Jesus’ Remedy for the Flesh Problem
Text: Matthew 5:29-30
Sunday Worship Service Sermon
By Pastor Afam Okafor
The True Holiness Christian Bible Church, Lagos, Nigeria
Introduction
The Christian life is a battlefield, and one of the greatest struggles we face is against the flesh. The desires of the flesh often pull us away from God’s will and into sin. In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus presents a radical solution—removing whatever causes us to stumble. Though His words are not meant to be taken literally, they emphasize the need for decisive action against sin.
“If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” — Matthew 5:29-30 (NKJV)
1. The Reality of the Flesh Problem
1.1 The Flesh Opposes the Spirit
The Bible makes it clear that our sinful nature constantly resists God’s will.
“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” — Galatians 5:17 (NKJV)
1.2 Temptations Come from Within and Around Us
Sinful desires do not come from God but from our own hearts.
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” — James 1:14-15 (NKJV)
1.3 Unchecked Sin Has Eternal Consequences
Sin, if not dealt with, can lead to spiritual destruction.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” — Galatians 6:7-8 (NKJV)
2. Jesus’ Radical Remedy
Jesus’ command to “pluck out” an eye or “cut off” a hand is not about literal self-mutilation but about taking extreme measures to avoid sin.
2.1 Eliminate Sinful Habits and Avoid Compromising Situations
Fleeing from sin is an active step toward holiness.
“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NKJV)
“Abstain from every form of evil.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NKJV)
2.2 Renew the Mind Through God’s Word
Transformation happens through the renewing of our minds.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” — Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” — Psalm 119:9 (NKJV)
2.3 Guard Your Associations
The people around us influence our spiritual walk.
“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” — 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV)
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” — Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV)
3. Walking in the Spirit for Victory
Victory over the flesh is possible only through the power of the Holy Spirit.
3.1 Rely on the Holy Spirit
Walking in the Spirit keeps us from falling into sin.
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (NKJV)
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NKJV)
3.2 Crucify Sinful Desires Daily
Following Christ requires daily self-denial.
“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’” — Luke 9:23 (NKJV)
“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” — Galatians 5:24 (NKJV)
3.3 Surround Yourself with Godly Influences
Being in the right spiritual environment strengthens our walk with God.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” — Hebrews 10:23-25 (NKJV)
“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” — Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
Conclusion
Jesus calls us to take sin seriously. If we don’t deal with it, it will deal with us. The flesh is a powerful enemy, but through Christ, we have victory.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7 (NKJV)
Are you willing to surrender all to Him today?
May the Lord give us the grace to walk in holiness and obedience.
Let us pray.
Need Spiritual Assistance?
If you are currently experiencing any fleshly lust challenge as your weakness, you can contact us for spiritual assistance.
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” — James 5:16 (NKJV)
