The enemy of our soul uses deception to trap us. Galatians 5:16 tells us how to avoid being ensnared. It says, “…Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Disobedience allows our flesh to rule.

Romans 13:12 says, “…cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” Verse 14 says, “…put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”

We have two natures: carnal and spiritual. Romans 8 clearly expands on this truth. The carnal mind is enmity against God (verse 7). Verse 6 says that to be spiritually minded results in life and peace.

When we cast off something of our flesh, we need an immediate replacement. Remember the story in Matthew 12:43-45. The spirit was cast out. The ‘house’ was swept clean but left empty. When we cast off something of our flesh, we need God’s word to fill in the space.