Undress the Flesh

Teaching summary

In this powerful sermon, Pastor Leonard Rola teaches the importance of training the soul and body to follow the Spirit, not the flesh. He illustrates how even a simple act like early morning exercise can become a spiritual exercise when led by the Spirit. The central message encourages believers to “undress the flesh,” allowing the soul to come into agreement with the Spirit, which leads to transformation. Drawing on key scriptures, Pastor Leonard explains that living from the inside out unlocks the true power of Christ within us. This transformation is not achieved through works, but by aligning with the gift of grace.

Bible verses referenced

Philippians 4:13- "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me."
Ephesians 1:18–19- "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power."
Ephesians 2:8–9- "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Mark 9:2- "And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them."
Romans 12:2- "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
2 Corinthians 3:18- "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Teaching notes

1. Introduction: Live from Florida
2. Spirit-led Discipline Over the Flesh
3. The Soul Must Align with the Spirit
4. The Power of Agreement and Transformation
5. Religion, Works, and the Trap of Reward-Based Living
6. The Gift System vs. The Reward System
7. The words “Transfigured,“Transformed,” and “Changed”
8. Closing Encouragement and Viewer Connection

Introduction: Live from Florida

Pastor Leonard opens the message by sharing that he is speaking from Florida while on vacation visiting family and attending his niece’s graduation. He expresses gratitude to Caprice Corino, who has been a faithful assistant and was recently licensed to minister. Pastor Leonard emphasizes his love and prayers for the viewers and supporters of the ministry, noting how he and Pastor Lori pray for everyone who reaches out by name.

Spirit-led Discipline Over the Flesh

Though he hoped to sleep in, Pastor Leonard shares how the Lord woke him up at 5:30 AM and told him to work out—an unusual instruction for a Sunday. Initially resistant, he heard the Spirit say, “I know,” acknowledging his tiredness but gently encouraging him. The Lord explained, “because we’re training the soul and we’re training the flesh.” Through this, Pastor Leonard illustrates how physical obedience can become spiritual training. He describes walking on a treadmill, lifting weights, and worshiping God the whole time.

As his spirit led the way, his soul came into agreement, and his body followed. This aligns with Philippians 4:13:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

The Soul Must Align with the Spirit

Pastor Leonard teaches that we are not meant to live by the flesh or soul alone. Instead, the body should align with the soul, and the soul should align with the Spirit. When the Spirit leads, and the soul follows, the flesh naturally submits.
He references Ephesians 1:18-19:
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling… And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe…"

He explains that many Christians have not yet “undressed the flesh,” meaning their souls are still aligned with their bodily needs and emotions, rather than the Spirit.

The Power of Agreement and Transformation

Pastor Leonard notes that while some people accomplish great feats through sheer willpower, imagine what can be achieved when one is filled with the Spirit of God and in agreement with Him. This is the power of transformation—not from effort, but from agreement with the Spirit.

He urges us to live from the inside out, letting the power within us—God’s power—shape our soul and body. He reminds us that transformation starts with surrender and alignment, not striving.

Religion, Works, and the Trap of Reward-Based Living

The pastor warns against religious teachings that lead to guilt and shame by focusing on human effort. He speaks against the reward system, where believers feel pressured to “perform” to earn God’s favor. He quotes Ephesians 2:8–9:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Religion, he explains, has unintentionally enslaved many by turning the walk of grace into a list of duties and expectations. But grace is not about earning—it’s about receiving.

The Gift System vs. The Reward System

Expounding further, Pastor Leonard emphasizes that God’s system is based on gifting—the gifting of grace and power. Jesus operates in a gifting system, not a reward-based one. The Spirit of God, Christ, and the anointing are all gifts, and believers are called to simply agree with what’s already been given.

There is no work, only belief. Believing is not a form of striving; it is a result of revelation from God. Once the Spirit speaks, the response is simple: “Okay.” That agreement transforms the soul, and the flesh becomes undressed, free from dominating thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The Word “Transfigured,

Pastor Leonard gives a deep insight into three scriptures that use the same Greek word: metamorphoo, meaning to change:

Mark 9:2
"And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them."
Jesus was “undressed” so that His inner glory was revealed.
Romans 12:2
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…"
Transformation happens when the soul renews itself to the truth within.
2 Corinthians 3:18
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
We are changed when we see the glory that already resides within us.

These three moments—transfigured, transformed, changed—are the same word and reflect the same process: inner truth permeating outward as the soul aligns with the Spirit and the flesh is undressed.

Closing Encouragement and Viewer Connection

Pastor Leonard concludes by encouraging viewers to allow the Spirit of God within them to guide, shape, and transform them. He invites anyone with questions to reach out via email, text, or YouTube comments. Even when critics respond negatively, he chooses to answer in love, rooted in the Holy Spirit.

This message, he says, is about the Kingdom of God increasing its influence in your life. Let the truth inside you radiate outward—undress the flesh and let the Spirit shine.

We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with others who need to hear about the freedom found in living from the inside out. Let grace lead, and watch transformation unfold.