One Trait at a Time: Your Own Sinful Desires Deceive You

Wisdom Scripture

Colossians 1:9 (NIV)
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”

Wisdom Quote

Wisdom can be understood in two ways. First, it is a body of knowledge—a tradition that shapes our understanding of God, the world, humanity, and society. Second, it is a discipline—a way of life formed through study, reflection, and the practice of virtue in both thought and action. Character is developed as wisdom is lived out.[1]

[1] Perdue, L. G. “Cult, Worship: Wisdom.” In Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings, edited by Tremper Longman III and Peter Enns, 2008.

Insights: Your Own Sinful Desires Deceive You

Enemy #2: Be Aware of the Sinful Desires of the Flesh

What does the Bible mean by “flesh” (sarx in Greek)?

In the New Testament, “flesh” is often misunderstood as a battle between parts of ourselves—as if our soul is fighting against our body. But that’s not the picture Scripture gives. The Spirit is not your human spirit, but the Holy Spirit who lives within you as a believer. And the “flesh” is not just your physical body—it represents every part of you that resists God and is drawn toward what the world offers.

As a United States citizen, you’ve likely absorbed the idea that you are free to pursue your own happiness. But true happiness does not come from doing whatever you want. In fact, many of your natural desires can lead you in the wrong direction—even toward harm.

That’s why you must learn to question your desires, your instincts, and your impulses. What you need is transformation—not just behavior change, but a change in what you want. You begin to desire what the Spirit desires.

Even something as simple as wanting another slice of pecan pie can, unchecked, turn into gluttony.

Addictions and Idols

In Romans 8, Paul warns about the danger of living according to the flesh. What you set your mind on shapes the direction of your life. When you dwell on fleshly desires, you move toward sin—away from Christlike character.

When a desire takes hold of your thoughts, it can grow into something more. It becomes an addiction… an idol.

You can take something good and turn it into something ultimate. Before long, you’re worshiping the gift instead of the Giver. This can happen with anything—money, sex, success, even your phone. (Romans 8:5–8)

Because of all that God has done for you, your response should be gratitude expressed through obedience. You are no longer obligated to live according to the flesh.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” —Romans 8:12–13

Paul makes it clear: the battle begins in your mind.

If you want to overcome the flesh, you must refuse to dwell on its desires.

“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” —Romans 13:14