Romans 8:4
Verse
Context
Walking by the Spirit
3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,4so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us - That the guilt might be pardoned through the merit of that sacrifice; and that we might be enabled, by the power of his own grace and Spirit, to walk in newness of life; loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves: and thus the righteousness, the spirit, design, and purpose of the law is fulfilled in us, through the strength of the Spirit of Christ, which is here put in opposition to the weakness of the law through the flesh. It is very likely that the concluding clause of this verse, which is the very same as that found in the common text of the first verse, has been transferred to that verse from this place.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
That the righteousness of the law--"the righteous demand," "the requirement" [ALFORD], Or "the precept" of the law; for it is not precisely the word so often used in this Epistle to denote "the righteousness which justifies" (Rom 1:17; Rom 3:21; Rom 4:5-6; Rom 5:17-18, Rom 5:21), but another form of the same word, intended to express the enactment of the law, meaning here, we believe, the practical obedience which the law calls for. might be fulfilled in us--or, as we say, "realized in us." who walk--the most ancient expression of the bent of one's life, whether in the direction of good or of evil (Gen 48:15; Psa 1:1; Isa 2:5; Mic 4:5; Eph 4:17; Jo1 1:6-7). not after--that is, according to the dictates of the flesh, but after the spirit--From Rom 8:9 it would seem that what is more immediately intended by "the spirit" here is our own mind as renewed and actuated by the Holy Ghost.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us,.... By the righteousness of the law, is not meant the righteousness of the ceremonial law, though that was fulfilled by Christ; but of the moral law, which requires holiness of nature, righteousness of life, and death in case of disobedience; active righteousness, or obedience to the precepts of the law, is designed here. This is what the law requires; obedience to the commands of it is properly righteousness; and by Christ's obedience to it we are made righteous, and this gives the title to eternal life: now this is said to be "fulfilled in us"; this is not fulfilled by us in our own persons, nor can it be; could it, where would be the weakness of the law? man might then be justified by it, and so the grace of God, and the righteousness of Christ, must be set aside: there never was any mere man that could fulfil it; for obedience to it must not only be performed perfectly, but with intenseness of mind and spirit; a man must be sinless in thought, word, and deed; and this would be to put man upon a level with Adam in a state of innocence, and the angels in heaven: nor is this to be understood of any righteousness inherent in man; internal holiness is never called the righteousness of the law; and could it be thought to be righteousness, yet it can never be reckoned the whole righteousness of the law: and though it is a fruit of Christ's death, it is the work of the Spirit, and is neither the whole, nor any part of our justification: but this is to be understood of the righteousness of the law fulfilled by Christ, and imputed to us; Christ has fulfilled the whole righteousness of the law, all the requirements of it; this he has done in the room and stead of his people; and is imputed to them, by virtue of a federal union between him and them, he being the head, and they his members; and the law being fulfilled by him, it is reckoned all one as it was fulfilled in, or if by them; and hence they are personally, perfectly, and legally justified; and this is the end of Christ's being sent, of sin being laid on him, and condemned in him. The descriptive character of the persons, who appear to be interested in this blessing, is the same with that in Rom 8:1, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit: See Gill on Rom 8:1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:4 just requirement of the law . . . fully satisfied for (Greek en, “in”) us: The Greek preposition en might indicate that the law is fulfilled in us because of our connection with Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law for us. It could also mean that by setting us free from sin’s power, Jesus Christ enables us to please God and fulfill the true intention of the law. • As in the Old Testament (see Gen 6:3, 12; Ps 78:39; Isa 40:6), sinful nature refers to human weakness and bondage to sin (also in Rom 8:5-9, 12-13). Paul uses the phrase to describe the conflict between the ingrained human tendency to sin and the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:4
Walking by the Spirit
3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,4so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How Much Are You Worth
By Major Ian Thomas11K53:38WorthMAT 6:33ROM 8:1ROM 8:42CO 5:142CO 5:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transformation of a man named Solitars into the Apostle Paul. Solitars experienced a moment of humiliation where he realized that a person's worth is determined by the presence of God within them. This realization led to his emancipation and rebirth as Paul the Apostle. The preacher then delves into the argument presented in 2 Corinthians 5:14-17, explaining that the love of Christ compels believers to live exclusively for Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the concept of spiritual regeneration and the purpose of Christ's death for the ungodly, which is to enable them to partake in the divine nature.
