Examples of living in the flesh

         The Bible describes “living in the flesh” as following the sinful nature, being controlled by desires that oppose the Spirit of God. This way of life is often characterized by rebellion, self-centeredness, and disobedience to God’s commandments. Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals who chose to walk in the flesh, and their actions led to severe consequences. These examples serve as biblical illustrations of what it means to live in opposition to the Spirit.

1. Cain (Genesis 4:3–8)

         Cain is one of the earliest examples of living in the flesh. When both he and his brother Abel brought offerings to God, Abel’s was accepted while Cain’s was not. Rather than humbling himself, Cain allowed jealousy and anger to rule over him. God warned Cain that sin was crouching at his door, desiring to have him, but Cain did not resist it. He gave in to the desires of the flesh and murdered his brother Abel. His act of violence and his refusal to repent demonstrated a heart controlled by a sinful nature.

2. The Israelites in the Wilderness (Numbers 11)

        After being delivered from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites frequently exhibited behavior driven by the flesh. In the wilderness, they complained about their hardships, grew impatient, and craved the food of Egypt rather than trusting in God’s provision. In Numbers 11, they expressed intense dissatisfaction with the manna provided by God and desired meat, recalling the food they had enjoyed in Egypt—even though they were once slaves. Their constant murmuring, ingratitude, and rebellion revealed a mindset that prioritized physical cravings over spiritual trust.

3. King Saul (1 Samuel 13 and 15)

         King Saul’s reign is marked by several instances of fleshly decisions. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul grew impatient waiting for Samuel and took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering, an act reserved for the prophet. His disobedience was fueled by fear and impatience rather than trust in God's timing. Later, in 1 Samuel 15, Saul disobeyed God’s command to destroy the Amalekites completely, choosing to spare King Agag and the best livestock. His excuses revealed a heart more concerned with appearances and self-preservation than obedience to God.

4. David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11)

         King David, a man after God’s heart, also fell into the flesh when he committed adultery with Bathsheba. His fleshly desire led him to bring Bathsheba into his palace while her husband Uriah was at war. When she became pregnant, David plotted to cover up the sin and eventually arranged Uriah’s death in battle. His actions were driven by lust, deceit, and a desire to protect his own image, all of which exemplified the nature of living according to the flesh.

5. Samson (Judges 14–16)

         Samson was a Nazirite set apart for God’s purpose, yet he repeatedly allowed his flesh to dominate his decisions. He pursued relationships with Philistine women, despite the warning of his parents. His involvement with Delilah proved to be his downfall, as he revealed the secret of his strength in a moment of weakness. Samson’s life was marked by impulsiveness, sensuality, and disregard for his sacred calling. His downfall was a direct result of living by fleshly desires rather than by the Spirit of God.

6. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11)

         In the early days of the church, Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and deceitfully claimed to give the full amount to the apostles, while secretly keeping back a portion for themselves. Their lie was not merely to humans but to the Holy Spirit. Their actions were motivated by pride, greed, and a desire for recognition. This deceitful behavior reflected a heart governed by the flesh rather than by honesty and reverence for God.

7. The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16–21)

         Jesus told the parable of a rich man who accumulated great wealth and looked forward to a life of ease. The man said to himself that he would eat, drink, and be merry, unaware that his life would end that very night. God called him a fool for storing up treasures for himself but not being rich toward God. The parable illustrates how a person can be consumed by earthly gain and live for temporal pleasures, ignoring spiritual realities.

8. The Works of the Flesh (Galatians 5:19–21)

         The Apostle Paul lists the characteristics of life in the flesh in Galatians 5. These include immorality, impurity, idolatry, hatred, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, and drunkenness. Paul warns that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. These behaviors are evident in many of the biblical characters and illustrate the danger and spiritual decay that result from yielding to the flesh.

         These examples reveal the nature of living in the flesh—driven by personal desire, rebellion, and a rejection of God's authority. Each incident in Scripture highlights the conflict between the Spirit and the flesh and how yielding to the latter results in spiritual ruin and divine judgment.