assimilated into the body, shaping its strength or weakness, so too does spiritual intake transform the soul. The fruit was not just a test of obedience—it was an agent of transmutation, embedding the schism of light and darkness into the fabric of human nature.

Before, humanity lived in divine harmony, unfractured, existing in the union of God’s order. But in that fateful act, perception itself was split, and with it, man became divided—no longer whole, no longer at rest, but a creature of internal contradiction. The mind became a battlefield, the flesh at odds with the spirit, and the will caught between the two. This was the true consequence of the fall: not just exile from Eden, but exile from oneness.

Thus, the fruit was not just knowledge—it was absorption, an ingestion of duality that reshaped human identity itself. And until that breach is healed, until man is restored to divine alignment, the war continues to rage and requires our attention.

The problem begins the moment we open our mouths and declare, “I am.” When we do, we assume we understand what we mean—but do we truly?

When we say “I”, are we speaking of the divine I—the eternal, heavenly self made in the image of God? Or are we speaking of the I that is bound to the physical world, shaped by fleeting desires, circumstances, and external influences?

This distinction is not trivial; it is foundational. If our identity is anchored solely in the earthly I, then we are at the mercy of every passing whim, every shifting cultural tide, every weakness of the flesh—tossed like a boat in a tempest of appetites, distractions and stimulation. This I is fragile, unstable, easily manipulated, and ultimately perishable. It is the I that hungers, lusts, fears, and is swayed by the opinions of others. It is the I that, if left unchecked, becomes enslaved to its own appetites and impulses.

But the divine I—the true I—is something far greater. It is the breath of God within us (Genesis 2:7), the eternal spark that cannot be shaken by external forces. It is the I that Jesus invoked when He declared, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). It is the I that walks in dominion, aligning with divine will rather than being enslaved to worldly chaos.

Yet, this divine I inhabits a temporary vessel—the body, which we also refer to as I. This is where the confusion arises. The eternal I wears the garment of flesh, but the garment is not the wearer. The body is a sacred tabernacle, a dwelling place for the spirit, but it is not the essence of our being. Like a house that shelters its inhabitant, the body is merely the structure in which the true self resides for a season.

Without this understanding, believers remain vulnerable to the tyranny of carnal impulses, caught in cycles of frustration, failure, and spiritual bondage.

The unrenewed mind, left unchecked, becomes a battleground where fleshly desires war against the spirit, pulling the individual away from the life of victory intended by God. Without cultivating spiritual awareness and discipline, one risks being governed by the lower nature—the physical body and its appetites—rather than led by the heart—the human spirit—which yearns for union with God.

This is how we forfeit our divine right as rulers of the earth, made in the image of God. Instead of exercising dominion, we become the dominated—corralled like brute beasts, surrendering our authority and, with it, the abundant life that flows from divine alignment. As many astute observers of human nature have cautioned:

“If you cannot command yourself, you will be commanded by others.”

This loss of self-mastery is not merely a personal failing but a spiritual descent, where the crown of sovereignty is exchanged for the yoke of servitude.

SLAVERY DOESN’T BEGIN WITH CHAINS—IT BEGINS WITH CHOICES.

Freedom is not merely the absence of external restraints but the mastery of one’s own will. To be undisciplined is to forfeit the right to self-governance, to hand over the reins of one’s destiny to external forces—whether they be circumstances, desires, or the will of others.

The ancient philosophers understood this well. Epictetus, the Stoic thinker, declared,

“No man is free who is not master of himself.”

To the Stoics, true liberty was not found in the ability to do whatever one pleased but in the ability to rule over one’s own impulses. Plato, in The Republic, warned of the dangers of an undisciplined soul, likening it to a city in chaos—where base desires overthrow reason, and the individual becomes enslaved by passions.

This truth is not confined to philosophy alone. The Bible echoes the same principle:

“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28, ESV)

When we abandon self-discipline, we do not remain neutral; we become vulnerable. Without the fortifications of restraint and order, we are at the mercy of every whim, every temptation, and every voice seeking to impose its will upon us.

