Fleshly works, as articulated in Scripture, refer to actions and attitudes born out of our sinful nature rather than the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:19-21 provides a sobering list of these works, which include sexual immorality, idolatry, and jealousy, among others. The Apostle Paul emphasizes in Philippians 3:3 that true worshipers do not place confidence in the flesh, highlighting the futility of relying on human effort for spiritual validation. Instead, believers are called to live by the Spirit, as indicated in Romans 8:5-6, where Paul contrasts the mindset of the flesh with that of the Spirit, asserting that life and peace are found in the latter. Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul proclaims that anyone in Christ is a new creation, underscoring the transformative power of salvation that enables believers to overcome fleshly desires. Ultimately, the call to reject fleshly works is a call to embrace a life led by the Spirit, as illustrated in Galatians 5:22-23, where the fruits of the Spirit stand in stark contrast to the works of the flesh, inviting believers into a deeper relationship with God.
In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the weakness of the flesh and the dangers of relying on one's own achievements. He uses the analogy of a bug climbing a window to illustrate how our flesh can lead us astray. The speaker emphasizes the need to have no confidence in the flesh and instead worshi
