Galatians 5:16
Verse
Context
Walking by the Spirit
15But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.17For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Walk in the Spirit - Get back that Spirit of God which you have grieved and lost; take up that spiritual religion which you have abandoned. Ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh - If the Spirit of God dwell in and rule your heart, the whole carnal mind will be destroyed; and then, not only carnal ordinances will be abandoned, but also the works and propensities of the flesh.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
This I say then--Repeating in other words, and explaining the sentiment in Gal 5:13, What I mean is this." Walk in the Spirit--Greek, "By (the rule of) the (Holy) Spirit." Compare Gal 5:16-18, Gal 5:22, Gal 5:25; Gal 6:1-8, with Rom 7:22; Rom 8:11. The best way to keep tares out of a bushel is to fill it with wheat. the flesh--the natural man, out of which flow the evils specified (Gal 5:19-21). The spirit and the flesh mutually exclude one another. It is promised, not that we should have no evil lusts, but that we should "not fulfil" them. If the spirit that is in us can be at ease under sin, it is not a spirit that comes from the Holy Spirit. The gentle dove trembles at the sight even of a hawk's feather.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,.... By "flesh" is meant, not the carnal or literal sense of the Scripture, which is Origen's gloss, as militating against the spiritual sense of it; nor the sensual part of man rebelling against his rational powers; but the corruption of nature, which still is in regenerate persons: and is so called because it is propagated by carnal generation; has for its object carnal things; its lusts and works are fleshly; and though it has its seat in the heart, it shows itself in the flesh or members of the body, which are yielded as instruments of unrighteousness; and it makes and denominates men carnal, even believers themselves so far as it prevails: by "the Spirit" is meant the internal principle of grace in a regenerate man, and is so called from the author of it, the Spirit of God, whose name it bears, because it is his workmanship; and from the seat and subject of it, the soul or spirit of man; and from the nature of it, it is spiritual, a new heart and a new Spirit; its objects are spiritual, and it minds, savours, and delights in spiritual things: and the meaning of the lusting of the one against the other, for it is reciprocal, hence it follows, and the Spirit against the flesh, is that the one wills, chooses, desires, and affects what is contrary to the other; so the flesh, or the old man, the carnal I, in regenerate persons, wills, chooses, desires, and loves carnal things, which are contrary to the Spirit or principle of grace in the soul; and on the other hand, the Spirit or the new man, the spiritual I, wills, chooses, desire, approves, and loves spiritual things, such as are contrary to corrupt nature; and this sense is strengthened by the Oriental versions. The Syriac version reads, "for the flesh desires that" "which hurts", or is contrary to "the Spirit"; and "the Spirit desires that which hurts", or is contrary to the "flesh"; and much in the same way the Arabic version renders it, "for the flesh desires that which militates against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires that which militates against the flesh"; to which the Ethiopic version agrees, reading it thus, "for the flesh desires what the Spirit would not, and the Spirit desires what the flesh would not"; the reason whereof is suggested in the next clause: and these are contrary the one to the other; as light and darkness, fire and water, or any two opposites can be thought to be; they are contrary in their nature, actings, and effects; there is not only a repugnancy to each other, but a continued war, conflict, and combat, is maintained between them; the flesh is the law in the members or force of sin, which wars against the spirit, the law in the mind, or the force and power of the principle of grace; these are the company of two armies, to be seen in the Shulamite, fighting one against the other. So the Jews say (w) of the good imagination, and of the evil one, by which they mean the same as here, that they are like Abraham and Lot; and that "though they are brethren, joined in one body, , "they are enemies to one another";'' hence it follows, so that ye cannot do the good that ye would which may be understood both of evil things and of good things. The former seems to be chiefly the apostle's sense; since the whole of this text is a reason given why those who walk spiritually shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh, because they have a powerful governing principle in them, the Spirit, or grace; which though the flesh lusts against, and opposes itself unto, yet that also rises up against the flesh, and often hinders it from doing the works and lusts of it. There is in regenerate men a propensity and inclination to sin, a carnal I, that wills and desires sin, and wishes for an opportunity to do it, which when it offers, the flesh strongly solicits to it; but the Spirit, or the internal principle of grace, opposes the motion; and like another Joseph says, how can I commit this great wickedness and sin against a God of so much love and grace? it is a voice behind and even in a believer, which, when he is tempted to turn to the right hand or the left, says, this is the way, walk in it, and will not suffer him to go into crooked paths with the workers of iniquity; and so sin cannot have the dominion over him, because he is under grace as a reigning principle; and the old man cannot do the evil things he would, being under the restraints of mighty grace. This is the apostle's principal sense, and best suits with his reasoning in the context; but inasmuch as the lusting and opposition of these two principles are mutual and reciprocal, the other sense may also be taken in; as that oftentimes, by reason of the prevalence of corrupt nature, and power of indwelling sin, a regenerate man does the evil he would not, and cannot do the good he would; for he would always do good and nothing else, and even as the angels do it in heaven; but he cannot, because of this opposite principle, the flesh. (w) Tzeror, Hammor, fol. 15. 3.