History offers countless examples of how the lack of discipline leads not to freedom, but to bondage. Kingdoms have crumbled, leaders have fallen, and entire generations have suffered under the weight of indulgence and excess. Augustine of Hippo, reflecting on his own struggles with desire, wrote in Confessions,

“I was bound not with iron chains, but by my own iron will. The enemy held my will; and of it he had made a chain and bound me fast.”

Modern psychology affirms what the ancients knew: self-discipline is the foundation of autonomy. Studies show that individuals who exercise self-control experience greater long-term success, fulfilment, and well-being. Without it, people fall into patterns dictated by external pressures—whether it be addiction, financial instability, or societal control.

The undisciplined man, thinking himself free, ultimately becomes a captive. He is ruled by impulses rather than reason, by convenience rather than conviction. In the end, the price of undiscipline is nothing less than the loss of true freedom itself.

ALIGN WITH HEAVEN, THRIVE ON EARTH

Only by prioritising the needs of our spiritual nature can the needs of the physical also be rightly ordered and fulfilled, since this is the divine design as ordained by our Creator. As Jesus declared,

“Seek first the kingdom [dominion, control, influence] of God and His righteousness [alignment], and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

When the spirit is nourished and strengthened, the body benefits as a byproduct, functioning in harmony with divine order. However, when the flesh is prioritised, the spirit is neglected, and both suffer—leading to frustration, instability, and spiritual malnourishment.

The human body and human spirit are in constant struggle for dominance, but only one can truly lead. If the flesh rules, the spirit suffers, but if the spirit is given precedence, even the body finds its rightful balance and provision—guaranteeing that all needs, both physical and spiritual, are fully met.

If we we fail to grasp the importance of spiritual mindedness, or better said, consciousness, we risk being dominated by our carnal or physical desires, leading to cycles of frustration, failure, and bondage.

Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 26:41,

“Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

This warning carries within it the key to its own remedy. The flesh cannot master the flesh, just as chaos cannot will itself into order. Like the formless void in Genesis 1, the disordered nature of the world—and of man—can only be brought into alignment by a higher authority.

God’s divine design, embodied in the ordered perfection of Eden, mandates that the spirit take command. Yet no army can hold the front lines without a steady supply chain, and no spirit can govern effectively without being fortified. Just as a forward operating base (FOB) ensures soldiers are resourced for sustained battle, so too must the spirit be continually replenished. Jesus, knowing this, prescribed prayer as the lifeline—the divine logistics that keeps the spirit equipped, the will sharpened, and the rebellion of the flesh in check.

Awareness of this battle is the first step toward victory. If we do not fortify our spirit and renew our minds , how will we identify and resist the impulses of the flesh? Instead they will gradually take control, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and decisions and lead us to perdition.

These impulses toward evil have long been recognised in Jewish teaching as the insidious nature of the yetser hara (יֵצֶר הָרַע), the evil inclination, which, if left unchecked, gradually tightens its grip on the soul.

“At the outset, the evil inclination is like a passing visitor, then like a guest, and ultimately like the master of the house.”

Sin does not demand immediate surrender; it seduces in whispers, extends a subtle invitation, and steadily encroaches upon the heart. Like the sirens of Greek mythology, its song is sweet, promising fulfilment while leading only to destruction. What once seemed foreign becomes familiar, and what was once resisted becomes routine. Like the serpent’s deception in Eden, its arrival is imperceptible, but its dominion, once established, is absolute.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Understanding the difference between being spiritually minded (conscious) and carnally minded (conscious) equips us to navigate life with wisdom, ensuring that we walk in the fullness of God’s purpose rather than being enslaved by temporary pleasures.

The human body is a remarkable creation, designed by God with intricate precision and purpose. However, its natural instincts, desires, and cravings—while necessary for survival—were never meant to rule over the human spirit. Scripture consistently warns that a mind set on what the flesh wants leads to corruption, while a mind governed by the spirit leads to life and peace.

Romans 8:6 declares,

“For to be carnally minded [conscious] is death, but to be spiritually minded [conscious] is life and peace.”

This verse presents a stark contrast between two opposing ways of living: one dominated by the desires of the flesh and the other led by the renewed human spirit in submission to the Spirit of God.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CARNALLY MINDED?