Beware of Becoming Puffed Up
By Alan Martin2.2K00:00PrideROM 8:4ROM 14:161TI 2:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking by the Spirit and not relying on our own carnal thinking. He highlights that when we walk by the Spirit, we fulfill the righteous requirement of the law, which is love. However, he warns against losing connection with Christ and relying solely on information from messengers or books. The preacher urges believers to preserve the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace, as lacking peace and unity can hinder our ability to see the Lord.
(Early Anabaptism) the Anabaptist Vision
By Denny Kenaston1.8K1:17:57AnabaptismGEN 6:141SA 3:1PRO 29:18ROM 8:4REV 3:14In this sermon, Peter references the words of the Prophet Joel to explain why it appears that the men are drunk at 9am. He emphasizes the importance of receiving the vision from God and getting serious with Him. Peter challenges the audience to examine their own vision and what is consuming their hearts and lives. He urges them to respond to God's call, whether it be to accept Jesus as their Savior or to recommit themselves to Him.
Led by the Spirit of God - Part 1
By Milton Green1.7K12:33DEU 6:25MAT 5:17MAT 6:33ROM 8:4ROM 8:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He explains that when we receive Jesus into our lives, we are no longer bound by the law but are guided by the Spirit of God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of repenting from Satan's influence and allowing Jesus to be the Lord and master of our lives. He highlights that by walking according to the Spirit, we fulfill the requirements of God's law. The sermon encourages listeners to trust in the Lord rather than relying on intellect or human understanding.
Studies in Isaiah - Part 5
By Harry Ironside1.7K46:12ExpositoryISA 56:1ROM 8:4In this sermon, the preacher calls upon people to hear the message of God and invites them to come and receive the gospel without any cost. He emphasizes that there is pure grace in the Old Testament, and God's blessings are available to all who believe. The preacher also discusses the promise of God to never destroy the earth again, just as He promises to never utterly destroy the nation of Israel. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be ready and welcoming for the return of the Lord.
(Through the Bible) Romans 7
By Chuck Smith1.7K42:47Through The BibleMAT 5:21ROM 7:6ROM 7:24ROM 8:2ROM 8:4GAL 5:19In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal journey of trying to improve themselves through self-help methods and ultimately reaching a point of despair. They come to the realization that they cannot rely on their own strength and abilities, but instead need to surrender to Jesus Christ. Through this surrender, they experience victory and a closer relationship with God. The speaker acknowledges their own weaknesses and emphasizes the importance of relying on Jesus for deliverance and the capacity to do what is right.
(The Spiritual Man) the Law of the Spirit
By Denny Kenaston1.7K1:02:42Law Of The SpiritMAT 6:33ROM 8:1ROM 8:4ROM 8:141CO 11:14GAL 5:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of living by the law of the Spirit in order to hear God's voice. He emphasizes the need for daily quiet time and being sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares a practical example of waking up at 4 am and realizing that God wanted to speak to him at that moment, but he missed the opportunity by going back to sleep. He encourages listeners to abide in Christ and remain connected to Him in order to bear fruit in their lives. The sermon is based on Romans 8, which talks about the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.
Principles for Holy Living
By Herbert McGonigle1.5K1:02:48Holy LivingMAT 6:33ROM 3:19ROM 7:18ROM 7:25ROM 8:4In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the introduction of the Gospel in the book of Romans. He emphasizes that the Gospel is not just an intellectual understanding, but something that deeply impacts the heart and spirit. The preacher highlights the importance of understanding universal sinfulness as the foundation for the glorious gospel of justification by faith. He also mentions that Paul takes time in this letter to demonstrate, argue, and illustrate the Gospel in a way that he doesn't in his other letters, covering topics such as sin, redemption, grace, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the destiny of Israel, and Christian living.
(Romans) Victory Today Glorious Liberty Tomorrow
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:14:31VictoryMAT 6:33ROM 3:21ROM 5:8ROM 6:23ROM 8:1ROM 8:4ROM 8:28ROM 8:31ROM 8:38In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the story of Joseph from the Bible. He emphasizes how God worked all things together for good in Joseph's life, despite the challenges he faced. The preacher then moves on to talk about God's plan of salvation, highlighting how God chose and sent his son Jesus to be the Lamb for our redemption. He emphasizes that through faith in Jesus, we are justified before God and stand before Him as if we had never sinned. The sermon concludes with the assurance that if God is for us, no one can be against us.
