The Spirit Is Willing

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." - Mark 14:38

It is not the "spiritual" me that must face the temptations in this life. It is the natural me. God created mankind with a free will. The ability to choose. Even to not choose. So like any enemy, Satan looks for a weakness. That would be our flesh. God does not tempt and cannot be tempted. (James 1:13) Our spiritual nature cannot be tempted because it is from God. When Adam and Eve were tempted, it was their flesh - their human nature that Satan convinced to sin. Thier natural reasoning and desires. "Did God really say?" (Gensis 3:3-6)

That is why we are encouraged to walk in the power of the Spirit and not try to be righteous in the power of our flesh. (Galatians 5:16) Recall that Jesus told Peter that he would deny Jesus three times and Peter could not accept that. Recall that Pentecost did not happen until after the resurrection, so Peter was dependent upon Jesus for all things spiritual. It wasn't that Peter wanted to deny Jesus, it was that Peter was depending upon himself to face the temptation to protect himself and be faithful to Jesus. 

"When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” Again, he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about." - Mark 14:69-71

Peter's plan did not go so well, and Jesus was proved right. Surprise!!! You know the same thing happens to us. We face temptations every day. If we decide to face them with our "won't" power and not sin - well, we are walking the same road that Peter did.

"Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You!" - Psalm 119:11

That is about choosing a spiritual solution in dealing with the temptation.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert" - Ephesians 6:12-18

My encouragement to you .... as John Wayne (The Duke) would say - "Saddle up!" Spiritually speaking that is.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone