“The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41).
There is a real study in contrasts in the words willing and weak. One describes a forwardness, the other a backwardness. One denotes eagerness, the other reticence. One is forthright and aggressive, suggesting taking the initiative; the other is reluctant and apathetic, implying indecisiveness or a lack of ability.
Let’s take a closer look at each word individually:
The Greek word translated willing in this verse is prothumos (proth’-oo-mos). The Greek prefix pro means “in front of” or “ahead of.” Thumos refers to passion, ardor, enthusiasm, hard breathing. Thus, prothumos is a description of the spirit of man activated and energized by the Holy Spirit. In that case we could say, “The spirit indeed is ready, alert, forward, eager, prompt, willing; the flesh is not.”
The flesh is a good description of human nature or the qualities man inherited from Adam. You would think that with all his other improvements, man would have learned to sharpen his spiritual capacities. Not so. In John 6:63, Jesus says: “The flesh (human nature) profits nothing; it is the spirit that quickens and makes alive.” Paul tell us in Galatians 5:7 that the fleshly man and the spirit man are at war with each other.
The word translated weak is asthenes (as-then-ace’), meaning “impotent” or “powerless.” It is very close to the Greek word asthma, “shortness of breath.” We could read this verse: “The spiritual man is breathing hard, eager and ready for action while the natural man is out of breath and unable to participate.”
To resolve this dilemma, we are told by Paul to walk in the spirit, and then we will not fulfill the tendencies of the flesh.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.