Galatians 5:16
Walking by the Spirit
15But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.17For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 15): The Precious Blood, Our Only Hope
By A.W. Tozer32K32:39Blood Of ChristPSA 119:105MAT 15:3JHN 1:29ROM 8:5GAL 5:16COL 2:81PE 1:18In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about two men who are stranded in a cold and dangerous mountainous area. They realize that their only hope of survival is to start a fire. They search for matches in their pockets but find none. However, they eventually find a single match in the hem of one of their coats. They carefully strike the match and manage to start a fire, which ultimately saves their lives. The speaker uses this story to illustrate the preciousness and power of the blood of Jesus Christ, which cleanses us from sin and offers us salvation.
(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) Walking in the Spirit
By David Wilkerson16K43:36Walking In The SpiritGEN 24:41CO 12:4GAL 5:16GAL 5:25In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience to invite the Holy Spirit into their lives and to be filled with His presence. He leads them in a prayer of repentance and surrender, asking Jesus to cleanse them and deliver them from the power of sin. The preacher emphasizes the importance of not being afraid of the devil and shares the story of Gideon as an example of God's power to overcome the enemy. He then references 1 Corinthians 12, highlighting the diversity of spiritual gifts and their purpose in building up the body of Christ. The sermon concludes with a personal testimony of experiencing the loveliness of Jesus through the Holy Spirit and the desire for His return.
(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) the Power of the Holy Spirit
By David Wilkerson16K51:10Power Of The SpiritLUK 11:13JHN 3:8ROM 6:13ROM 6:161CO 6:19GAL 5:16EPH 5:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus and to allow the Holy Spirit to have freedom in their lives. The preacher shares a story of a family who experienced a tragic event and how they relied on their faith to overcome fear and anxiety. He then references John 3:8, comparing the Holy Spirit to the wind that blows where it pleases. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of the listeners and for the demonic spirits to be cast out in Jesus' name.
The Spirit Filled Life
By Oswald J. Smith12K1:19:28Spirit Filled LifeMAT 6:33JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:13GAL 5:16EPH 5:181JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a Spirit-filled life for Christian workers, ministers, and missionaries. The command to "be filled with the Spirit" is the focus, with the speaker desiring power over sin and power in service. The speaker then outlines five conditions for being filled with the Spirit: confession, renunciation, surrender, obedience, and faith. The sermon includes personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate the importance of these conditions in experiencing a Spirit-filled life.
(Poland) Walking in the Spirit
By David Wilkerson9.4K59:05Walking In The Spirit1KI 10:7PSA 37:23ISA 1:18MAT 6:33JHN 16:132CO 1:20GAL 5:16In this sermon, the preacher shares personal anecdotes about his experiences in Broadway and as a preacher. He talks about a show on Broadway that received terrible reviews and only lasted four days. He also shares a story about how he and a businessman were able to rent a theater despite being initially told they couldn't afford it. The preacher then reflects on his own spiritual journey and realization that there was more to Pentecost than just getting blessed and speaking in tongues. He expresses a desire for the Church to go beyond the four walls and proclaim the Gospel to a hungry nation. The sermon ends with a mention of a prophecy that the preacher will share in the next session.