To be carnally minded is to live entirely under the dictates of the flesh—seeking pleasure, comfort, and gratification while remaining blind to the higher realities of the spirit. It is to exist in a state of spiritual unconsciousness, asleep to divine truth, and forgetful of the eternal. Scripture frequently uses these analogies—spiritual slumber (Romans 13:11), blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4), and forgetfulness (James 1:23-24)—to describe the condition of the carnal mind and equating them to unbelief in Matthew 16:8-11.

“But Jesus, aware of this, said, “O you of little faith, why are you reasoning among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread?”

It is a mind entranced by the material world, governed by the senses, and deceived into mistaking temporary satisfaction for lasting fulfilment.

This mindset is not merely indulgent but enslaving, keeping a person bound in the cycles of self-gratification while resisting the transformative power of the spirit. Only through awakening—by renewing the mind (Romans 12:2) and setting one’s focus on things above (Colossians 3:2)—can one break free from this bondage and step into the reality of a spirit-led life.

This explains why Paul writes in Ephesians 5:14,

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

The carnal mind prioritises:

• Immediate gratification over eternal rewards (Hebrews 12:16-17)
• Fleshly desires over spiritual discipline (Galatians 5:16-17)
• Human wisdom over divine revelation (1 Corinthians 2:14)
• Pride over humility (James 4:6)
• Survival, comfort and sleep (Deuteronomy 8:1-14)

The carnal mind, by its very nature, stands in opposition to God (Romans 8:7). It is incapable of perceiving Him, for God is spirit, and His ways operate beyond the realm of human logic and sensory experience. The provisions, processes, and principles of God are incomprehensible to the fleshly mind because they are not rooted in the tangible, physical world but in the unseen, spiritual dimension. Consequently, the carnal mind resists submission to God’s laws, not merely out of rebellion but because, to the natural man, they appear as nonsense (non-sense)—things that cannot be grasped by the five senses.

Instead of yielding to divine wisdom, the carnal mind prioritises self-preservation, self-promotion, and self-satisfaction, often at the cost of spiritual growth and obedience.

Left unchecked, it becomes an obstacle to walking in faith, for it clings to what is immediate and tangible rather than trusting in the unseen yet eternal realities of God’s kingdom which are equally real but imperceptible to the physical part of our being.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SPIRITUALLY MINDED?

To be spiritually minded is to develop a conscious awareness—an intentional “mindedness” or perception—of spiritual realities through the cultivation of spiritual health and strength. This is not some abstract or mystical state but a deliberate, daily choice to engage in spiritual practice which activates said consciousness. This is not some spiritual woo-woo, but Christianity 101. Such a consciousness is only nurtured through practices like prayer, meditation on Scripture, and communion with God etc.

It is this cultivated awareness that enables true obedience and surrender to God’s leading, making it not only possible but natural. Without this intentional spiritual focus, our spiritual body becomes too weak to dominate the physical body and the carnal (consciousness) mind (awareness) reigns unimpeded, pulling us toward self-reliance and resistance to God’s ways i.e. toward the material world and the challenges it presents.

The spiritually conscious person is easily able to prioritise:

• Eternal perspective over temporary pleasure (Colossians 3:2)
• Righteousness over self-indulgence (Matthew 6:33)
• God’s wisdom over human reasoning (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• Love over selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3-4)

A spiritually minded person understands that their body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)—it is the container, not the treasure within. True freedom is not found in indulging the desires of the flesh but in actively nurturing the health and vitality of the renewed human spirit, which has been made alive in Christ.

This renewal is not theoretical; it is evidenced by transformation. As the spirit gains ascendancy over the flesh, the fruit of the spirit (small ‘s’)—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-25)—becomes the natural outflow of a life yielded to God. The spiritually minded person does not merely modify behaviour but experiences a fundamental shift in identity, living from the inside out rather than being ruled by external impulses.

The fruit of the spirit (small ‘s’) is not something we manufacture through sheer effort; rather, it is the automatic expression of a spiritually centred life. Just as a healthy tree naturally produces fruit, a life rooted in Christ and cultivated through spiritual discipline will inevitably bear spiritual fruit as a healthy expression of its innate nature.

