How does Romans 8:8 connect with Galatians 5:16-17 on walking by the Spirit? The problem Romans 8:8 exposes “Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:8) • The verse is absolute—when the flesh (fallen human nature) calls the shots, pleasing God is impossible. • “Cannot” signals incapacity, not merely difficulty; a flesh-ruled person lacks the power to honor God. • Paul is not describing a momentary stumble but a settled sphere of existence (“in” or “controlled by” the flesh, v. 8). Walking by the Spirit—Galatians 5:16-17 answers the problem “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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.” (Galatians 5:16-17) • “Walk” is continuous: a lifestyle under the Spirit’s direction. • The promised outcome: “you will not gratify” (strong negative in Greek)—Spirit-led living blocks fleshly dominance. • Paul names the conflict we all sense: two opposing powers inside the believer, yet only one can rule at a time. How the two passages interlock 1. Same battlefield – Romans 8:8 speaks of “the flesh” that disables God-pleasing; Galatians 5:17 describes that flesh warring against the Spirit. 2. Same conclusion – If the flesh wins (Romans 8:8), God is not pleased. – If the Spirit leads (Galatians 5:16), the flesh is starved, and God is pleased (Romans 8:9, Romans 12:1). 3. Same exclusivity – Romans: flesh-ruled life = inability to please God. – Galatians: Spirit-ruled walk = inability to fulfill fleshly desires. 4. Same call to decision – Romans 8:13: “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” – Galatians 5:24-25: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh… Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” Other verses that reinforce the link • John 6:63—“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.” • 1 Corinthians 2:14—“The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God… he cannot understand them.” • Ephesians 5:18—“Be filled with the Spirit,” an ongoing command replacing flesh-driven behavior (vv. 3-5). Practical takeaways for everyday walking • Check the source of your impulses: Is the initiative flowing from self-gratification or Spirit-prompted obedience? • Feed the Spirit’s desires—time in Scripture, worship, fellowship—so the flesh finds no room to maneuver (Galatians 5:22-23). • Treat Romans 8:8 as a diagnostic light on the dashboard: when pleasing God feels impossible, flesh is likely in control; shift gears by yielding to the Spirit. • Remember the Spirit’s sufficiency: He indwells every believer (Romans 8:9-11). The command to “walk” carries the built-in promise of divine enablement (Philippians 2:13). Bottom line Romans 8:8 states the impossibility of a flesh-dominated life pleasing God; Galatians 5:16-17 supplies the remedy and practical pathway—continuous Spirit-directed walking that neutralizes the flesh, frees us to obey, and delights the Lord. |
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