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NASB | Galatians 5:17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Galatians 5:17 For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do. |
Bible Question:
No one, so far. It was suggested that there was conflict in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-42) and in that moment on the cross (Matthew 27:46). How much conflict between flesh and spirit do you experience? And how do you resolve it? |
Bible Answer: What you are speaking about is what John Bunyan called "The Holy War." This is what the writer of Hebrews called the pursuit of holiness -- it is the process of sanctification (there is another aspect of sanctification that is part of regeneration, which we can talk about separately). Sanctification involves conflict with yourself, with your flesh, with the world, and with Satan. The Puritans used to say that if a person was not battling sin, then that person should question whether they are a Christian at all. So be at peace, Aixen, your struggle is common to us all (1 Cor 10:13)! The "trick" is to know the difference between these triple enemies. If you listen to some folks, there's a demon behind every bush. They blame demons for things that are just plain old flesh problems! (This is not to minimize our struggle against spiritual principalities, just tyring to make a point.) Of course, all three of these enemies use one another against us. When dealing with the flesh, I find the best recourse can be found in Romans 8. The Spirit wars against the flesh. So calling upon the Holy Spirit for deliverance is a great boon. I hope this helps. |