The real effort lies not in producing the fruit—which is a common Christian misconception—but in maintaining the fertile ground of spiritual practice. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, fasting, and communion with God keep the soil of the heart rich and receptive. When the spirit is nourished, fruitfulness follows effortlessly.

Jesus makes this principle clear in John 15:4-5:

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

If your spirit is healthy through abiding in Christ, then fruitfulness is a natural consequence—not something you strive to produce through human effort. A branch does not struggle to bear fruit; it simply remains connected to the vine, receiving life and nourishment. If there is no fruit, the issue is not a lack of effort but a lack of abiding.

Without this vital connection, the flesh takes over, and spiritual dryness sets in. The key to a victorious Christian life is not striving to be more loving, patient, or self-controlled but staying deeply rooted in Christ through spiritual practice, allowing His life to flow through you.

Rather than being enslaved by fleeting impulses, the spiritually minded person actively cultivates a life aligned with God’s design, walking in step with the Spirit and finding strength in spiritual discipline.

INVESTIGATING APHORMĒ IN ROMANS 7: A STAGING AREA IN THE THEATER OF WAR

APHORMĒ: THE STRATEGIC BASE OF OPERATIONS

In Romans 7:8, Paul writes,

“But sin, seizing an opportunity [aphormē] through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead.”

The Greek word aphormē (ἀφορμή) carries the meaning of a base of operations, a staging ground from which an attack is launched. In military and rhetorical contexts, it was used to describe a strategic foothold from which an army could extend its campaign.

Greek writers often employed aphormē to describe not only military bases but also starting points for philosophical arguments or tactical advantages in debates. Thucydides, in The History of the Peloponnesian War, describes how a well-secured aphormē could determine the outcome of a battle, acting as the foundation for either conquest or defense. He writes,

“The possession of a good base of operations [aphormē] often decides the war; for from thence the attack may be safely conducted and the retreat securely made.”

In this analogy, the renewed human spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17) represents the high ground—a position of strength and advantage—while the flesh remains the low ground, vulnerable and easily exploited. Choosing were we consciously live will determine the quality of our our experience, either as kings or as beasts.

Paul’s discourse in Romans 7 unveils a profound truth about the nature of sin: it does not introduce foreign material into humanity but rather seizes upon an existing framework—the corrupted flesh. This aligns with the concept of the yetser hara, the innate inclination toward evil that sages have long warned against. Sin, like a cunning adversary, manipulates the law itself, using it as a platform for rebellion. The commandment, though holy, paradoxically becomes a launchpad for sin, as it provokes the flesh into defiance.

Paul’s use of the term aphormē (ἀφορμή), meaning “a base of operations” or “a staging ground,” offers a striking insight into how sin establishes its foothold within human nature. Once the flesh has tasted sin, it develops an appetite for it—a proclivity that bends the will away from its divine purpose. Like an invading force, the evil inclination fortifies itself within, transforming our own bodies and appetites into instruments of subjugation. Thus, human nature is not a neutral battlefield; it is an embattled stronghold where the spirit and the flesh war for dominion.

Only by seizing the high ground—prayerful communion with God—can the renewed spirit (New Creation, 2 Corinthians 5:12) establish supremacy, ensuring that victory is not merely fought for, but secured.

THE SPIRIT AS THE STAGING AREA FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD

If sin operates from an aphormē, launching its assault from within man’s fallen nature, then the Spirit of God also establishes a base of operations—but for righteousness. The regenerated spirit of a believer becomes the aphormē for the advancing kingdom of God.

Jesus declared in Luke 17:21,

“For indeed, the kingdom [control, influence, dominion, rule] of God is within you.”

This aligns with Paul’s statement in Romans 8:10-11, where he describes the indwelling Spirit as the source of life, actively subduing the remnants of the flesh’s influence. Just as an invading force establishes an aphormē in enemy territory to begin reclaiming lost ground, the Holy Spirit takes residence within the believer, setting up a divine stronghold from which transformation is enacted.