Pray and Be Alone With God
By Paul Washer6.4K52:18Alone With GodEXO 31:18MAT 6:33LUK 4:14LUK 11:1LUK 18:1ACT 1:8GAL 5:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a Bible conference in the Andes Mountains where he brought a physician. Despite the lack of medicine and tools, the desperate people fought to get to the doctor for healing. The speaker then shifts the focus to Jesus Christ, emphasizing his complete submission to the will of the Father. He highlights the importance of persevering in prayer and not losing heart, using a parable to encourage the listeners to have faith in God's faithfulness. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the urgency of bringing people to Jesus and the need to make the most of the time we have.
Conversation Worthy of Christ
By David Wilkerson6.3K59:23WorthyECC 4:9MAT 7:3MAT 18:19ROM 14:19GAL 5:16COL 3:8TIT 2:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having pure hearts and minds, which can only be achieved through the work of the Holy Spirit. He urges believers to let their conversation be worthy of Christ and his gospel, highlighting the power of words and the impact they can have on others. The preacher warns against covetousness and the dangers of allowing material desires to consume one's thoughts and conversations. He concludes by emphasizing that Satan is using conversation as a tool to ruin lives, both in the world and in the church. The sermon is a pastoral message aimed at the congregation, but it is also intended for a wider audience through video and audio recordings.
(Hebrews - Part 44): The Root of Bitterness
By A.W. Tozer5.0K23:22ExpositionalMAT 6:33GAL 5:16EPH 5:15HEB 12:141PE 5:81JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant and watchful in their spiritual lives. He compares the challenges and dangers faced by believers to various threats in the natural world, such as blight, insects, birds, drought, and frost. The preacher highlights the importance of not failing to respond to God's grace and warns against allowing roots of jealousy, evil temper, pride, deceit, and spite to take hold in one's heart. He likens the church to an army in the field, constantly facing danger and requiring constant vigilance to stay alive. The preacher urges believers to follow peace with all men in holiness and to be on guard against any root of bitterness that may trouble them and defile others.
(Europe 2008) Session 3 - the Spirit of Life
By B.H. Clendennen4.8K1:12:45LifeGAL 5:16In this sermon, the bishop encourages the students to trust in Jesus during their test, assuring them that if they write Jesus in every blank, they will be 85% right. He emphasizes the importance of knowing and experiencing the power of Christ's resurrection and the fellowship of his suffering. The bishop then reads from Galatians 5:16-17, highlighting the freedom that comes from the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. He warns against relying on religious rules and rituals, emphasizing that true spirituality comes from the Holy Spirit. The bishop also discusses the conflict between the works of the flesh and the works of the Spirit, emphasizing the need to choose the spiritual path. He concludes by addressing the hindrances to the death of the old self, such as self-will, pride in knowledge, and reliance on human reasoning. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith and the need for a better promise than worldly possessions.
Victory Over the Flesh
By J. Sidlow Baxter4.3K52:27Victory Over SinWalking In The SpiritFleshROM 13:14GAL 5:16EPH 6:11J. Sidlow Baxter emphasizes the necessity of living in victory over the flesh by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and avoiding provisions for sinful desires. He explains that the 'flesh' refers to our inherent sinful tendencies, which cannot be eradicated but can be managed through the Holy Spirit's guidance. Baxter encourages believers to continually yield to the Holy Spirit, walk step by step with Him, and focus on Jesus to overcome temptations. He highlights that true victory comes not from self-repression but from a renewed nature that desires holiness. The sermon concludes with practical steps for maintaining this victorious life in Christ.
The Deception of Christian Rock Music Clearly Defined
By Zac Poonen4.3K10:24MAT 7:15JHN 4:241CO 10:31GAL 5:16COL 2:81TI 6:10JAS 4:41JN 2:151JN 4:1REV 3:15This sermon emphasizes the danger of replacing the Holy Spirit with worldly influences like Christian rock music, money, and psychology in churches today. It challenges the focus on material gain over spiritual growth and warns against imitating worldly trends rather than seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The speaker highlights the importance of discernment, root issues, and staying true to the standards set by Jesus, rather than conforming to worldly standards for acceptance or popularity.
