2 Timothy 3:8 English Standard Version (ESV) Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.

Paul refers to an incident from the past. The occasion of that incident has a historical context in which learned men can draw on the mistakes of others. It is not that Paul is calling out individuals because that would be an accusation. So what is Paul saying?

Men who are inflicted with this same malady should not be allow to be in a place of authority within the church. They are not anointed to serve as pastors or teachers. Paul starts out this chapter with this warning; “in the last days there will come times of difficulty.”

What makes these times difficult? Is it today? Have we fallen upon hard times for the church?

Are young men being raised up in such a manner as to demonstrate the anointing? Do we have the atmosphere required to allow the anointing to shine? These words are not an accusation, they are in inference. It has happened in the past. Do we have safeguards in place to make sure it does not happen again?

Philippians 4:6-7 English Standard Version (ESV) ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Any earnest effort to place those safeguards need to first recognize the possibility and secondly to involve God in the solution. Our anointing, the presence of the Holy Spirit has the ability to enact God’s will if we will submit and obey.

Doing the right thing begins with allowing the anointed one to do in us God’s will first. God does not warn us without providing a way to avoid these difficulties.

Galatians 5:17 English Standard Version (ESV) For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

When asked why God does not change our flesh, how do we answer? Not yet. Someday. When we are perfected. That does not answer why, just when.

Look at this from two points of view. The first is resistance training. Muscles get stronger when a load is place upon them. Weights are often used to help build muscle. Those weights must be applied appropriately so as not to tear a muscle. Training is required, skills developed and a conscious desire to exercise.

Flesh opposes the spirit and the spirit opposes the flesh. It is resistance training. Which grows stronger? If you walk in the spirit your ability to walk grows stronger. Walk in the flesh and the flesh grows stronger. As our spiritual walk develops our flesh grows more resistant. It is like adding weights.

The second issue is choice. A conscious decision on our part to love the Lord more than loving the flesh is required to train our souls and develop the skills to make sure that the flesh is subject to our desire to love God. This is one reason encouraged us to fast when faced with strong resistance.

Matthew 6:17-18 English Standard Version

¹⁷ But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Fasting shows the flesh who is stronger and that is the soul that walks in the spirit.