Our "Old Man" or "Demons?"

Flesh or Demons?

From the beginning, ever since man turned from God in rebellion, he has been subjected to two main spiritual evils: sin and demons.

Our "old man" is "the flesh" (Galatians 5:24)
"The flesh" refers to our corrupt nature that is part of the inheritance each of us received at birth.

 The same Greek word is translated fleshly and carnal. Each describes our corrupt, fallen, sinful nature.

In the spiritual realm, as in the physical, correct diagnosis is essential. So it is important to know, in confronting our own problems or those of other people, what we are dealing with.

Is it flesh?

 Or is it demons?

The question is of vital importance because the remedies are quite different.

The remedy for the flesh is crucifixion. By Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, He canceled the claim sin has on our fleshly nature. Paul states this as historical fact: "Our old man was crucified with Jesus" (Romans 6:6)

But each one of us must make a personal application of the cross to our fleshly nature. Paul says, therefore, in Galatians 5:24, "And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." 

Once we have made this personal application of the cross, we can echo Paul's words in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me..." 

 Crucifixion, then is the remedy for our fleshly nature. It is a remedy each of us needs to apply personally.

The remedy for demons, on the other hand- as often demonstrated in the ministry of Jesus- is to cast them out.

These two remedies are not interchangeable. It is not possible to cast out the flesh, and it is not possible to crucify a demon.

Discerning of spirits is a gift from the Holy Spirit that most Christians have in operation in their lives. They just know when its the flesh or if its demonic activity.

We can only truly help people if we rightly diagnosis the situation and apply the appropriate treatment.

Likewise, there is an urgent need for Christians to learn all we can about the nature and activity of demons.

This knowledge is important for all believers, since none of us can claim immunity from the attacks of demons.

 Especially if we want to help others in our ministry by making a correct diagnosis. Crucify the flesh or expel demons.