(Fury of Fire) 05 - Will of God - Sanctification
By Milton Green4.1K1:24:40SanctificationMAT 7:14MAT 7:21ROM 8:13GAL 5:16GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages the audience to listen to the entire series of tapes in order to fully understand the teachings. The speaker highlights the concept of suffering in the flesh, explaining that the flesh is in agreement with Satan and opposes God. He emphasizes the need to be led by the Spirit of God and to put to death the deeds of the flesh. The sermon also mentions the presence of false teachings and warns about the destruction that awaits ungodly individuals.
(Fury of Fire) 03 - Shrinking Back to Destruction
By Milton Green3.6K1:26:05GAL 5:16HEB 10:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation from the Word of God and being willing to let go of old traditions or wrong teachings. The speaker urges the listeners to listen to all the tapes in the series in numerical order to fully understand the teaching. The sermon highlights the need to come to Jesus with an open heart and not try to fit the teachings into pre-existing traditions. The speaker also discusses the concept of the walk of faith, which is led by the Spirit of God and requires putting to death the works of selfishness.
Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out!
By Keith Daniel3.5K1:16:33PSA 119:9PSA 119:11ISA 57:1JHN 17:15ROM 7:19ROM 8:6GAL 5:16JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, seeking God's forgiveness, and walking in the Spirit to overcome sin and live a life pleasing to God. It highlights the power of God's Word to cleanse, renew, and guide individuals away from evil and towards righteousness. The message encourages humility, self-control, and a deep commitment to studying and applying the teachings of the Bible to avoid spiritual shipwreck and experience God's grace and restoration.
God's Provision for Victory
By Alan Redpath3.5K43:56VictoryMAT 6:33ROM 6:131CO 10:13GAL 5:16EPH 6:10JAS 4:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking a step of faith to yield oneself to the Holy Spirit's control in order to receive deliverance from sin. The preacher uses the analogy of a judge and a prisoner to illustrate how God waits for His children to pass the sentence of death upon their temptations and hand them over to Jesus for victory. The preacher explains that through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, believers can experience constant crucifixion of their old self as they yield to Christ daily. The sermon also highlights that when a person becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit imparts a new nature to their life, making them partakers of the divine nature and enabling them to put on the new man created in righteousness and holiness.
What Guys Think About Modesty by c.j. Mahaney
By Compilations3.2K08:23PSA 51:10ROM 12:21CO 10:13GAL 5:16EPH 5:3COL 3:51TH 4:31TI 2:91PE 3:31JN 1:9This sermon addresses the daily battle against sin and temptation faced by men, emphasizing the need for women to understand and support their struggle for purity. It highlights the importance of modesty in both men and women within the church, creating a sanctuary free from distractions and temptations. The message calls for a commitment to purity and modesty, recognizing the power of the Gospel to provide forgiveness and transformation.
(Saved Through the Fire) 01 - the Path of True Salvation
By Milton Green2.7K1:25:45MAL 3:1MAL 3:16MAL 4:1GAL 5:16EPH 2:2EPH 4:22In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Malachi 3:1, which speaks of the coming of John the Baptist as a messenger to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and preparing for the coming of the Lord. They then turn to John 15, discussing the commandment to love the Lord with all our heart and our neighbors as ourselves. The speaker explains that it is impossible for us to fulfill this commandment on our own, but Jesus came to perfect this love in us through his grace, word, and spirit. The sermon concludes with the encouragement to have a deep and passionate love for the Lord, similar to the way we would feel in a romantic relationship, and to allow him to have all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Defective Consecration - Part 1
By Manley Beasley2.6K29:52ConsecrationROM 6:16GAL 5:16JAS 3:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being right with God and having the spirit of life in Christ Jesus working in our lives. He explains that when we are in alignment with God, our lives will be filled with sweet water, representing positive qualities and actions. On the other hand, if we are yielding to the world, flesh, and the devil, our lives will produce bitter water, symbolizing negative behaviors and struggles. The preacher urges the audience to examine their lives and determine whether they are yielding to the Lord or to the forces of hell. He encourages them to let God take control and highlights the transformative power of God if we allow Him to work in our lives. The sermon is based on Romans 6:16 and includes references to other passages of scripture.
Holl-04 Walking in the Spirit 1
By Art Katz2.5K1:18:26Walking In The SpiritGAL 5:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wholehearted obedience to God's word. He highlights the need for passionate love and devotion to God, rather than relying on mechanical discipleship. The preacher uses the example of Elijah and the prophets of Baal to illustrate the power of complete obedience to God's commands. He warns against partial obedience, stating that even one failure to obey God's word is considered a total rejection. The sermon encourages believers to seek a deep intimacy with God and to eagerly follow His will.
