A banner that was carried at the head of a military band or body to indicate the line of march or the rallying point. Jehovah-nissi rallies over our battle with the flesh; He wants us to have victory over the enemy, our flesh
In Exodus 17 the children of Israel were led by Joshua in a battle with Amalek. During the times when Moses raised his staff overhead Israel was victorious, when his arms fell Amalek overpowered them. His staff was a picture of a banner and this battle with Amalek was a picture of our battle with the flesh. We are going to battle the flesh and we will wear out of we try it on our own. However, if we stay under the Lord we can overcome; it is imperative to also acknowledge that we need the support of other believers.
A little background: Amalek was Isaac’s great-grandson. Abraham’s son, Isaac, had 2 sons, Esau & Jacob; Esau gave his birthright for stew because he allowed the flesh to overcome him. Esau’s son was Eliphaz and Eliphaz’s son was Amalek… Amalek was the grandson of Esau the great-grandson of Isaac; however, Amalek was also the “first and constant enemy” of the nation of Israel. Amalek did not fear God, which means he did not show reverence, respect or honor to God.
The flesh is one of the greatest enemies of the child of God; it is the first enemy we encounter after we are saved. Think about it, Satan can’t take away our salvation but he sure can get the best of our testimony and the desires of the flesh is how he accomplishes this. These attacks occur when we are faint and weary (Deut. 25:18); so we must be on guard and surround ourselves with believers to help through this journey of life.
Gal 5: 19-21 describes the attributes/deeds of the flesh:
1. Immorality/Adultery – sexual relations with anyone you are not married to
2. Impurity/Uncleanness - a substance that adulterates or contaminates something; physically or morally unclean
3. Sensuality/Lasciviousness - the capacity for enjoying the pleasures of the senses
4. Idolatry - the worship of idols or false gods
5. Sorcery enmities – witchcraft or magical from the Greek word pharmakeia where we get medication
6. Strife/Hatred – hostility or bitter and sometimes violent conflict, struggle, or rivalry
7. Jealousy/Emulation – fervent desire what another has
8. Outbursts of anger /Wrath– to breath hard, fierce anger because something seems unfair or unreasonable
9. Disputes/Stife - disagree or argue about something
10. Dissensions/Seditions - disagreement or difference of opinion, especially when leading to open conflict
11. Factions/Heresies - a portion of a group (sect) that has interests or beliefs that are not in harmony with the larger group
12. Envying – jealous spite; the resentful or unhappy feeling of wanting somebody else's success, good fortune, qualities, or possessions
13. Murder – to kill someone
14. Drunkenness – intoxicated from excess of alcohol
15. Carousing - to drink and become noisy, especially in a group; to riot
In 1 Samuel 15 Saul’s flesh is in control of his actions; he led Israel by his EYES rather than by obedience in his HEART. He was told to completely destroy everything; however, he allowed his people to keep the “good stuff”. Because of his disobedience, the person he should have killed ended up killing him (2 Samuel 1: 6-10).
In Gal 5:24 Paul writes “Now those who below to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”. The flesh cannot be tolerated, catered-to or spared in any way; it must be put to death otherwise it will devastate you. If you don’t declare the flesh, with its passions and lusts, dead; it can kill you. The great thing to remember is that we are not alone in this battle of the flesh, we have a banner and it is Christ, Heb. 7:25 tells us to look up. There on the holy mount is the Son of God with arms extended high, ever living to make intercession for you. Under the banner of God, victory is always assured; but apart from it, defeat is certain. (John 15:5)
We are going to experience times when the deeds of the flesh are more visible and we are led astray. Unlike King Saul’s response, we should have a godly sorrow that leads to repentance and bow under the banner of the Lord and His outstretched arms.
The desires of the flesh are real; how do you dealt with your flesh?
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