Conquering Flesh with the Spirit

I. Introduction: In Romans 6, Paul wrote that Christians must be slaves of righteousness and dead to sin. When we are baptized into Christ, we die to sin. We are raised to walk a new life, a holy and godly life; but we find a war within.

II. God’s law identifies sin.

A. Paul wrote that when sin was identified by commandment, desire was aroused that would lead to sin.

B. Romans 7:7-8 It seems as if the command to abstain from something strengthens the desire to do it.

C. The problem is not with the law of God.

D. The law of God is for our good. Romans 7:13-14 – the problem is with the person.

E. The gospel also has commands that arouse desire contrary to God’s will.

F. If we succumb to temptation, the problem is not with the gospel.1 Peter 2:11-12 – Christians must war against the flesh that would cause us to disobey Christ.

G. In these chapters sin is personified as if it were alive; we know that the source of temptation is Satan.

III. There is a war within us, 7:13-23.

A. Some interpretations of this passage:

B. This is talking about a Jew under the law who could not be justified and struggles against the law.

C. This would not do injustice to the passage. Paul seems to be discussing a more personal war.

D. Paul is discussing his life before becoming a Christian.

E. Again, it would not do injustice to the passage. However, Paul speaks in the present tense. Some commentators seem hesitant to think that Paul would have these struggles as a Christian.

F. Paul is describing an inward struggle common to all believers.

G. I believe this is the correct interpretation of the passage. We can all testify of the struggle between what we want to do and what we do; what we wish to avoid yet what we do nevertheless. It would be true of the Jew under the law and the Christian. Galatians 5:16-17 – Paul teaches this same lesson.

H. Why is there a conflict?

I. The flesh cannot serve God; 8:7.

J. Our flesh responds to impulses and base desires: hunger, pain avoidance, physical pleasure, preservation, sleep, etc. These things can be satisfied in a way that pleases God but can also be abused contrary to God’s law. Some refer to these as “animal desires” which sounds too evolutionary for me, but conveys the basic needs of the flesh. The flesh does not have mental capacity or a soul; therefore, it cannot serve God. Our flesh reacts to stimuli (food, drink, pain, sexual attraction) and, if not controlled by the mind, would pursue desires haphazardly.

K. Satan uses the desires of the flesh to tempt us.

L. James 1:13-151 John 2:16

M. Our spirits must control our flesh.

N. Romans 8:5-6 Our spirits control our flesh through Jesus, 8:8-10.

O. We must bring our bodies under subjection.

P. 1 Corinthians 9:271 Corinthians 6:12-20 Galatians 6:8 It could be compared to a person taming a wild animal.

Q. Summary

R. The base (flesh) is guided only by instinct and drive. The higher nature (spirit) acts by code and authority. It is the “inward man” that can serve God. The spirit must rule the flesh.

S. As long as we are in the flesh, we will have this conflict.

T. Romans 7:24

U. Literally, “toil-worn,” we are worn out from fighting.“Wretched man” is also a good description of our assessment.

V. Jesus provides spiritual deliverance while we live on the earth, 7:25.

W. He delivers us from the penalty of sin through our faith.

X. Romans 6:3-4 – we can die to sin. Romans 8:26-27 – The Spirit pleads on our behalf1 Corinthians 10:13 – We have an escape Romans 8:5 – We are taught to live by the Spirit.

Y. Jesus will provide ultimate deliverance from our flesh by the resurrection from the dead, 8:11.

Z. Romans 8:18-25 Revelation 21:27 – In heaven we will be free from temptation.

IV. Paul’s conclusion, 7:25

A. Paul is not saying that we can give into sin since it only affects the flesh, not the soul.

B. 1 Corinthians 6:12, 15.1 Corinthians 8:13 Galatians 6:7-8 Matthew 15:16-20 – Sin in the flesh is united with sin in the heart

C. Paul is saying that since the flesh is incapable of serving God, my spirit must bring my flesh under control, 8:1-2.

D. We will always have this struggle within but the spirit must win.

E. We are more than conquerors, Romans 8:31-39.