Growing in the Grace of God #08 - the Holy Spirit Covenant Part 2
By Bob Hoekstra1.5K49:28MAT 6:33JHN 4:14JHN 14:16ROM 8:2ROM 8:4GAL 3:2COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the work of the Holy Spirit in the growth of believers. He refers to Romans 8:3-4, which speaks about Jesus coming to deal with the problem of sin so that the righteous requirement of the law can be fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit. The speaker highlights that the law demands holiness, love, perfection, and being like God, and it is through the Holy Spirit that believers can increasingly fulfill these requirements. He also mentions that the kingdom is built by the Spirit, not by human effort, and that the end result of living according to the Spirit is not just personal satisfaction but also a bigger picture of proclaiming good tidings, healing the brokenhearted, and setting captives free, as Jesus did during his ministry.
K-485 Covenant Keeping (1 of 3)
By Art Katz1.5K37:00Covenant KeepingEXO 20:8EXO 31:18MAT 6:33LUK 14:33ROM 8:1ROM 8:4HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker expresses his concern about the passive nature of the church and the lack of engagement from its members. He shares an example of a church that distributed study outlines for personal Bible study at every level, which helped the congregation to actively participate and apply the teachings in their lives. The speaker suggests that God's dealing with Israel is a reiteration of the same themes of sin, judgment, and resurrection that humanity needs to learn from. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and observing God's provisions, even in the face of opposition, as it brings honor to God.
Studies in Romans-06
By William MacDonald1.4K38:08StudiesROM 8:1ROM 8:4ROM 8:19ROM 8:31In this sermon, the preacher discusses the unbreakable links in the chain of our redemption. He emphasizes that if God is for us and has marked us out for Himself, then no one can successfully be against us. The preacher highlights the incredible sacrifice of God giving His own Son for us, and how this demonstrates His willingness to give us any lesser gift. The sermon also addresses the suffering and groaning of the world, and the hope of being delivered from the bondage of corruption. Additionally, the preacher explains how the Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill the righteous requirements of the law by enabling us to love God and our neighbor.
2 Corinthians 3
By Robert Arthur1.2K37:01New CovenantROM 8:1ROM 8:42CO 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God can only work in our lives when the Spirit of God makes Christ real in us. He explains that human nature is inherently flawed and rotten, and God cannot work with it. The preacher uses the analogy of an architect who cannot build a good structure with bad materials. He further explains that the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to convey Christ to our hearts, and through this, we can experience liberty and become transformed to be like Christ.
The Way of Grace (恩典的道路)
By Zac Poonen1.2K48:41ChineseMAT 6:33LUK 8:10JHN 1:17ACT 1:1ACT 2:1ROM 8:4HEB 8:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the new covenant in relation to the old covenant. He emphasizes that the new covenant allows for the fulfillment of God's righteous requirement within us, not just externally. The preacher shares his personal experience of struggling with sin and realizing the need for the new covenant. He highlights that Jesus Christ came to establish a better covenant, one that surpasses the old covenant and leads believers to a deeper understanding of grace and truth. The sermon emphasizes the impossibility of loving both God and money simultaneously, citing Luke 16:13.
God Has a Problem
By Charles Anderson89837:49Christian LifeMAT 6:33ROM 6:3ROM 7:7ROM 8:1ROM 8:4ROM 8:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a group of kids who spent 10 weeks mixing with other kids and witnessing to them. They captured their experiences on film and planned to show it on Labor Day Sunday. The speaker then transitions to discussing the assurance of salvation and confidently declares that he knows he is going to heaven when he dies. He then directs the audience to Romans chapter 8, which he describes as a powerful and important chapter in the Bible that addresses the struggle between behavior and justification as a child of God.
Studies in Isaiah - Part 12
By Harry Ironside73740:14ExpositoryGEN 12:3ISA 56:1MAT 21:13ROM 8:4In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of living in the light of death and seeking righteousness. They emphasize that in the future, regardless of physical condition or nationality, anyone who sincerely turns to God and does His will can have a place in His kingdom. The speaker then discusses chapters 56, 57, 58, and 59 of the Book of Isaiah, which address controversy with Israel regarding their Messiah. These chapters provide practical teachings and warnings, reminding listeners to not get carried away with future prophecies but to live a godly life.
