Disobedience as a Reflection of the Flesh in Scripture

Disobedience in Scripture is frequently presented as a manifestation of the "flesh," a term that carries significant theological weight beyond its literal anatomical meaning. While "flesh" can refer to the physical body or all living creatures ^[1], in the New Testament, it also denotes a sinful element within humanity ^[1]. This understanding is crucial for grasping the biblical perspective on human fallenness and the origin of disobedience.

The concept of the flesh as a source of sin is rooted in the Fall of Man, brought about by Adam's disobedience through the temptation of the devil ^[3]. As a consequence, humanity inherited a nature described as "born in sin," "a child of wrath," and having an "evil heart" ^[3]. This fallen state results in a mind that is "depraved" and "blinded," leading to corrupt and perverse ways ^[3]. Disobedience to God is shown to provoke His anger, forfeit His favor and promised blessings, and bring a curse ^[5]. The prophet Samuel states that "rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry" ^[8].

The apostle Paul frequently uses "flesh" (Greek: sarx) to describe the sinful human nature that opposes God. In Galatians, he lists "the works of the flesh" as including "adultery, whoredom, uncleanness, lasciviousness" ^[4]. This highlights that disobedience stems from an internal disposition rather than merely external actions. Matthew Henry, commenting on 1 Peter 4:1, notes that while "flesh" can refer to Christ's human nature, in the context of believers, it signifies "mortification of sin" ^[10]. This implies a struggle against the sinful inclinations inherent in the flesh.

The contrast between the flesh and the spirit is a recurring theme. The "flesh and blood" of our present corruptible nature cannot inherit the kingdom of God ^[11]. Therefore, believers are called to "die daily" to the flesh and the world as a necessary condition for regeneration ^[11]. This involves self-denial, controlling appetites, abstaining from fleshly lusts, and mortifying sinful desires ^[7]. The idea of a "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), though interpreted in various ways, often points to some severe physical or spiritual infirmity that serves as a hindrance ^[9].

The Old Testament also uses "flesh" to convey ideas of mutability and weakness ^[1]. For instance, Nehemiah 5:5 speaks of "our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers," referring to their shared human vulnerability and suffering under bondage ^[6]. Isaiah 31:3 contrasts the weakness of "flesh" with the strength of God, stating, "the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit." This underscores the inherent limitations and frailty of humanity apart from divine power.

Practices like cutting the flesh, which were associated with idolatry and mourning in ancient cultures, were forbidden to the Israelites ^[2]. This prohibition further emphasizes the distinction between practices rooted in human custom or pagan worship and obedience to God's commands. The New Testament alludes to marks on the body indicating allegiance to a deity (Revelation 13:16; 17:5; 19:20), contrasting with Paul's references to marks in a different direction (Galatians 6:7) ^[2].

Sources

Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Flesh — In the Old Testament denotes (1) a particular part of the body of man and animals (Gen. 2:21; 41:2; Ps. 102:5, marg.); (2) the whole body (Ps. 16:9); (3) all living things having flesh, and particularly humanity as a whole (Gen. 6:12, 13); (4) mutability and weakness (2 Chr. 32:8; comp. Isa. 31:3; Ps. 78:39). As suggesting the idea of softness it is used in the expression "heart of flesh" (Ezek. 11:19). The expression "my flesh and bone" (Judg. 9:2; Isa. 58:7) denotes relationship. In the New Testament, besides these it is also used to denote the sinful eleme”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Cutting — The flesh in various ways was an idolatrous practice, a part of idol-worship (Deut. 14:1; 1 Kings 18:28). The Israelites were commanded not to imitate this practice (Lev. 19:28; 21:5; Deut. 14:1). The tearing of the flesh from grief and anguish of spirit in mourning for the dead was regarded as a mark of affection (Jer. 16:6; 41:5; 48:37). Allusions are made in Revelation (13:16; 17:5; 19:20) to the practice of printing marks on the body, to indicate allegiance to a deity. We find also references to it, through in a different direction, by Paul (Gal. 6; 7) ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Fall of Man, The — By the disobedience of Adam -- Ge 3:6,11,12; Ro 5:12,15,19. Through temptation of the devil -- Ge 3:1-5; 2Co 11:3; 1Ti 2:14. Man in consequence of Made in the image of Adam. -- Ge 5:3; 1Co 15:48,49. Born in sin. -- Job 15:14; 25:4; Ps 51:5; Isa 48:8; Joh 3:6. A child of wrath. -- Eph 2:3. Evil in heart. -- Ge 6:5; 8:21; Jer 16:12; Mt 15:19. Blinded in heart. -- Eph 4:18. Corrupt and perverse in his ways. -- Ge 6:12; Ps 10:5; Ro 3:12-16. Depraved in mind. -- Ro 8:5-7; Eph 4:17; Col 1:21; Tit 1:15. Without understanding. -- Ps 14:2,3; Ro 3:11; 1:31. ”
Galatians “Galatians 5:19 (YLT) — And manifest also are the works of the flesh, which are: Adultery, whoredom, uncleanness, lasciviousness,”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Disobedience to God — Provokes his anger -- Ps 78:10,40; Isa 3:8. Forfeits his favour -- 1Sa 13:14. Forfeits his promised blessings -- Jos 5:6; 1Sa 2:30; Jer 18:10. Brings a curse -- De 11:28; 28:15. A characteristic of the wicked -- Eph 2:2; Tit 1:16; 3:3. The wicked persevere in -- Jer 2:21. Heinousness of, illustrated -- Jer 35:14. Men prone to excuse -- Ge 3:12,13. Shall be punished -- Isa 42:24,25; Heb 2:2. Acknowledge the punishment of, to be just -- Ne 9:32,33; Da 9:10,11,14. Warnings against -- 1Sa 12:15; Jer 12:17. Bitter results of, illustrated -- Jer 9:13,”
Nehemiah “Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children. Behold, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters have been brought into bondage. Neither is it in our power to help it; for other men have our fields and our vineyards.” -- Nehemiah 5:5”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
1 Samuel “1 Samuel 15:23 (NASB) — "For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king."”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Thorn in the flesh — (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Many interpretations have been given of this passage. (1.) Roman Catholic writers think that it denotes suggestions to impiety. (2.) Luther, Calvin, and other Reformers interpret the expression as denoting temptation to unbelief. (3.) Others suppose the expression refers to "a pain in the ear or head," epileptic fits, or, in general, to some severe physical infirmity, which was a hindrance to the apostle in his work (comp. 1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 10:10; 11:30; Gal. 4:13, 14; 6:17). With a great amount of probability, it has been alle”
1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 4:1: The apostle here draws a new inference from the consideration of Christ's sufferings. As he had before made use of it to persuade to patience in suffering, so here to mortification of sin. Observe, I. How the exhortation is expressed. The antecedent or supposition is that Christ had suffered for us in the flesh, or in his human nature. The consequent or inference is, "Arm and fortify yourselves likewise with the same mind, courage, and resolution." The word flesh in the former part of the verse signifies Christ's human nature, but in the latter part it signifies m”
1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 15:50: (See on Co1 15:37; Co1 15:39). "Flesh and blood" of the same animal and corruptible nature as our present (Co1 15:44) animal-souled bodies, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Therefore the believer acquiesces gladly in the unrepealed sentence of the holy law, which appoints the death of the present body as the necessary preliminary to the resurrection body of glory. Hence he "dies daily" to the flesh and to the world, as the necessary condition to his regeneration here and hereafter (Joh 3:6; Gal 2:20). As the being born of the flesh constitute”

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