Winning The Battle

What battle you may ask? The one raging within us between the lusts of the flesh, and the spirit. – Matthew 26:41

Lust vs Love

Corinthians 6:8 – For he sows to his own flesh (lower nature sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay, ruin and destruction. But, he who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Hebrews 4:12 – What are the purposes of your heart?

Hebrews 10:36 – Steadfast, patient endurance so that you can perform and fully accomplish the will of God so that you can receive and enjoy the full of what is promised.

1 Corinthians 9:24 – Run YOUR race so that YOU can lay hold of the prize, and make it YOURS.

You can’t win a battle that you will not admit you are in

We are all in this battle daily, whether we care to admit it, or not.

• Gluttony
  • Over-indulgence and overconsumption.
  • Proverbs 23:21
• Sloth
  • Lazy, sedentary disclination to exertion.
  • Proverbs 24: 33- 34
• Stress
  • Is proportional to the gap between your expectations and reality.
  • The larger the gap,  the more stress. Stress is caused by unmet expectations.

Expectations are the root of all headache. – William Shakespeare

• Exercise and healthy eating are not punishments for the sins of gluttony and sloth.
• You can’t earn grace by punishing yourself for being overweight and lazy.

Grace is freely given. Christ died so you may live an abundant, victorious life for Him here on earth! – Collosians 3:17; John 10:10

Faith – Perceiving as real fact what is not yet revealed to the senses.

Pray then live as if your prayers are already answered

How should we praise God?

• Whatever you do, everything in word and deed through Jesus in you should glorify God!
• The Holy Spirit is the key to unlocking the full potential of your body which is essential for life on earth now.
• The Holy Spirit will reveal your unique purpose. Put your gifts and talents to work to glorify God and to serve others.

Biologically Upregulate Your Emotions

• Exercise is a celebration of what your body can do. It empowers you, energises you, and enables you to act.
  • The Bible is a call to ACTION.
• Food and drink are the fuel for your body. Healthy and nutritious food will bring out the best performance.
• Bring your body under the control of the Holy Spirit. Fuel and train your body so you can achieve your purpose!

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. – Galations 6:9

We are accountable and responsible to God for our choices. He expects us to grow and flourish.

Lust or love?

• Choose not to give in to the flesh, but remain aligned with the Holy Spirit within you. Live a life of love!
• Fasting and exercise are great tools to use to spiritually discipline the body.
• When you and scripture believe the same way, you begin to manifest the mind of Christ.
• Lust and love are OPPOSITES.
  • Lust is from your carnal flesh.
  • Love is from God.
• A few consistent daily choices create the habits needed to prepare you to defeat lust and prepare you to win the battle raging within.

Be proactive, instil daily disciplines as a part of your life, and you will be victorious.

Spiritual

• Daily quiet time.
• Bible study.
• Prayer.
• Biblical affirmations.
• Know who YOU are in Christ.
• Practically apply and act on the Word of God.

Nutrition (What, when, and how much?)

• Cut out sugar.
• Drink more water.
• Eat nutritious whole food – more protein, less and veg; less refined carbohydrates.
• Start experimenting with fasting, it will benefit you even if your diet is poor.

Exercise

• Just start; anything is better than nothing!
• Incorporate both cardio and strength into your exercise routine.
• Avoid boredom, like the plague keep pushing your limits, try something new.

It is never too late to start

You are not in this alone.

Take responsibility for where you are at, and make the right choices and enjoy the journey.

God does not expect perfection, you can’t earn your salvation.

Seek out professional assistance. There are lots of people out there willing and able to assist you to grow and flourish!