Connect Romans 7:23 with Galatians 5:17 on the flesh vs. Spirit conflict. The Battlefield Identified “but I see another law at work in my body, waging war against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me.” “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.” • Paul describes a real, present-tense struggle inside every believer • “Flesh” = the old, Adamic nature with its entrenched sinful desires • “Spirit” = the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer, producing new desires that match God’s will • The clash is continual, intense, and internal Tracing the Two Laws: Flesh vs. Spirit • Law of Sin in the members – Pulls toward self-gratification and rebellion – Romans 8:7 “the mind of the flesh is hostile to God” • Law of the Mind (renewed by the Spirit) – Desires obedience to Christ – Romans 7:22 “in my inner being I delight in God’s law” Why the Conflict Persists in Believers • Regeneration brings new life, not instant perfection • The body awaits final redemption (Romans 8:23) • God uses the struggle to drive believers to dependence on grace (2 Corinthians 12:9) • Victory is promised but experienced progressively (Philippians 1:6) Living in Victory: Walking by the Spirit • Set the mind on the Spirit, not the flesh (Romans 8:5–6) • Continually yield to the Spirit’s leadership (Galatians 5:16) • Count the old self crucified with Christ (Romans 6:11) • Feed the inner man with Scripture (Psalm 119:11) • Put on the whole armor of God for daily warfare (Ephesians 6:12–18) • Practice Spirit-produced virtues that choke out fleshly works (Galatians 5:22–24) Practical Anchors from the Word • 1 Peter 2:11 “Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” • 1 Corinthians 9:27 “I discipline my body and make it my slave, lest after I have preached to others I myself should be disqualified.” • Titus 2:11–12 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” The Spirit ensures ultimate triumph, yet calls believers to active cooperation so that the life of Christ is manifested here and now. |
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