Little Red Book Ministry

A. The body in life
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19–21).

The biblical term for the body is the “flesh.” It is identified with the solid state of matter. The body will do anything to satisfy its urges, regardless of its effect on anything or anyone else. It has self-awareness and reacts to situations to its own benefit only. Christians who live “in the flesh,” whose soul primarily seeks to satisfy the flesh, are said to be “carnal” (1 Corinthians 3:3; Romans 8:5–7).

1. The body is basically evil
The body tends always only to evil. It is only through the workings of the soul and spirit that any good can come out of it.
Romans 7:14, 18, 21, 23–25; 1 Corinthians 3:3

2. The body is primarily controlled by the will (in the soul) and secondarily by needs and ‘drives’ to satisfy hunger, tiredness, sex, etc.
James 4:1–2

3. The body is operated by the brain
Romans 7:23–24

Thus, when the body’s cells need oxygen, the brain immediately operates the respiratory system to provide it. On the other hand, the will (soul) may override the drive to breathe and make the body hold its breath.