The Reason for Our Hope
By George Verwer71039:40HopeHAB 1:3ROM 8:1ROM 8:41TI 2:3In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a young boy who fell into a deep pit and was unable to get out. Along the road, a Hindu religious leader and a Mohammedan pass by, but instead of helping the boy, they offer advice from their respective religions. The preacher then contrasts the Christian view of man with that of non-Christians, emphasizing the concept of total depravity and man's inability to reach God on his own. He refers to Romans 8:5-8 to support this point. The sermon concludes with the message that Christianity offers a unique and urgent message of salvation through Christ, and the need to share this message with others.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 14
By Zac Poonen66625:28GEN 18:32JER 5:1EZK 22:30MAT 5:13JHN 8:12JHN 9:5JHN 17:11ROM 8:4This sermon delves into the teachings of Jesus, focusing on the importance of disciples understanding and embodying His commandments. It emphasizes the disciples' role as the salt of the earth, bringing a taste of heaven through their lives, and as the light of the world, shining forth the life of Jesus through good works. The sermon highlights the need for quality over quantity in discipleship, drawing parallels from biblical examples like Abraham, Jeremiah, and Elijah, who impacted their surroundings through their wholehearted commitment. It concludes with a call to fulfill the law of God internally through the Holy Spirit, surpassing the righteousness of external religious practices.
Setting Our Mind on Things Above
By Zac Poonen53039:01ISA 55:8MAT 3:2MAT 16:28MRK 9:1ACT 1:8ROM 8:4ROM 14:17PHP 4:4COL 3:1JUD 1:24This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the Kingdom of God first, highlighting the righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit that define it. It discusses the significance of repentance from seeking earthly desires to focusing on the Kingdom of Heaven, stressing the need to set our minds on heavenly things. The message delves into the transformation that occurs when our priorities align with God's Kingdom, leading to a life marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
How's Your Walk?
By Lewis Gregory45346:14Christian LifeMAT 16:23ROM 7:24ROM 8:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the frustration and struggle that many Christians face in their walk with God. He refers to the Apostle Paul's expression of feeling trapped and defeated in Romans 7:24. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's timing and allowing Him to order our steps. He encourages listeners to focus on the present moment and allow Jesus and the Holy Spirit to have control over their lives. Ultimately, the speaker reminds us that the best we can be is when we allow Jesus to be Himself in us and when we are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Substituted Standards
By Major Ian Thomas151:16:14True Holiness vs. Substituted StandardsThe Role of the Holy SpiritEXO 12:13NUM 16:3JHN 1:6JHN 10:10ACT 13:2ROM 8:41CO 12:132CO 1:22EPH 1:13HEB 9:4Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, contrasting the true Christian experience with a mere religious practice. He illustrates how the Israelites, despite being redeemed from Egypt, failed to enter the fullness of God's provision, symbolizing the struggle many face in living out their faith. Thomas highlights that true holiness cannot be defined by personal standards but must align with God's standards, as demonstrated through the story of Korah's rebellion. He stresses that only a ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit can endure beyond the individual, as seen in the example of Aaron's rod that budded. Ultimately, he calls for believers to recognize the necessity of being sent by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their divine purpose.
The Image of the Invisible God
By Major Ian Thomas852:12The Image of GodLiving in ChristJHN 3:17JHN 6:29JHN 12:44JHN 14:10JHN 15:5JHN 17:3ROM 8:42CO 3:18PHP 3:10COL 1:15Major Ian Thomas emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, highlighting that His life was a derived life, fully dependent on the Father. He explains that true righteousness comes from allowing Christ to live through us, making us vessels of His divine action. Thomas stresses that being a Christian is not merely about conversion but about living in a way that reflects Christ's life and character in our daily actions. He encourages believers to recognize their need for the Holy Spirit to enable them to embody the righteousness of Christ, thus fulfilling their purpose as created in God's image.
New Heart Righteousness
By F.B. Meyer0Fulfillment of the LawRighteousnessMAT 5:17LUK 24:44ACT 13:15ROM 3:31ROM 8:4F.B. Meyer emphasizes that Jesus' mission was to fulfill and elevate the law rather than abolish it, illustrating how He embodies the highest ideals of righteousness. He highlights the reverence Jesus had for the Old Testament, affirming its divine authority and the importance of its teachings in preparing hearts for His message. Meyer warns that in Christ's kingdom, even unwarranted anger and contempt are serious offenses, equating them to capital crimes, thus urging believers to cultivate a heart of love and righteousness.
The Law of God--No. 1
By Charles Finney0Obedience to GodLoveMAT 22:36LUK 6:32ROM 8:4ROM 13:8JAS 2:15Charles Finney emphasizes that true religion is encapsulated in the two great commandments: to love God with all one's heart and to love one's neighbor as oneself. He explains that genuine obedience to these commandments is the essence of virtue and outlines the nature of true love, which must be supreme, disinterested, and benevolent. Finney also addresses common misconceptions about love and obedience, asserting that partial or selfish love cannot coexist with true holiness. He concludes that true religion fulfills rather than abrogates the law of God, highlighting the importance of love as the foundation of all moral obligations.
