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The Conflict between the Spirit and the Flesh

In Galatians 5, the apostle Paul teaches that believers in Jesus Christ face a choice of whom they will choose to follow in their everyday activities and decisions. Paul names the two choices “the Spirit” and “the flesh.” The Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit, while the flesh refers to actions and decisions made using the flawed resources of the fallen world and the sinful nature of man. So, the crucial question faced by believers is whether they will walk according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or according to the carnal influence of the flesh. The two choices are in direct conflict with each other, and no compromise is possible.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things ye would. (Gal. 5:16–17 King James Version)

This conflict between the Spirit and the flesh is one of the most fundamental issues found in the Bible. All human beings possess a sinful nature inherited because of the original sin of Adam and Eve, and no man in his own power has any defense against it. Therefore, every man is destined to sin, although not everyone will sin in the same way. Some people may try to deny they are sinners, but scripture is very clear on this matter. Unless a man comes to accept the truth that he is a sinner, there is no remedy for his condition, and he will be lost in his sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)

There is only one way for a man to overcome the power of his sinful nature. By placing his faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord the sinner becomes transformed into a new creation, and he is freed from the controlling power of sin. He is then free to choose whether to sin or not, but he must choose correctly if he wants to please God. No believer should choose to sin.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom. 12:2)

People under the influence of the sinful nature routinely commit acts and exhibit behavior that are directly opposed to God’s principles. We are all witnesses to this—the immorality found in the natural world every day is almost unbelievable. Immorality has become so commonplace that not only is it tolerated, but it is even accepted. Such is the power of the flesh.

People living in sin will not inherit the kingdom of God. They are condemned. However, the Greek verb translated as “living” describes continual, habitual action, meaning that immoral behavior is the normal lifestyle. People whose basic lifestyle is represented in the unrepentant practice of immoral acts cannot belong to God. Immoral behavior characterized all unredeemed people, although not every person exhibits this immoral behavior to the same degree.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal. 5:19–21)

Unfortunately, believers undoubtedly can and do commit sins on occasion. However, a true believer will not persist in sinning. Like the prodigal son, the backslidden believer will ultimately suffer remorse when he realizes that he has fallen, will be convicted by the Holy Spirit, or will be disciplined by God. Eventually, the believer will turn back to God in repentance.

In stark contrast to walking according to the sinful nature, believers are commanded to “walk in the Spirit.” Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers will exhibit in their lives the characteristics known as the fruit of the Spirit. Like good trees, their lives will bear good fruit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit, (Gal. 5:22–25)

The most powerful defense available to protect believers against the lure of the sinful nature is the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer. Believers are to live by the Spirit, and to walk by the Spirit. The form of the Greek verb translated “walk” indicates continuous action, or a habitual lifestyle, not merely occasional walks. Walking also implies progress. As a believer submits to the Spirit’s control, he or she grows in his or her spiritual life.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Rom. 8:9)

The Holy Spirit provides the power to overcome all the threats of the sinful nature. By following the guidance of the Spirit, believers will bear the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These characteristics will be found in all Christians who walk in the Spirit. When this fruit is not seen, it is a warning sign that the flesh may be gaining the upper hand in our lives. Walking by the Spirit will lead to a life of unity, harmony, and righteousness. Believers must choose to walk in the Spirit if they want to please God. Listen to the Spirit today!