Paul explains our dilemma of trying do what’s right, “…with THE MIND I myself serve the LAW OF GOD, but WITH THE FLESH THE LAW OF SIN.” (Rom. 7:22-25) We are born into sin and are subject to the law of sin and death it is not OUR NATURE TO DO WHAT’S RIGHT. When we are “born again” we are a “…NEW CREATION; old things have passed away; behold, ALL THINGS have become new.” (2 Corin. 5:17) We come under a new law, “For the law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE (zōē: spiritual life) in Christ Jesus has made me FREE FROM the law of SIN AND DEATH.” (Rom. 8:2) What this means is that we are empowered to LIVE FREE from the sinful nature. We have the choice to live free but “…we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh YOU WILL DIE; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, YOU WILL LIVE.” (Rom. 8:12-13) Therefore, WE MUST make the right choice!
“For those who live according to the flesh SET THEIR MINDS on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the THINGS OF THE SPIRIT. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is LIFE AND PEACE. Because the carnal mind is ENMITY (hostile) AGAINST GOD; So then, those who are in the flesh CANNOT PLEASE GOD. But you are not in the flesh if indeed the SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU.” (Rom. 8:5-9)
-Bill Stockham