That the Righteousness of the Law Might Be Fulfilled in Us
By A.B. Simpson0Empowerment in ChristHoly SpiritMAT 28:18JHN 14:17JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ROM 8:41CO 3:162CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 3:20PHP 4:13A.B. Simpson emphasizes the transformative presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, moving from a distant understanding to an intimate relationship where the Spirit dwells within us. He highlights the dual presence of Christ, both in our hearts and in the events of our lives, empowering us to experience His miraculous works. The sermon encourages believers to recognize the Holy Spirit as their all-sufficient Guardian and wonder-worker, capable of performing extraordinary acts in our lives today, just as He did in biblical times. Simpson reassures that the power of God is at work within us, enabling us to achieve beyond our expectations. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit to fulfill the righteousness of the law in our lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us - That the guilt might be pardoned through the merit of that sacrifice; and that we might be enabled, by the power of his own grace and Spirit, to walk in newness of life; loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves: and thus the righteousness, the spirit, design, and purpose of the law is fulfilled in us, through the strength of the Spirit of Christ, which is here put in opposition to the weakness of the law through the flesh. It is very likely that the concluding clause of this verse, which is the very same as that found in the common text of the first verse, has been transferred to that verse from this place.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
That the righteousness of the law--"the righteous demand," "the requirement" [ALFORD], Or "the precept" of the law; for it is not precisely the word so often used in this Epistle to denote "the righteousness which justifies" (Rom 1:17; Rom 3:21; Rom 4:5-6; Rom 5:17-18, Rom 5:21), but another form of the same word, intended to express the enactment of the law, meaning here, we believe, the practical obedience which the law calls for. might be fulfilled in us--or, as we say, "realized in us." who walk--the most ancient expression of the bent of one's life, whether in the direction of good or of evil (Gen 48:15; Psa 1:1; Isa 2:5; Mic 4:5; Eph 4:17; Jo1 1:6-7). not after--that is, according to the dictates of the flesh, but after the spirit--From Rom 8:9 it would seem that what is more immediately intended by "the spirit" here is our own mind as renewed and actuated by the Holy Ghost.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us,.... By the righteousness of the law, is not meant the righteousness of the ceremonial law, though that was fulfilled by Christ; but of the moral law, which requires holiness of nature, righteousness of life, and death in case of disobedience; active righteousness, or obedience to the precepts of the law, is designed here. This is what the law requires; obedience to the commands of it is properly righteousness; and by Christ's obedience to it we are made righteous, and this gives the title to eternal life: now this is said to be "fulfilled in us"; this is not fulfilled by us in our own persons, nor can it be; could it, where would be the weakness of the law? man might then be justified by it, and so the grace of God, and the righteousness of Christ, must be set aside: there never was any mere man that could fulfil it; for obedience to it must not only be performed perfectly, but with intenseness of mind and spirit; a man must be sinless in thought, word, and deed; and this would be to put man upon a level with Adam in a state of innocence, and the angels in heaven: nor is this to be understood of any righteousness inherent in man; internal holiness is never called the righteousness of the law; and could it be thought to be righteousness, yet it can never be reckoned the whole righteousness of the law: and though it is a fruit of Christ's death, it is the work of the Spirit, and is neither the whole, nor any part of our justification: but this is to be understood of the righteousness of the law fulfilled by Christ, and imputed to us; Christ has fulfilled the whole righteousness of the law, all the requirements of it; this he has done in the room and stead of his people; and is imputed to them, by virtue of a federal union between him and them, he being the head, and they his members; and the law being fulfilled by him, it is reckoned all one as it was fulfilled in, or if by them; and hence they are personally, perfectly, and legally justified; and this is the end of Christ's being sent, of sin being laid on him, and condemned in him. The descriptive character of the persons, who appear to be interested in this blessing, is the same with that in Rom 8:1, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit: See Gill on Rom 8:1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:4 just requirement of the law . . . fully satisfied for (Greek en, “in”) us: The Greek preposition en might indicate that the law is fulfilled in us because of our connection with Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law for us. It could also mean that by setting us free from sin’s power, Jesus Christ enables us to please God and fulfill the true intention of the law. • As in the Old Testament (see Gen 6:3, 12; Ps 78:39; Isa 40:6), sinful nature refers to human weakness and bondage to sin (also in Rom 8:5-9, 12-13). Paul uses the phrase to describe the conflict between the ingrained human tendency to sin and the Holy Spirit.