The “lust of the flesh” is a biblical concept that refers to the innate human desire for worldly pleasures and sensual gratification. This includes desires for food, sex, material possessions, and other temporal things that appeal to our physical appetites and fleshly nature.
The Bible warns against being led astray by the lusts of the flesh. For example, Galatians 5:16 says “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” And 1 John 2:16 states “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
There are several aspects to understanding what constitutes the lusts of the flesh according to Scripture:
Sexual Immorality
One major manifestation of the lust of the flesh is sexual sin and impurity. Adultery, fornication, pornography and other perversions of God’s design for sexuality are prime examples. Passages like Ephesians 5:3 instruct believers to avoid all forms of sexual immorality: “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” Unchecked, the human sex drive can lead to all kinds of carnal indulgence outside of marriage.
Gluttony
Appetites for food and drink in excess are also considered lusts of the flesh. Overindulging in anything edible or potable for purposes of selfish pleasure-seeking is warned against in verses like Proverbs 23:20-21: “Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.” Moderation and self-control are encouraged instead of uncontrolled bingeing.
Greed and Covetousness
Longings for material possessions, wealth, and earthly treasures beyond what is necessary can also define fleshly desires. Wanting more and more “stuff” and being discontent with what one has leads to sin. Passages like Luke 12:15 (“And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”) and 1 Timothy 6:9 (“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”) address greed and coveting.
Hedonism and Worldliness
The lust of the flesh includes anything that promotes self-indulgence, immediate gratification, comfort-seeking, and “worldly” pleasures apart from God. It fosters a “‘me-first’ mentality” at the expense of others and godly living. Verses like Titus 3:3 condemn those controlled by fleshly passions who live to gratify self: “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.”
Idolatry and False Worship
At its root, lust of the flesh springs from idolatry – exalting anything above God in our hearts and minds. When we priority worldly pleasures and self-gratification over obedience and worship of the Lord, the flesh is ruling us. Passages like Philippians 3:19 describe those consumed by fleshly appetites as “enemies of the cross of Christ” whose god is their belly or appetites.
Works of the Flesh
Galatians 5 provides a sobering list of sinful behaviors that result when individuals are led by the flesh rather than the Spirit. “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.” (Galatians 5:19-21). Any attitudes or actions that stem from fleshly impulses rather than the Holy Spirit’s influence can be considered “works of the flesh.”
Living by the Flesh
To “live by the flesh” means being governed and motivated by human appetites and worldly passions rather than being spiritually-minded. Scripture exhorts believers to resist fleshly desires and to prioritize spiritual things instead. Romans 8:13 states, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” And Romans 13:14 says, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
The Flesh vs. the Spirit
Human nature on its own – the “flesh” – is incapable of pleasing God or avoiding sin altogether. A spiritual rebirth is required for believers to receive the Holy Spirit and have power to overcome the pull of the flesh. Romans 7:18 explains, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” Only by walking in the Spirit can believers prevail and not carry out the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
The flesh and the Spirit are at odds with one another. The desires, appetites, and passions of the flesh must be crucified and kept subservient to the leading and producing of the Holy Spirit. As Galatians 5:17 states, “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” The Spirit provides strength to overcome the pull of the flesh.
Flesh vs. Spirit Contrast
The contrast between the flesh and the Spirit is further delineated in Galatians 5. The flesh is associated with sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, and orgies. But the Spirit is associated with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:19-23). Believers must manifest the fruit of the Spirit rather than operate in the works of the flesh.
Warning Against Fleshly Living
Due to the sinful tendencies of the flesh, the New Testament contains many warnings against fleshly living. For example:
- “Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14)
- “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13)
- “I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:21)
- “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:18-19)
Believers must be on guard against the subtle and destructive desires of the flesh which wage war against the soul. We must walk in the Spirit on a moment-by-moment basis.
Flesh Cannot Please God
An important truth about the flesh is that it cannot please God. Unredeemed human nature is always opposed to God and His ways. Romans 8:7-8 makes this clear: “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Our corrupt flesh is incapable of true righteousness and obedience apart from the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
Corruption of Sin
The reason the flesh is prone to sinful passions is because of the corruption human nature inherited as a result of the Fall. Adam’s rebellion brought death and depravity to the entire human race. As Romans 5:12 explains, “sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” Our flesh is tainted by original sin and must be purified by the regenerating work of the Spirit.
War Against the Flesh
Because the flesh wars against the soul, believers must take up arms to fight against its desires. As 1 Peter 2:11 commands, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” Galatians 5:24 also affirms, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Putting to death the misdeeds of the body is a lifelong battle.
The primary weapons we have against the flesh are studying and meditating on Scripture, prayer, repentance and confession of sin, accountability and fellowship with other believers, self-discipline, and consciously walking by the Spirit each day. Our flesh remains with us until death or Christ’s return, so vigilant discipline is required.
Empowerment Through the Spirit
Victory over the flesh is possible through the indwelling Holy Spirit who empowers believers for godly living. As Paul explains, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit…If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16-17, 25). Relying on our own strength is futile; we must depend on the Spirit’s power to overcome sinful passions.
Sanctification is the process of the Holy Spirit transforming our desires to be more consistent with God’s heart. As we yield to Him, our fleshly appetites are weakened while new holy affections emerge. We begin to bear His fruit and walk in His ways by the Spirit’s power.
Hope for Overcoming
For believers in Christ, there is hope for overcoming the desires of the flesh. Through the new birth we become partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) and are being conformed to the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29). Our flesh will be fully redeemed when we receive our resurrection bodies free from sin (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). In the meantime, we can make progress in putting sin to death by relying on and walking in the Spirit.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key truths about the lust of the flesh:
- It refers to the innate human appetites for sinful gratification like sexual immorality, gluttony, greed, covetousness, hedonism, idolatry, etc.
- The flesh represents human nature ruled by sinful passions rather than the Holy Spirit.
- Scripture commands believers not to live by the flesh but to crucify it and its desires.
- The flesh and the Spirit are at odds; believers must walk in the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome sinful desires.
- Without the Spirit’s help, the flesh cannot please God.
- Jesus gives us the power to put sin to death, follow Him, and bring forth spiritual fruit.
- One day the war with our flesh will end when it is glorified and redeemed in eternity.
Understanding the lusts of the flesh helps us be vigilant against worldliness and prioritize walking in the Spirit each day. As we rely on Christ’s strength, He enables us to overcome our sinful human appetites.
