Understanding the Internal Conflict and Path to True Transformation
A Universal Contrast: Earthly and Divine in Tension
Across centuries and cultures, the distinction between “flesh” and “spirit” has served as a cornerstone in religious and philosophical thought. This duality highlights the profound tension underlying the human experience: the pull of the physical, earthly, and natural self on one side, set in contrast to the call of the divine, supernatural, and inner self on the other.
The Flesh: The Old Self and Its Desires
· Earthly and Natural: Within the Christian tradition, “flesh” represents more than just our bodies or mortal existence. It encompasses the state of being shaped by the fallen world, drawn toward what is temporary and material.
· Sinful Nature: The flesh is characterized by a tendency toward self-gratification, selfishness, and actions that diverge from divine will. Paul the Apostle often used the term to describe the unredeemed, inherited aspect of humanity—the part that easily slips into envy, anger, pride, and indulgence.
· The “Old Self”: This is the aspect of a person viewed as unreformed and subject to decay. Left unchecked, the flesh leads to a life shaped by impulses that ultimately distance us from the fullness of life God intends.
The Spirit: New Creation and Source of Life
· Divine and Supernatural: The “spirit” stands for the heavenly gift within—a force empowered by God that draws a person toward what is holy, lasting, and good. It is the channel of God’s presence, breathing life and transformation into those open to its influence.
· New Creation: Christianity teaches that, through faith in Jesus, a believer receives a new nature. This is the rebirth of the spirit, a transition from the old ways of the flesh to a life filled with love, joy, peace, and all the fruits of the Spirit.
· Source of Life: The spirit is not merely an abstract principle, but an active, enlivening force. It nurtures and sustains, shaping the believer’s character and relationships, offering a way of living that opposes the fleeting satisfactions of the flesh.
The Conflict: A War Within Every Soul
Christian scripture vividly describes the tension between flesh and spirit as an internal “war.” Galatians 5:16 counsels, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Here, the message is clear: the desires of flesh and spirit are fundamentally opposed. Every believer must choose whether to follow the promptings of the spirit or to yield to the cravings of the flesh.
· A Choice and a Challenge: This is not a passive struggle. Christians are encouraged to actively “walk by the Spirit,” meaning to depend daily on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, strength, and wisdom. By doing so, they bring the unruly impulses of the flesh “under control” and pursue a life that aligns with God’s will.
· Outcomes of the Battle: According to the Bible, a life dominated by the flesh leads to spiritual stagnation and ultimately, separation from God. Conversely, a life led by the spirit produces the “fruit of the Spirit”—qualities such as patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control—that enrich both the individual and their community.
Walking by the Spirit: Application in Daily Life
“Walk by the Spirit” is more than a slogan; it is a call to live in conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit’s daily guidance. This means allowing the spirit to teach, direct, and empower, leading to choices that reflect God’s character rather than succumbing to natural instincts.
· Not Immune, But Victorious: Though believers continue to experience the stirrings and temptations of their old nature, the power of the spirit ensures these urges no longer have dominion. The Christian life is a continual journey of learning to forsake what is harmful and cultivate what is good, seeking a “full and speedy victory” for grace.
· Practical Outcomes: As described in Paul’s letters, the works of the flesh are many and plain, but those led by the spirit demonstrate their transformation through the fruits they bear. Christians are called not only to avoid evil, but to actively pursue goodness, kindness, and faithfulness—in short, to live a life that glorifies God and uplifts others.
Conclusion: The Principle That Guides
Ultimately, the conversation between flesh and spirit is not just theological but practical, shaping every aspect of how one lives, speaks, and relates to others. The principle that governs the heart will be evident in one’s actions and words. The Christian is invited to put aside vain ambition, envy, and division, and to seek, through the power of the spirit, a life marked by generosity, humility, and praise.
In this enduring conflict, victory is not found in human strength, but in yielding to the gentle yet powerful guidance of the spirit—walking daily in newness of life, bearing good fruit, and moving ever closer to the freedom and joy intended by the Creator.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 