VICTORY OVER FEAR, FLESH AND SELF

And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself – Genesis 3: 10

God made Man in His Image and likeness (a Spirit Being) and as a Living Soul (Jh.4:24; Gen.2:7). God gave Man Dominion over everything in the natural realm (Gen. 1:26). Man initially operated in superb and superior Intelligence, identifying and giving names to all other species of creation (Gen. 2:19). Man was dressed in a garment of glory. Sadly, the entrance of SIN disrobed man, leaving a mere outer form, which could not cover his nakedness. Fallen Man suddenly became full of Fear and more conscious of Flesh and submissive to Self than to God. This was the Genesis of FEAR, FLESH and SELF.

Hear the transformed ‘tongue’ of Fallen Man and the sudden emergence of “I” – “I heard…I was afraid…I was naked…I hid Myself.” This remains the present condition of humanity in the fallen state. In Biblical usage, Flesh and Self refer to the fallen nature and unregenerate state as consequences of Adam’s sin. Flesh is every NATURE in Man that is or works contrary to God’s Spirit (Rom.7:18, 25). The nature of fallen man is to elevate and promote fleshly appetites, soulish desires and selfish pursuits above the desires of the Spirit of God.

The emergence of Self was also the beginning of VICTIM MENTALITY and the BLAME-GAME. The man transferred the blame of his erroneous action on GOD and the woman He gave; and the woman on the serpent! Self would rarely accept personal responsibility, preferring to throw the blame on others!

Beloved, this beginning of a New Year is prime time to examine the state of your heart, to ensure the dominion of faith over fear, that the Spirit of God overrules the dictates of the flesh, and that Self becomes subject to the Lordship of Jesus!