Connect Romans 7:17 with Galatians 5:17 on the flesh and Spirit conflict. The Inner Conflict Exposed: Romans 7:17 and Galatians 5:17 Together “So now, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” “For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.” What Paul Means by “No Longer I” • “I” refers to the new man in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) who delights in God’s law (Romans 7:22). • “Sin living in me” identifies the indwelling principle of the flesh—our unredeemed humanness (Romans 7:18). • Paul is not dodging responsibility; he is distinguishing his regenerated identity from the lingering power of sin (Ephesians 4:24 vs. 4:22). The Flesh Defined • Greek sarx = the old, Adamic nature. • Totally unresponsive to God (Romans 8:7–8). • Produces the “works of the flesh” listed in Galatians 5:19-21. The Spirit’s Counter-Desire • The Holy Spirit indwells every believer (Romans 8:9) and generates holy desires (Philippians 2:13). • His fruit stands in sharp contrast to the flesh (Galatians 5:22-23). Same Battle, Two Letters Romans 7:17 focuses on the believer’s personal struggle: • “Sin living in me” = internal saboteur. Galatians 5:17 emphasizes the cosmic tug-of-war: • “They are opposed” = continual military language—flesh vs. Spirit. Together they reveal: 1. A single believer can experience both verses simultaneously. 2. The conflict is normal Christian experience, not evidence of lost salvation. 3. Victory is possible but never automatic (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16). Why the Battle Persists • The spirit is reborn (John 3:6), but the body awaits future redemption (Romans 8:23). • God uses the tension to drive us to dependence on the Spirit (2 Corinthians 12:9). Living Out the Victory 1. Walk by the Spirit—moment-by-moment yieldedness (Galatians 5:16). 2. Count yourself dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). 3. Feed the new nature with the Word (1 Peter 2:2). 4. Starve the flesh—make no provision for it (Romans 13:14). 5. Keep in step with the Spirit—quick confession and obedient action (Galatians 5:25). Related Passages to Anchor the Truth • Romans 8:2—“The law of the Spirit of life has set you free.” • Colossians 3:3—“You died, and your life is hidden with Christ.” • 1 John 3:9—God’s seed remains, so a believer cannot settle into sin. Key Takeaways • The conflict is real, continual, and universal among believers. • Your regenerated “I” desires holiness; indwelling sin resists. • Victory comes by the Spirit, never by self-effort. • Future glorification will end the struggle, but present reliance on the Spirit gives daily triumph. |
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