There’s a quiet war raging inside every believer — a war not of guns or politics, but one that unfolds in the unseen territory of the human soul. It’s the age-old struggle between the Spirit and the flesh. While the world fixates on external battles, Scripture unveils a more urgent conflict: the war for our hearts, desires, and loyalties.
1. The Conflict Defined
Paul writes in Galatians 5:17:
“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
The Greek word for “flesh” (σάρξ sarx) is not referring merely to the physical body, but to the fallen, self-centered nature that resists God’s will. The “Spirit,” on the other hand, refers to the Holy Spirit, the life of God within the believer that empowers obedience, love, and righteousness.
This verse is not just theology — it’s biography. Every follower of Christ feels this tension: the desire to follow God and the simultaneous pull toward selfishness, pride, or lust. One moment, we’re longing to pray; the next, we’re bingeing on distractions. One day we hunger for holiness; the next, we indulge in gossip or bitterness. Why?
Because two natures are at war.
2. Not a Tug-of-War, But a War of Authority
This battle isn’t like two equal forces pulling at opposite ends. It’s more like a dethroned tyrant (the flesh) trying to reclaim power from the rightful King (the Spirit). The cross of Christ did not merely forgive us — it broke the dominion of the flesh.
Romans 6:6 says:
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with…”
The flesh is no longer in charge. But it’s still loud. Like a dying dictator, it rages on, hoping to manipulate, deceive, and reclaim control through temptation.
Victory in this battle isn’t about willpower; it’s about surrendering authority. Whose voice will you follow? Whose rule will you live under?
3. Walking by the Spirit
The key to overcoming the flesh is not by suppressing it, but by walking in the Spirit.
Paul commands in Galatians 5:16:
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Notice the order — we don’t avoid sin in order to walk in the Spirit. We walk in the Spirit, and that naturally leads to victory over sin.
To “walk by the Spirit” means to keep in step with God’s presence — to obey His promptings, to fill your mind with His Word, to stay near His voice in prayer. It’s about real, practical dependence on the Spirit of God in everyday life.
4. What Are the Signs?
Paul outlines clear “fruit” of the two natures.
The acts of the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21) include sexual immorality, jealousy, hatred, fits of rage, selfish ambition, and the like.
But the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) is:
“…love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Our daily choices will bear one kind of fruit or the other. It’s not about perfection, but direction. Are you growing in the fruit of the Spirit? Are your thoughts, words, and attitudes being reshaped by Christ?
5. Kill the Flesh, Feed the Spirit
Romans 8:13 tells us:
“If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
This is both comfort and call. We are not powerless. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just give you goosebumps — He gives you power to crucify sin.
But killing the flesh means not giving it room to breathe. Don’t flirt with temptation. Don’t rationalize sin. Starve it. And instead, feed your spirit. Saturate yourself in God’s Word. Worship even when you don’t feel like it. Talk to God about everything. Walk in Christian community.
Conclusion: The Battle Is a Sign of Life
If you’re fighting this battle, take heart — it’s proof the Spirit is in you. Dead people don’t wrestle. Only those made alive by Christ feel the inner war.
But God has not left you to fight alone. The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. And He will empower you to walk in victory.
So today, choose your allegiance. Let the Spirit lead. Let His life shape yours.