"For The Flesh Lusts Against The SPIRIT, And The SPIRIT Against The Flesh."

Lost unregenerate men know 

nothing of this struggle!

(Frank Hall)

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"For the flesh lusts against the SPIRIT, and 

the SPIRIT against the flesh; and these are 

contrary to one another, so that you cannot 

do the things that you would." Galatians 5:17

In this one verse the apostle Paul describes 

the thing that continually plagues every Christian.

We, as the people of GOD, desire more than 

anything to love GOD perfectly, but can't.
We long to cease from sin and ungodliness, but can't.
We strive to worship our GOD with our entire being, but can't.
We try to do good and honor GOD in all things, but can't.

Why do we continually do, say, feel, and think 

  things that are evil?
Why are we so hard-hearted, unforgiving, 

   and ignorant?
Why can't we do what we desire most?

It's because we have two natures called . . .
  flesh and spirit,
  sin and righteousness,
  Adam and CHRIST.

We do indeed believe our GOD, but not as we would.
We do love our SAVIOR, but not as we would.
We do live for HIS honor and glory, but not as we would.

Our flesh won't allow us. It always interferes. 

It keeps us from doing the things that we would. 

When we would do good--

then evil is present with us.
Our most fervent faith, is mixed with unbelief.
Our most selfless sacrifices, are mixed with selfishness.
Our most ardent prayers and supplications, 

 are marred by our infirmities.
Our most spiritual moments, are contaminated 

  by our sickening carnality.
Our meekest hours of submission and dependence 

  on GOD, are corrupted by our self-will and pride.

Every mountain top experience of spiritual pleasure, 

 is tinged with shameful wanderings within.
Our clearest views of CHRIST are darkened by error, 

  misconceptions, and preconceived notions.
Even when our hearts seem to be most fixed 

  on GOD'S glory, they are torn between 

   this world and the next.

The reality is, that as long as we live in this world--

we will be at war within ourselves!  

The flesh will not submit to the SPIRIT--

and the SPIRIT will not submit to the flesh. 

We will be . . .
  pulled this way one moment--

   and that way the next;
  believing one moment--

    and doubting the next;
  praising GOD in the morning--

   then murmuring at night;
  seeking GOD'S will today--

   and our will tomorrow.

As long as we live in this body of flesh 

there will be a constant struggle within us--

a struggle between flesh and SPIRIT.

Lost unregenerate men know 

nothing of this struggle! 

This internal warfare is peculiar to believers. 

Unbelieving, unregenerate, impenitent, 

rebellious, lost sinners know nothing of this 

fight with SELF. They don't loathe themselves 

as all believers do; they love themselves. 

They have but one nature--

and that is sin, which rules in their 

hearts supremely. Lost men do not have 

grace within, to oppose the works and motions 

of the flesh. All they have is a nature that is dead 

in trespasses and sin, that walks according 

to the course of this world.

The struggle doesn't begin within a man, 

until that man is born of GOD'S SPIRIT and 

given the gift of life and faith in CHRIST.

This war between our flesh and SPIRIT is best 

for us. If it were not so, then GOD would not 

allow it. GOD is in control of this fight, and has 

ordained it for us in HIS infinite wisdom and grace. 

This constant battle within our hearts is good for us, 

because it keeps us looking to CHRIST--

ever seeking HIM, HIS grace, HIS help, HIS power. 

This lifelong fight will make the prize that much sweeter--

when JESUS will present us 

"to HIMSELF as a radiant church, without 

stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but 

holy and blameless!" Ephesians 5:27 

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Gardiner Spring, "The Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character"
Chapter 18. PRACTICAL OBEDIENCE