Introduction

Relationships fail in spite of our good intentions. Why? The problem, according to the Scriptures, is summarized in one word — the flesh. What is it? Most people do not understand this term. It is the term that describes a human being who is living his or her own life by his or her own powers and abilities apart from God. Consequently, it is the term that describes all of us in our natural state. Unless the Lord saves us, this natural state will eventually destroy us. It’s already happening now.

Three Problems with the Flesh

1. In our natural state (flesh), we are all corrupted. (Gen 6:11,12 NASB; Rom 1:28-32) – There’s something dysfunctional in all of us. We may all look normal on the outside. We may even be good on most occasions. But given the right set of factors or circumstances, we are all inclined toward doing what is evil or hurtful to others or to ourselves. We would rather hate rather than love people. This is our natural state.
2. In our natural state (flesh), we are all weak. (Rom 7:18-20 NASB; Rom 8:5-8; Gal 5:17) – We are keenly aware of the evil that is inside of us. But we can’t stop ourselves. We are unable to resist temptation by our own willpower.  In our minds, we want to do good, but we cannot carry it out. The evil that we don’t want to do, this we keep on doing. We are morally weak and we know it. This is who we are in our natural state.
3. In our natural state (flesh), we are all self-sufficient. (Gal 3:1-5) – Even though we always sin, and we can’t help but continue sinning, we somehow deceive ourselves into thinking that we can still be good if we really want to. We are confident that we can rehabilitate ourselves. We try hard to be good people. Instead of surrendering to God, we continue to be self-sufficient. Thus, in our natural state, we are bound to self-destruct.

Conclusion

1. Main Idea: “The problem is you but the solution is beyond you.”
2. Going into relationships apart from God’s help will result in failure.
3. Humble yourself before the Lord and He will help you.

Discussion

1. Why is it difficult for most people to admit this problem called “flesh”?
2. Why is the “flesh” a problem in the area of relationships?
3. What do most people blame as the cause of their problems?