THE MIND AS GATEWAY FOR SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION

The renewing of the mind is central to spiritual growth and victory. The mind is not just a passive receiver of thoughts but the arbitrator between the flesh and the human spirit—determining which one will dominate (Romans 8:5-6). As Romans 12:2 commands, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The Spirit’s staging area operates through:

• Dismantling Strongholds of Sin (2 Corinthians 10:3-5): Breaking hardwired neural synapses formed by sinful habits and replacing them with new thought patterns aligned with divine wisdom.
• Cultivating Spiritual Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23): A spiritually renewed mind becomes fertile ground where righteousness flourishes, spreading into every area of life (John 15:1-8, 3 John 1:2).
• Operating in Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11): A mind set on the Spirit enables the believer to receive and function in supernatural gifts—wisdom, discernment, prophecy, faith, healing, and more.
• Empowerment for Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18): A Spirit-filled mind is armed with divine weapons, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.

Your thought life is where the battle is won or lost. Whoever controls the mind controls the life—whether it is the Spirit leading to life and peace (Romans 8:6) or the flesh leading to destruction. Abiding in Christ (John 15:4-5) ensures the mind remains a stronghold for righteousness, not sin.

THE BODY: A SERVANT, NOT A MASTER

This is the essence of spiritual discipline—bringing the body under submission to the renewed human spirit, which is itself can only do so when it is aligned with God’s Spirit through said spiritual practice.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:27 illustrate this well:

“I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Paul’s use of I in 1 Corinthians 9:27 begs the question—who is speaking? Is it the physical “I” striving through sheer willpower, or the spiritual “I” operating from a renewed and empowered nature?

When Paul says I, he is not referring to the old self, enslaved to the flesh, but to the new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)—the I that has been reborn, reoriented, and realigned with God’s Spirit. The old I, the carnal man, is the one being disciplined, brought into subjection, and made to serve the higher reality of the new man.

This is not mere behaviour modification but a fundamental shift in identity. The new I does not fight the flesh by the flesh; it rules over it by the empowerment of the spirit. This is why Paul’s discipline is not legalistic self-denial but the rightful dominion of the renewed self over the fallen nature and a fulfillment of Genesis 1:26 Psalm 8:6.

Thus, spiritual discipline is not about suppressing the flesh through brute force but about living from the true I—the spirit-led, heaven-aligned identity that is already victorious in Christ. The flesh can only “hold it’s breath for so long” before it has to surrender to its natural urges.

Here, the body is not the master but a servant, subject to the dominion of the human spirit that is empowered by God. We can only be empowered by God to the degree that we present or offer ourselves to Him. This aligns with Romans 6:12-13, which commands believers:

“Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God.”

The flesh and the human spirit are locked in a struggle, as Galatians 5:17 states:

“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit, and the spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

This passage reveals a profound truth: The human spirit, renewed in Christ, desires righteousness, but the flesh pulls toward indulgence and sin. When the flesh is in control, bondage follows. When the human spirit, yielded to God, takes dominion, the body becomes an instrument of righteousness (Romans 6:19).

Victory Through Spiritual Mindedness

The key to overcoming this war lies in where we set (focus) our minds.

• Romans 8:6 states: “To be carnally minded [conscious, focused] is death, but to be spiritually minded [conscious, focused] is life and peace.”
• Romans 6:16 reminds us: “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves [focus, attention, time] as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey?”

The mind is the battleground, the deciding factor between being led by the flesh or by the spirit. Through prayer, fasting, meditating on Scripture, and daily surrender, we bring the body into subjection, ensuring that it serves rather than rules.

THE MIND: THE ARBITRATOR BETWEEN THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT

The mind stands at the crossroads between the flesh and the spirit, acting as an arbitrator between these two opposing forces and/or realities. It determines which will have dominance in a person’s life. The flesh, corrupted by sin, seeks gratification, survival, and self-preservation, while the regenerated human spirit, in union with the Holy Spirit, longs for communion with God, obedience, and transformation (Galatians 5:16-17).

Paul reveals this inner conflict in Romans 8:5-7, stating that,

“Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit set their minds on the things of the spirit.”

The phrase “set their minds” (Greek: phroneō) refers to an intentional disposition or mindset—a way of thinking that dictates behaviour. In other words, where the mind is focused determines which force gains control. It is a choice we have to make, no one can make it for us.

