Gal 5:17: For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would.
FLESH (Greek, Sarx) Original word
transliterated word, sarxThe Greek word for flesh is Sarx. This term reproduces most of the O.T meaning of Basar. It denotes fleshy part of the body, as in references to eating flesh [Rev 19:18] or to the whole body [Gal 4:13]. Flesh is used in ordinary sense as bodily flesh [Rom 2:28]. It is used of natural human descendant of all relationship [Rom 1:3]. It is also used in a sense of mankind [Rom 3:20].
In the O.T., flesh is the basic material of human (and animal) life. As flesh men are distinguished from God whose dwelling is not with flesh [Dan 2:11]. Flesh may denote human nature in its weakness and morality[Ps 78:39]. It is against this background that we must understand the Pauline usage of the term “Sarx”.
In the books of Romans &Galatians, Paul makes two important theological observations on the meaning of flesh. One is sinful nature in the believer. When Paul speaks of “My flesh” he means his sinful propriety inherited from Adam. There is nothing good in it [Rom 7:18].
Secondly unregenerated human nature “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me.” [Gal: 2:20]. In Gal 5:17, what was implied in verse 16 is now made explicit: the flesh & spirit are diametrically opposed to each other. It is this opposition which explains why walking by the spirit will inevitably result in the desires of the flesh not being carried out.
If we walk in the flesh we “sets our desires” on the things offered by the flesh. But if we walk in the spirit we will allow the Holy Spirit to mold us and prepare us for greater service. We will hunger after the things of God and will crave the fruits of the Holy Spirit. So let’s long for God’s spirit; let’s depend on the spirit rather than on the flesh.
