The best way to gain the victory over your flesh, according to Ellen White's published works, involves several key principles:
1. **Crucify the Carnal Heart**: The carnal (fleshly) heart must be crucified, as its tendency is toward moral corruption. Only the life-giving power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit can transform the soul and restore spiritual soundness (
5T 267.2).
2. **Surrender Self to God**: The greatest battle is the surrender of self to God's will. The old nature and former habits must be given up. Victory is not won by human power, but by yielding the heart to God and allowing His love to rule (
MB 141.2).
3. **Rely on Christ’s Strength**: We cannot obtain victory alone. Christ overcame temptation and appetite, and through His strength, we too can conquer. We must trust in Him and seek His aid (
CTBH 19.2).
4. **Daily Submission and Self-Denial**: Victory over the stubborn will and selfishness comes only by the aid of Christ. As you live a life of self-sacrifice and yield your will to His, you will gain victory after victory (
7T 49.1).
5. **Walk in the Spirit**: Paul teaches that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. Walking in the Spirit, rather than after the flesh, is essential (
SL 30.2).
6. **Rule Over Appetites and Passions**: God gives power to overcome hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong. We are to rule every appetite and passion through the strength He imparts (
MH 175.1).
7. **Practice Temperance and Obedience**: Temperance in all things, especially in eating and drinking, is necessary to overcome as Christ overcame. Obedience and continual effort are required (
4T 215.1;
3T 491.2).
8. **Trust Fully in God**: Recognize your weakness and trust entirely in God. The victory Jesus gained is a pledge of the victory you may gain through His name (
3T 457.1).
9. **Cherish Christ Daily**: Overcoming is a daily process of resisting temptation and cherishing Christ in your heart. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world (
4T 346.1).
In summary, victory over the flesh is gained by daily surrender to God, relying on Christ’s strength, walking in the Spirit, practicing self-denial and temperance, and trusting fully in God’s power to transform your life.
If you would like the full text of any specific reference, let me know!
References:
- White, E. G. (1885). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 267.
- White, E. G. (1896). Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 141.
- White, E. G. (1890). Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 19.
- White, E. G. (1902). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 49.
- White, E. G. (1892). Steps to Christ, p. 30.
- White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, p. 175.
- White, E. G. (1876). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 215; Vol. 3, p. 491.
- White, E. G. (1875). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 457.
- White, E. G. (1876). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 346.