GALATIANS (30): The Flesh v the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18).

We discuss the nature of the flesh according to the Bible, and how it is implacably opposed to God and His work in us. Our flesh cannot please God and only deserves crucifixion. Therefore to please God, we must walk in the Spirit. There is a battle between our flesh and the Spirit, and both desire to gain control over our souls. In our born again spirit, we desire to do God's will, but the covetousness of the flesh pulls us in the opposite direction, to prevent us living the life that God desires of us. However, the Spirit is stronger than the flesh, and gives us automatic victory over our flesh, when we trust in Him, for if we will walk in the Spirit, and we shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. In our soul, we must choose to trust and obey the Spirit of grace within us, and then victory over sin will be automatic, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death (see Romans 8:1-9). Thus if we are led by the Spirit (living in submission to the leadership of the Spirit of grace), then sin will not have dominion over us. To be led by the Spirit and to live under law are 2 incompatible ways of living. therefore to enjoy the life and freedom of the Spirit, we must first be set free from the Law.