Biblical Examples And The Power Of Denying The Flesh: Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Messianic Believers
Denying the flesh is a central aspect of spiritual warfare, deeply rooted in Torah principles and illuminated through the life and teachings of Yeshua. The battle against the desires of the flesh is not a rejection of the body, which God created as good, but a rejection of the sinful inclinations (yetzer hara) that lead us away from holiness and the presence of God.
This chapter will explore biblical examples of individuals who denied their flesh for spiritual breakthroughs, discuss the power of Yeshua’s blood in enabling this discipline, and highlight the role of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) in empowering us to walk in obedience to God’s commandments.
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1. The Torah’s Call to Self-Denial
The Torah consistently calls God’s people to choose holiness over the desires of the flesh. Denying the flesh is often expressed through fasting, obedience, and submission to God’s laws.
Leviticus 20:7-8 (NKJV)
"Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the LORD who sanctifies you."
The command to be holy is a call to live above the natural inclinations of the flesh. Observing Torah laws, such as keeping kosher or honoring the Shabbat, teaches discipline and helps us to align with God’s holiness rather than being driven by personal desires.
Yom Kippur: A Day of Self-Denial
On Yom Kippur, the people of Israel were commanded to “afflict their souls,” a reference to fasting and self-denial.
Leviticus 23:27 (NKJV)
"It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD."
This annual act of denying the flesh underscores the importance of humbling ourselves before God. It serves as a reminder that spiritual breakthroughs come when we prioritize God’s will above our physical comfort.
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2. Biblical Examples of Denying the Flesh
Moses on Mount Sinai
When Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Torah, he fasted for forty days and nights.
Exodus 34:28 (NKJV)
"So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments."
Moses denied his physical needs to remain in God’s presence and receive divine revelation. This act of self-denial not only brought him closer to God but also secured the covenant between God and Israel.
Daniel’s Fast
Daniel sought God’s guidance and deliverance through a partial fast, abstaining from delicacies, meat, and wine.
Daniel 10:3 (NKJV)
"I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
Daniel’s fast was an act of humility and devotion that led to angelic visitation and revelation. His example demonstrates the power of self-denial in overcoming spiritual barriers and receiving God’s direction.
Yeshua’s Wilderness Fasting
Before beginning His ministry, Yeshua fasted for forty days and nights, resisting the temptations of the adversary.
Matthew 4:2-4 (NKJV)
"And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, 'If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.' But He answered and said, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."'"
Yeshua’s fast was a demonstration of victory over the desires of the flesh. By denying physical hunger and focusing on God’s Word, He overcame the enemy’s schemes and set an example for us to follow.
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3. The Power of Yeshua’s Blood in Denying the Flesh
The ultimate victory over the flesh comes through the power of Yeshua’s atoning blood. His sacrifice cleanses us from sin and empowers us to walk in holiness.
Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
Through His blood, we are redeemed and set free from the bondage of sin. This freedom enables us to deny the flesh and live according to God’s Spirit.
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4. The Role of the Ruach HaKodesh in Denying the Flesh
The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) empowers us to overcome the desires of the flesh and live a life pleasing to God.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NKJV)
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."
By yielding to the Ruach, we receive strength to resist temptation, discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy, and the ability to walk in obedience to Torah.
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5. Practical Steps to Deny the Flesh in Spiritual Warfare
1. Fast Regularly
Incorporate fasting as a spiritual discipline. Whether a full fast or abstaining from specific foods, fasting trains the spirit to rely on God rather than physical sustenance.
2. Meditate on Torah
Immersing yourself in God’s Word renews your mind and strengthens your resolve to live in holiness.
Psalm 119:11 (NKJV)
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You."
3. Pray for Strength
Ask the Ruach HaKodesh to guide you and provide strength in moments of weakness.
4. Cultivate Gratitude
Focusing on God’s blessings helps shift the focus from earthly desires to heavenly priorities.
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Conclusion: Victory Through Self-Denial
Denying the flesh is not about punishing the body but about aligning ourselves with God’s purposes. By following the examples of Moses, Daniel, and Yeshua, and by relying on the power of Yeshua’s blood and the Ruach HaKodesh, we can overcome the desires of the flesh and walk in spiritual victory.
May we continually humble ourselves before God, embrace the discipline of self-denial, and experience the breakthroughs that come when we place His will above our own.
Proverbs 16:32 (NKJV)
"He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."