Galatians 5:16–17
Memory Verse
And I say, “Walk by the Spirit and you will not fulfill the strong desires of the flesh.” For the strong desires of the flesh are against the [strong desires] from the Spirit. And the Spirit against the flesh, for these things are contrary to one another in order that you do not do the things you desire (Galatians 5:16–17).
Sin in the life of a Christian is not normal. He has been washed of his former sins, born again with an incorruptible seed, and placed into the body of Christ (2 Peter 1:9; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23). The one who is born of God does not habitually sin (1 John 3:9).
Since the death and resurrection of Christ are imputed to the believer, his sin nature is rendered ineffective (Romans 6:4–6). The sin nature is the bent nature we received from Adam that is under condemnation (Genesis 5:3; Romans 5:18).
There are many false teachers within the Churches today that teach victory over sin by adhering to the principles of the world system. These principles are law-based: do not touch, do not handle, observations of days, humility, abuse of the body, and self-made religions. All of which have no value against the indulgences of the flesh (Colossians 2:20–23).
To overcome the desires from our sin nature, we do not use law. The law gives the sin nature strength (1 Corinthians 15:56). The law is worked out through the flesh, not out from faith; thus, through law, no one is justified before God (Galatians 3:11–12). The law does not bring freedom; it brings wrath (Romans 4:15).
Therefore, freedom from our sin nature is a result of knowing we have died with Christ and are raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3–6). Counting this to be true in our lives (Romans 6:11). And yielding our members to righteousness (Romans 6:13). We yield to righteousness by walking—governing the manner of our life—by the Spirit.
Understanding this concept is vital for the Christian. Since the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, it is only through obedience to His desires that we gain victory over sin in our lives. In this way, the Christian is able to walk in the newness of life he has in Christ, overcoming the temptations from the flesh through grace, not law.