THE UNENDING BATTLE WITH THE FLESH

Romans 7:18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. New Living Translation (NLT)

The battle with the flesh, the old nature, the sinful nature, the “old man” can be very frustrating. All believers know that. It can make us feel tired, weak, and worn out both spiritually and physically. And when we lose a battle we are grieved because we failed our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote in Galatians 5:17 that, “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.”

The battle is relentless. There are no cease fires. No time outs for breaks. The “flesh” never goes to sleep. Therefore, the child of God must always be spiritually alert and always on guard. Just when you think that you have the flesh defeated—look out—it rears its ugly head.

“Walk in the Spirit” is Paul's exhortation in order to get the victory over the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

Praise God for the work of Jesus on the cross who sets the captive free!

“It is an agonizing situation, and who on earth can set me free from the clutches of my sinful nature? I thank God there is a way out through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 7:24-25 J.B. Phillips New Testament
(PHILLIPS)

Hallelujah!