Gospel-Centered Obedience: Effort in the Flesh

The second step in this model for Gospel-centered obedience is: EFFORT IN THE FLESH.

John 6:62 says, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all," and the oft-quoted Isaiah 64:6 reminds us that, "We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment" (ESV). 

The best that we could offer in the flesh is worthless in view of the holiness of God and His righteous demands. Jesus said that to be angry is to commit murder and to lust is to commit adultery. These types of heart problems (not just action problems) are the outworking of the flesh. As Galatians 5:19-21 states: "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. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." I illustrate this part of the model with a line that heads away from the rest of the cycle. We are essentially "derailing the train" when we do works in the flesh.  

In view of our fallenness, brokenness, sinfulness, and rebellion we should be brought to our knees. I am convinced that the first step to any kind of growth in Christ (or even to accepting Christ initially) is a realization of need. I hope to write a whole post on the concept of need very soon. 

Once we realize just how broken and rebellious our wicked hearts are, we recognize that there is absolutely nothing in ourselves that we could or would rely on to save or sanctify us. Therefore, we look to Jesus and to His glorious good news for an effort on our behalf that is apart from the flesh. He is our only hope.

To be continued...