Satan's Steps in Temptation
By Dwight Pentecost2.4K41:091SA 15:22MAT 4:7LUK 4:13ROM 13:14GAL 5:161JN 2:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the steps of temptation that led David to disgrace and how Satan uses these same steps to lead individuals away from God's will. The preacher emphasizes that Satan can only appeal to the fleshly, selfish, and prideful nature within us. The sermon also highlights the importance of understanding the nature of temptation and using the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to resist it. The preacher concludes by offering Jesus Christ as the savior who can break sin's bondage and make individuals children of God, but emphasizes the need for personal acceptance of Christ.
A Call to Modesty (Compilation)
By Compilations2.3K13:33CompilationPRO 31:30ROM 12:21CO 6:19GAL 5:16EPH 5:31TI 2:91PE 3:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a holy and modest life. He urges the congregation to examine their lives and repent of any secret sins or hidden wrongdoings. The preacher also addresses the issue of immodest clothing and warns against drawing attention to oneself in a sensual manner. He emphasizes that the purpose of dress is to cover up, not to reveal. The sermon concludes with a call to rise up out of indifference and pursue a life of godliness, despite societal marginalization.
(Christ—the Way God Makes Man Righteous) 15. the Consummation of Salvation
By Denny Kenaston2.1K1:04:02ConsummationGAL 5:16GAL 5:22REV 19:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the consummation of salvation and the importance of walking in the Spirit. He emphasizes that walking in the Spirit leads to producing the fruits of the Spirit in one's life. The speaker highlights the narrow relationship with God that Jesus offers as the way to life. He encourages the audience to focus on heavenly things rather than earthly desires.
Come, Buy, and Eat (Compilation)
By Compilations2.1K19:57CompilationISA 55:2MAL 3:3MAT 9:2MAT 25:35LUK 4:18JHN 12:48ROM 12:2GAL 2:20GAL 5:161JN 2:41JN 2:15REV 3:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to forsake their wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts. He urges them not to conform to the ways of the world but to be transformed by renewing their minds through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The preacher also highlights the importance of obedience to God's teachings and the free gift of grace that believers have received. He encourages believers to demonstrate their faith through acts of love and service, both physically and spiritually, by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and ministering to those in prison. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of Jesus Christ to deliver and set free those who are oppressed and captive, offering forgiveness and new life.
Apostle Paul's Preaching - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill2.1K15:03PRO 20:27JHN 14:26ROM 1:14GAL 2:20GAL 5:16EPH 5:18PHP 1:13PHP 4:221TH 5:19This sermon emphasizes the power of faith and surrender to God, using the example of Paul's imprisonment and how his testimony impacted even those in high positions. It challenges listeners to live a life fully surrendered to God, seeking to magnify Christ in all circumstances, and to be faithful and obedient regardless of age or achievements.