The mind can either be:

1. A Servant of the Flesh – When left unrenewed, the mind operates on instinct, habit, and societal programming. It follows the path of least resistance, catering to cravings, emotions, and impulses. This is the default, unconscious mode, shaped by worldly conditioning.
2. A Gateway for the Spirit – When renewed by the Word (Romans 12:2), the mind becomes the instrument through which the spirit governs the body. It learns to override the demands of the flesh, choosing self-control, obedience, and alignment with God’s will.

This means the responsibility is ours.

Paul writes in Romans 12:1,

“Present [bring it close] your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Notice the wording—present your bodies—means God does not forcibly take them, nor does the devil. We are the ones who must offer ourselves, who must choose whom we will serve.

This is the essence of free will. Both God and the enemy exert influence—one leading to life, the other to destruction—but neither can make the choice for us. The decision remains in our hands.

Deuteronomy 30:19 makes this crystal clear:

“I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, [you] choose life, that you and your offspring may live.”

The battle is not just external; it is within. Who we yield to determines who rules over us. If we do nothing, the flesh will default to corruption. But if we actively present ourselves to God—choosing to align with His Spirit—we step into life, dominion, and transformation.

This means that whatever we yield our minds to or present (give) our bodies to—whether the desires of the flesh or the leading of the Spirit—determines who or what ultimately governs our lives. If we consistently present ourselves to the cravings of the flesh, we become its servants, ensnared by its passions and impulses. But if we submit our minds to the Spirit, we walk in true freedom, governed by righteousness.

Paul’s struggle in Romans 7:23-25 illustrates this war:

“I see another law at work in my members, waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin in my members.”

So we can draw a powerful connection here between “law” (nomos) as a governing principle and the FOB (aphormē) as the base of operations that allows it to exert influence.

Essentially, Paul describes two competing domains of authority:

1. God’s Kingdom (Yetser Hatov) – The law (nomos, controlling principle) of the Spirit, which governs through divine influence, leading to life and alignment with God’s design.
2. The Flesh/Evil Inclination (Yetzer Hara) – A rival nomos or controlling principle, exerting control over the body and mind, establishing a stronghold (aphormē) from which sin wages war.

This paints a clear battlefield: whichever “law” gains the foothold (aphormē) will rule and be in control (nomos). That’s why the battle isn’t just about resisting sin—it’s about what base of operations we allow to take control. If the spirit is not supplied and reinforced, the flesh will establish its dominion.

ONce again we return to Matthew 6:33:

“Seek first the kingdom [control] of God and His righteousness [alignment], and all these things will be added to you.”

Because seeking the kingdom is about establishing divine rule (nomos) in our lives. Either we yield to God’s dominion, or we become ruled by another (alien) force.

This means we have to begin dealing systemically with eh issue and symptomatically and that means we have to begin practicing a process driven Christianity.

THE MIND AS A FILTER

The mind is not just a battleground—it is also a filter. Every thought, desire, and external influence must pass through it before being acted upon. This is why 2 Corinthians 10:5 commands us to,

“Take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

If a thought aligns with the Spirit, it should be embraced; if it aligns with the flesh, it must be rejected before it takes root and produces sinful actions.

Christianity is a participation sport, not a spectator sport. It is not a passive belief system where one simply observes from the sidelines, but an active journey requiring engagement, discipline, and perseverance. Jesus didn’t call people to just watch—He called them to follow (Matthew 16:24). Paul likens the Christian life to a race that must be run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1) and a fight that must be actively fought (1 Timothy 6:12).

True faith is demonstrated in action (James 2:17). We are not meant to simply agree with God in theory but to participate in His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), actively resisting the flesh, renewing our minds, and walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Just as an athlete cannot win by sitting in the stands, a believer cannot win either by merely hearing the Word but not doing it (James 1:22).

If you are not making an effort, you are not truly being a Christian—at least not a successful, fulfilled, and victorious one.

Christianity is not a passive identity but an active pursuit. Jesus said,

“Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:24).

Paul urged believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) and to press on toward the goal (Philippians 3:14).

A victorious Christian life requires intentionality—daily surrender, renewing the mind (Romans 12:2), resisting sin (James 4:7), and actively pursuing righteousness (1 Timothy 6:11). Without effort, growth stagnates, spiritual battles are lost, and fulfilment remains elusive. Victory is not automatic—it is pursued and fought for (Nehemiah 4:14).

