Victory Over The Works Of The Flesh

Victory over the works of the flesh (the carnal or sinful nature) is part of our inheritance as children of God. 2 Corinthians 10:4 tells us that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. Carnal is in or of the flesh, not spiritual but worldly. 1 Peter 2:5 tells us that we are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood. Verse 9 tells us that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. Verse 11 tells us to abstain from sinful desires which war against our soul. So, what are these sinful desires or works of the flesh? Galatians 5:19-21 lists them.

Sexual immorality - adultery, fornication, sexual sins of any kind including homosexuality, any illicit sex act.

Impurity - uncleanness, opposite of pure thoughts, talking dirty.

Debauchery - lasciviousness, lustfulness, lewdness, promoting sexual sin and lust.

Idolatry - anything dethroning God.

Witchcraft - practicing sorcery, casting spells, charms, potions.

Hatred- bitter and hostile dislike.

Discord - variance, dissention, disputes, quarreling.

Jealousy - emulation, envy, striving to excel at another's expense.

Wrath - fierce anger, determined and lasting anger.

Selfish ambition - trying to get the best for yourself regardless of who it hurts.

Dissentions - strife, divisions, trying to equal or pay back wrongs done to one.

Factions - discontent groups with opposing opinions stirring up strife, heresy.
Envy - ill will at the good fortune or blessing of another, jealousy, thinking the other person not worthy of what they get because you want it.

Drunkenness - living intoxicated.

Orgies - carousing, reveling, sinful partying, letting go of inhibitions to sin.

Ephesians 4:31 lists these works of the flesh:
Anger - resentful feelings, revengeful displeasure

Bitterness - strong feeling of hatred or resentment.

Wrath - fierce, determined, lasting anger.

Clamor - quarreling, contention, brawling.

Slander - evil speaking, abusive or blasphemous language

Malice - active ill will, desire to harm another.
These works of the flesh represent a critical spirit (an obsessive attitude of criticism and fault finding which seeks to tear down others). the person with a critical spirit dwells on the negative, looks for flaws, complains often, is easily and often upset, has little control over the tongue and temper, and has a tendency to gossip and slander.

Ephesians 4:25-29 lists these works of the flesh:
Lying - not speaking the truth.

Stealing - unlawfully taking what does NOT belong to you.

Cussing - obscene, corrupt communications.

Romans 8:13 -For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.