For Such a Time as This
By Chuck Smith2.1K39:481SA 15:3ROM 8:13ROM 8:28GAL 5:16GAL 5:24EPH 6:12This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's eternal purposes, even when facing circumstances that are difficult to understand. It highlights the need to surrender the fleshly desires and fully rely on the Spirit of God for victory. The story of Esther is used to illustrate how God works behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His glory and the protection of His people.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Walk in the Spirit - Get back that Spirit of God which you have grieved and lost; take up that spiritual religion which you have abandoned. Ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh - If the Spirit of God dwell in and rule your heart, the whole carnal mind will be destroyed; and then, not only carnal ordinances will be abandoned, but also the works and propensities of the flesh.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
This I say then--Repeating in other words, and explaining the sentiment in Gal 5:13, What I mean is this." Walk in the Spirit--Greek, "By (the rule of) the (Holy) Spirit." Compare Gal 5:16-18, Gal 5:22, Gal 5:25; Gal 6:1-8, with Rom 7:22; Rom 8:11. The best way to keep tares out of a bushel is to fill it with wheat. the flesh--the natural man, out of which flow the evils specified (Gal 5:19-21). The spirit and the flesh mutually exclude one another. It is promised, not that we should have no evil lusts, but that we should "not fulfil" them. If the spirit that is in us can be at ease under sin, it is not a spirit that comes from the Holy Spirit. The gentle dove trembles at the sight even of a hawk's feather.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,.... By "flesh" is meant, not the carnal or literal sense of the Scripture, which is Origen's gloss, as militating against the spiritual sense of it; nor the sensual part of man rebelling against his rational powers; but the corruption of nature, which still is in regenerate persons: and is so called because it is propagated by carnal generation; has for its object carnal things; its lusts and works are fleshly; and though it has its seat in the heart, it shows itself in the flesh or members of the body, which are yielded as instruments of unrighteousness; and it makes and denominates men carnal, even believers themselves so far as it prevails: by "the Spirit" is meant the internal principle of grace in a regenerate man, and is so called from the author of it, the Spirit of God, whose name it bears, because it is his workmanship; and from the seat and subject of it, the soul or spirit of man; and from the nature of it, it is spiritual, a new heart and a new Spirit; its objects are spiritual, and it minds, savours, and delights in spiritual things: and the meaning of the lusting of the one against the other, for it is reciprocal, hence it follows, and the Spirit against the flesh, is that the one wills, chooses, desires, and affects what is contrary to the other; so the flesh, or the old man, the carnal I, in regenerate persons, wills, chooses, desires, and loves carnal things, which are contrary to the Spirit or principle of grace in the soul; and on the other hand, the Spirit or the new man, the spiritual I, wills, chooses, desire, approves, and loves spiritual things, such as are contrary to corrupt nature; and this sense is strengthened by the Oriental versions. The Syriac version reads, "for the flesh desires that" "which hurts", or is contrary to "the Spirit"; and "the Spirit desires that which hurts", or is contrary to the "flesh"; and much in the same way the Arabic version renders it, "for the flesh desires that which militates against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires that which militates against the flesh"; to which the Ethiopic version agrees, reading it thus, "for the flesh desires what the Spirit would not, and the Spirit desires what the flesh would not"; the reason whereof is suggested in the next clause: and these are contrary the one to the other; as light and darkness, fire and water, or any two opposites can be thought to be; they are contrary in their nature, actings, and effects; there is not only a repugnancy to each other, but a continued war, conflict, and combat, is maintained between them; the flesh is the law in the members or force of sin, which wars against the spirit, the law in the mind, or the force and power of the principle of grace; these are the company of two armies, to be seen in the Shulamite, fighting one against the other. So the Jews say (w) of the good imagination, and of the evil one, by which they mean the same as here, that they are like Abraham and Lot; and that "though they are brethren, joined in one body, , "they are enemies to one another";'' hence it follows, so that ye cannot do the good that ye would which may be understood both of evil things and of good things. The former seems to be chiefly the apostle's sense; since the whole of this text is a reason given why those who walk spiritually shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh, because they have a powerful governing principle in them, the Spirit, or grace; which though the flesh lusts against, and opposes itself unto, yet that also rises up against the flesh, and often hinders it from doing the works and lusts of it. There is in regenerate men a propensity and inclination to sin, a carnal I, that wills and desires sin, and wishes for an opportunity to do it, which when it offers, the flesh strongly solicits to it; but the Spirit, or the internal principle of grace, opposes the motion; and like another Joseph says, how can I commit this great wickedness and sin against a God of so much love and grace? it is a voice behind and even in a believer, which, when he is tempted to turn to the right hand or the left, says, this is the way, walk in it, and will not suffer him to go into crooked paths with the workers of iniquity; and so sin cannot have the dominion over him, because he is under grace as a reigning principle; and the old man cannot do the evil things he would, being under the restraints of mighty grace. This is the apostle's principal sense, and best suits with his reasoning in the context; but inasmuch as the lusting and opposition of these two principles are mutual and reciprocal, the other sense may also be taken in; as that oftentimes, by reason of the prevalence of corrupt nature, and power of indwelling sin, a regenerate man does the evil he would not, and cannot do the good he would; for he would always do good and nothing else, and even as the angels do it in heaven; but he cannot, because of this opposite principle, the flesh. (w) Tzeror, Hammor, fol. 15. 3.