Victory Over Carnality: Walking in the Spirit of Life By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” — Romans 8:6 (KJV)
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Introduction
In every believer's life, there is a constant, unseen warfare taking place — a war not of flesh and blood, but of spirit against flesh. Many Christians are unaware that the greatest battle they face is not external, but internal — a battle against their own carnal nature. This nature, inherited through Adam, is in alliance with the forces of darkness, seeking to draw the soul away from the light and liberty found in Jesus Christ.
This spiritual lesson seeks to unmask the deceptive alliance between human carnality and demonic influence, and to reveal God’s divine invitation to a higher, victorious life in the Spirit. It exposes the traps of depending on human strength and understanding and reveals the liberty and joy found in living by the power of the Holy Spirit. As you walk through this message, may your soul awaken to the revelation that true life, power, and peace come only through surrendering fully to the guidance of the Spirit of God.
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The Inner War: Carnality vs. Spiritual Life
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” — Galatians 5:17
Every believer must come to terms with the intensity of the war that rages within — the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. Our old carnal nature does not disappear the moment we are saved; rather, it continues to wage war, seeking to reclaim dominance over our minds, emotions, and choices. Carnality allies itself with demonic forces that entice, tempt, and trap believers into old patterns of sin.
When we ignore this warfare, we become easy prey. Much defeat in the Christian life stems from within — from surrendering to fleshly desires, carnal reasoning, and emotional reactions. This war is not something to be managed occasionally; it must be fought daily with a mind fixed on the Spirit and a heart yielded in obedience.
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The Deception of Self-Reliance and the Arm of Flesh
“Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.” — Jeremiah 17:5
One of the greatest dangers to spiritual victory is the subtle but deadly reliance on human strength, intellect, and strategies. This is what Scripture calls “the arm of flesh.” It is a cursed path because it draws the believer away from the living voice of the Holy Spirit into carnal, logical, and emotion-driven decisions that have no life in them.
The world exalts reason, human wisdom, and self-sufficiency, but God calls His people to lean not on their own understanding. When we seek solutions apart from the Spirit, we are inviting defeat. Carnal reasoning cannot grasp the things of God, nor can it lead us into truth.
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The Call to Newness of Life in the Spirit
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead… even so we also should walk in newness of life.” — Romans 6:4
God has not called us to remain in bondage to our old nature. Through Christ, we have received not just salvation, but transformation — a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit. This life is marked by victory, revelation, and spiritual authority.
To walk in newness of life means to think, feel, act, and respond under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It is not about religious performance but about intimate reliance on God’s power at work within us. As we meditate on God’s promises and draw near to Him daily, the “revelation revolution” takes place in our hearts — a profound change that shifts us from self-dependence to Spirit-dependence.
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Spiritual Obedience as the Path to Life
“The letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.” — 2 Corinthians 3:6
Religious knowledge without spiritual obedience leads to death. While the law of God is holy, it is the Spirit that gives us the grace and power to fulfill it. Obeying the Holy Spirit is not optional — it is the only path to life. The flesh can only produce decay, no matter how moral or well-meaning it may appear.
Obedience to the Holy Spirit brings light, freedom, clarity, and supernatural guidance in every detail of life. In the Spirit, we find not only revelation, but also divine comfort, protection, and provision. God never intended His people to wander in confusion. The Holy Spirit is our counselor, our comforter, and the divine administrator of all wisdom.
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The Consequence of Living by Carnal Desires
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” — Romans 8:13
Living by the desires of the flesh leads to spiritual and even physical destruction. Overindulgence, pride, lust, selfish ambition, and worldly cravings are manifestations of a life governed by carnality. Even physical conditions such as obesity are sometimes connected to an inner void being filled through the flesh instead of through God.
This world promotes satisfaction through consumption, but the more people eat of the world’s offerings, the emptier they become. Carnal satisfaction is always temporary and leads to decay, but spiritual fulfillment brings joy and peace that endure.
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Jesus: The Bread of Life That Truly Satisfies
“I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” — John 6:35
God calls His people not to feed on dead bread, but on the Bread of Life — Jesus Christ. Just as the manna came down from heaven to sustain the Israelites, Christ is our heavenly provision. When we partake of Him daily, we are spiritually nourished, strengthened, and satisfied.
True satisfaction in life comes from an intimate, daily relationship with Jesus. He alone fills the deep void within the human soul. The more we hunger and thirst for Him, the more we are filled with divine wisdom, peace, and strength.
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Summary
This message is a divine call to awaken from spiritual slumber and recognize the battle within. Carnality, though subtle, is deadly. It joins forces with the enemy of our souls and leads to death and defeat. Yet God, in His mercy, has provided a way out — a way of victory, peace, and power through the Holy Spirit. By surrendering our reasoning, desires, and daily choices to Him, we walk in newness of life and become vessels of His glory.
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Conclusion
You were not created to be ruled by carnality. You were designed to walk in the Spirit, to live in victory, and to be guided by divine wisdom. Do not let the enemy steal your joy, peace, or calling by dragging you into the old patterns of the flesh. Embrace the Spirit-filled life and reject every lie that tells you that fleshly indulgence brings satisfaction. It never will.
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Call to Action
Today, make a conscious decision to examine your life. Are you leaning on the arm of flesh, or are you relying on the Spirit of God? Are your decisions birthed in prayer and Scripture, or in impulse and logic? Turn away from the deceptions of your carnal mind and submit fully to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Begin and end every day with His voice. Feed on the Word. Hunger for His presence.
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Final Word of Encouragement
You are not alone in this battle. The Lord has given you the Holy Spirit — the divine helper — to lead you, strengthen you, and counsel you through every storm. Be strong and courageous, for your victory is already assured in Christ. When you walk in the Spirit, you walk in life, peace, and eternal purpose.
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Salvation Prayer
If you have not yet given your life to Jesus Christ, or if you feel far from Him, pray this prayer with sincerity:
"Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I confess that I am a sinner and in need of Your mercy. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. Today, I surrender my heart, my mind, and my will to You. Forgive me, cleanse me, and fill me with the Holy Spirit. I choose to follow You all the days of my life. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
