First, let us look at what the flesh is as it relates to being carnal.

The definition of “carnal” in the google dictionary is as follows. You will note it speaks to sexual needs etc..

CARNAL [meaning from google]
/ˈkärnl/Submit
adjective
relating to physical, especially sexual, needs and activities.
“carnal desire”

Now since we are studying the word of God, let us look at what the meaning is in the original language (Greek) as found in the following verse of the NT. You will notice it speaks to desires or fleshly needs (not only to sexual desires).
(Rom 7:14 [KJV])
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

CARNAL [from Strong’s concordance] = G4559 σαρκικός sarkikos (sar-kiy-kos’) adj.

1. carnal, pertaining to flesh.
2. thatwhich is motivated and controlled through the appetites and desires of the flesh.
3. (byextension) bodily, temporal.
4. (byimplication) animal, unregenerate.

[from G4561]

KJV: carnal, fleshly

You will notice that the meaning of carnal in the Greek relates directly to the flesh and NOT ONLY to sexual desires (sex). Based on the meaning (flesh) from scripture, let us find out if your fleshly desires rule.

First, we know, as it has been established that the law of God is spiritual. It is written.
(Rom 7:14 [KJV])
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Second, we know that the carnal (fleshly desires) is hostile and against God and is not subject to His law. In fact, it goes on to state that the carnal mind can never be subject to the law of God.
(Rom 8:7 [KJV])
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

So as we live we can see that we have two minds, two choices, two decisions to make:

1. The mind of God which is to follow His law – which is to be spiritual (for the law is spiritual Rom 7:14)

2. The carnal mind, which is to follow the desires of the flesh (the carnal mind Rom 8:7).

Now we will give two examples from scripture that shows how it works.

EXAMPLE ONE:

The Temptation of Eve:
(Gen 3:5 [KJV]) – The temptation
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Instead of staying fast and holding to God’s word (His law) that said, “thou shalt not eat of the fruit, if you eat you will die”. This is what she did; she ate and gave it to her husband. Why? The fruit became pleasant to the eyes (it “felt” good), and the desire of the flesh was to become as the gods.
(Gen 3:6 [KJV])
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

—– — —–

EXAMPLE TWO:

Now let us look at the temptation that was given to our Lord Yeshua:
(Matt 4:3 [KJV]) – The temptation
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Now our Lord was hungry because He was days into His fast. The tempter knew that food would have been His fleshly desire. Did Yeshua give in to His flesh as Eve did? No, He turned to the law/word and gave His response from the Torah (Torah is the first five books of Moses).
(Matt 4:4 [KJV])
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Here is the response in the Torah (God’s law)…
(Deut 8:3 [KJV])
And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

In fact, every time our Lord was tempted by satan He always responded from the Torah. He never gave into the flesh. He did not break the Law, He did not sin. For it is written, sin is the transgression of God’s law.
(1John 3:4 [KJV])
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Here is the study on the Commandments of God – How to use the commandments of God:

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Now let us see if you obey God’s word/law in your response to temptation.

To a Woman:

You are tempted not to be one (not to have sex) with your husband.

Your husband wants to know you (have sex) and you say you do not “feel like it”. In fact, you say it so often that it has your husband in a state of wonder and getting fed up.

What is going on:

Your flesh says no because your desire is not there and turned off for some reason.

What does God’s word say? The word is clear; your partner is the one with power over your body. If there is going to be a separation for a time, there has to be consent (not open refusal).(1Cor 7:4-5 [KJV])
The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

Look at what is also written (these are virtuous women). You will notice, let her breast satisfy you at all times (not when she feels like it – flesh). You will also notice that she is the one doing the ravishing.
(Prov 5:19 [KJV])
Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

Guided by God’s word, you (the woman) would submit to your man totally without reservation and not be subject to your feelings. However, the flesh is against God’s word, so you would do the opposite – you will deny the man, and also you will not ravish him. Note: TTGM is not saying that you are always going to submit, there are going to be good reasons why you cannot (health, time of the month etc), but this should be the exception not the rule. For Godly women, the rule is to follow God’s word. 

Are you guided by the flesh or by God’s word/law?

——-  —  ———  

To a Man:

You are tempted to be with a beautiful woman, but she already has a man in her life.

She comes on to you with her tight fitting apparel. She looks at you with her inviting eyes and touches you in a pleasant way (maybe somewhere in the office). She may even tell you her husband does not care for her needs (again flesh). 

What is going on:

Your flesh says she is so sweet I will never have another like her. I would just love to be with her, even if for one night etc..

What does God’s word say? God’s word is clear concerning adultery. The soul that commits adultery will die and will have no part in the Kingdom of God. Read do you have the heart of an adulterer?
(Lev 20:10 [KJV])
And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

They (adulterers) will have no part in the Kingdom of God.
(1Cor 6:9 [KJV])
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 

Guided by God’s word, you (the man) would state the law that prohibits adultery and not give in to a woman’s wants (no matter how good she looks). However, the flesh is against God’s word, so you would do the opposite – you will give in to the woman and become one with her (have sex).

Are you guided by the flesh or by God’s word/law?

——-  —  ———  

TTGM has used two examples of fleshly sexual desires to make our point because they are the most prevalent happenings in today’s world. The research shows that only about 7% of marriages enjoy a healthy sexual relationship daily. Over 50% of breakups occur because of men having a second woman in the relationship.

In conclusion: For the good of your soul, I encourage you to learn the law of God and not work iniquity in your heart (sin starts from the heart – READ ). Learn the law and use it as Yeshua did when He was tempted. DO NOT LET YOUR FLESH RULE. Eternity is too long a time to spend in regret for fleshly satisfaction. So live spiritually obeying the law of God (it is spiritual). 

Be blessed in understanding.