The mind, then, is the deciding factor in spiritual victory. It is not the flesh that controls us by default, nor the spirit that automatically dominates—it is the mind’s allegiance that tips the scale. And that dear friends, is the definition of free will. The battle for holiness is ultimately won or lost in the realm of thought. Those who train their minds in godliness through Scripture, prayer, and conscious discipline will find themselves walking in the spirit (small ‘s’), while those who neglect this renewal will remain slaves to the impulses of the flesh.

One will be defeated and one will go on to victory!

CONCLUSION: THE CALL TO SPIRITUAL DOMINION BY CHOOSING THE CORRECT STAGING GROUND

Christ has given us the power to overcome the desires of the flesh through His Spirit. We are not called to deny the existence of our bodily needs, but to give them a legal (legitimate) outlet and to ensure that they are ruled by the spirit rather than ruling over us.

As Paul exhorts in Romans 12:1-2, we are to,

“Offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” and “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.”

In doing so, we walk in true freedom—allowing the body to serve its rightful purpose while keeping our minds fixed on the things above.

The question remains: Who is ruling your life—your flesh or your spirit? The answer determines whether you walk in bondage or in the abundant life Christ has promised.

Every individual operates from a staging ground, either under the dominion of sin or under the authority of the Spirit. Paul’s use of aphormē in Romans 7 underscores the gravity of this conflict. Just as a general strategically selects the most advantageous ground for warfare, so must believers yield their inner territory to the Spirit, allowing Him to establish His rule and expand His kingdom within them—within their spirit man. In short, the flesh cannot rule the flesh.

This is what Jesus is alluding to in Matthew 5:14 when He says,

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

This question—“Where are you?”—echoes beyond Eden and into the words of sages throughout the ages who have recognised this truth.

“The question has never been, ‘Where is God?”, rather it has always been, “Man, where are you?”

God has not withdrawn His presence; rather, it is humanity that hides, that dims its own light beneath the weight of distraction, sin, and self-imposed exile. Just as Adam concealed himself among the trees, we too retreat into the shadows of fear, doubt, and forgetfulness. Yet, Christ reminds us of our true position—not hidden, not lost, but set on a hill, meant to shine.

But to take our place on that hill, we must first ascend it. We are called to climb the hill of prayer—to the meeting place between heaven and earth, where the veil thins and the spirit reigns over the flesh. It is there, in communion with God, that we recover our true identity, shedding the illusions of separation and stepping fully into the light we were created to bear.

The question, then, is not about God’s location, but ours. Are we standing in the fullness of His light, reflecting His truth? Or are we lingering at the foot of the hill, afraid to make the ascent, allowing the illusion of separation to dim the brilliance we were meant to carry?

Thus, the theater of war is not merely external but internal, and the decisive battles for dominion are waged in the hearts, minds and bodies of men.

The question remains: Who holds the staging ground in your life?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. In what areas of your life do you find yourself struggling between the desires of the flesh and what your spirit desires?
2. How can you become more spiritually minded (conscious, focused) in your daily decisions?
3. What practical steps can you take to discipline your body so that it serves you rather than controls you?
4. Are there any specific habits or thought patterns holding you back that need to be renewed by the Word of God?
5. How does understanding the battle between the flesh and the spirit help you grow in your walk with Christ?

CLOSING PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the breath of life You have placed within me—the spirit You have given to govern the body, not be enslaved by it. I recognise the war within me, the struggle between my flesh and my spirit. Lord, grant me the strength to engage this battle with discernment, that I may not yield to the cravings of the body but instead align with the higher call of the spirit.

Teach me to fix my gaze on what is eternal, to cultivate discipline, and to walk in wisdom. Let my body be a servant, not a master; a vessel for purpose, not a prison of indulgence. Train my hands for war and my mind for clarity, that I may not be deceived by the illusions of the world but instead live in the truth of divine order.

I surrender my will to Your wisdom, trusting that true fulfilment is found not in gratifying the flesh, but in the mastery of the spirit. Let my life be a testament to Your design—one of dominion, not defeat.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

📖 MEMORY VERSE

“Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” (Genesis 1:26)

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