Instinctual living, often characterized by acting on natural impulses and desires without consideration of spiritual or moral guidance, is a theme addressed throughout the Bible. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the consequences of living according to the flesh, as opposed to living by the Spirit.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides early examples of the pitfalls of instinctual living. In Genesis, the account of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34) illustrates the danger of prioritizing immediate physical desires over long-term spiritual blessings. Esau's impulsive decision led to significant consequences for his future and his descendants.

The narrative of King Saul also serves as a cautionary tale. Saul's failure to wait for Samuel and his decision to offer a burnt offering himself (1 Samuel 13:8-14) was driven by fear and impatience, instincts that ultimately cost him his kingdom. His actions demonstrate how succumbing to instinctual pressures can lead to disobedience and divine rejection.

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly the Book of Proverbs, frequently warns against the dangers of following one's base instincts. Proverbs 14:12 states, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." This verse underscores the deceptive nature of relying solely on human instincts, which can lead to destructive outcomes.

Proverbs 25:28 further illustrates this point: "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper." The imagery of a defenseless city highlights the vulnerability and chaos that result from a lack of self-control, a key aspect of instinctual living.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to address the consequences of living according to the flesh. In Romans 8:6-8 , Paul contrasts the mindset of the flesh with that of the Spirit: "The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God." This passage emphasizes that instinctual living leads to spiritual death and separation from God.

Galatians 5:19-21 lists the "acts of the flesh," including sexual immorality, idolatry, and jealousy, warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This stark warning highlights the eternal consequences of living by one's instincts rather than by the Spirit.

Examples from the Early Church

The early church faced challenges related to instinctual living, as seen in the letters of Paul. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 , Paul admonishes the Corinthian believers for their worldly behavior, stating, "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?" Here, Paul links spiritual immaturity and division to a failure to rise above instinctual, fleshly behavior.

The Call to Spiritual Living

Throughout the Bible, believers are called to live by the Spirit rather than by the flesh. In Galatians 5:16 , Paul exhorts, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." This call to spiritual living is a recurring theme, urging believers to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to overcome the limitations and consequences of instinctual living.

The Bible consistently presents instinctual living as a path fraught with spiritual peril, urging believers to pursue a life led by the Spirit, characterized by self-control, obedience, and alignment with God's will.