How to Build a Strong Spirit & Overcome the Flesh (E.W. Kenyon)

Summary

The teaching, drawing on E. W. Kenyon, presents the Christian life as a struggle between a “recreated spirit” guided by God’s Word and the senses—feelings, circumstances, and outward evidence. It argues that believers should not let changing emotions or circumstances define their identity or direct their decisions. Instead, they should develop their inner life through Scripture, fellowship with God, and acting on their faith.

The message distinguishes spiritual rebirth from spiritual development: the spirit is said to be recreated at the new birth, while the mind, emotions, habits, and body require ongoing discipline. Spiritual growth is described not as earning God’s acceptance, but as learning to live in the light of what Christ has already accomplished.

Key Practices and Ideas

• Make God’s Word the primary guide. When feelings or circumstances conflict with Scripture, acknowledge what is happening but give God’s Word the final say.
• Feed the inner life consistently. Read and meditate on Scripture regularly rather than relying on occasional exposure.
• Renew your thinking. Bring thoughts, emotions, decisions, and habits into agreement with the truths of Scripture.
• Respond to challenges with scriptural reminders. For example, answer fear with the message that God gives “power, and of love, and of a sound mind,” and answer condemnation with the assurance of no condemnation in Christ.
• Practice obedience and spiritual discipline. Choose obedience over convenience and train the body and habits so they do not dictate your choices.
• Examine your speech. The teaching treats words as indicators of what is filling the heart, encouraging faith- and hope-centered speech grounded in Scripture rather than attempts at “positive thinking” alone.
• Abide in Christ. Approach prayer, Bible study, obedience, and worship as expressions of an ongoing relationship with God—not as ways to earn acceptance or persuade God to act.
• Keep emotions in their proper place. The goal is not to deny or suppress feelings, but to keep them from becoming the authority over one’s life.
• Focus on identity in Christ. The message encourages believers to look to Christ rather than defining themselves by mistakes, rejection, weakness, or circumstances.

The teaching uses Daniel, David, and Paul as examples of confidence in God amid difficult circumstances. It also emphasizes that spiritual maturity is cultivated over time rather than achieved through a single experience.

Presenters and Sources

• Presenter/narrator: Unnamed in the subtitles.
• E. W. Kenyon: Cited as the central teacher, particularly for his teaching on identification with Christ and the believer’s spiritual life.
• Biblical sources and figures referenced: Jesus, the Apostle Paul, Daniel, and David. Scriptural references include Romans 8 and 12, John 15, Proverbs 4, 2 Corinthians 5, and passages on walking by faith and spiritual identity in Christ.