Walking in the Spirit?

[Whyme]

4 minutes ago, Michael37 said:

Yes. We can ask ourselves if our actions are consistent with the teachings of Christ and the doctrines of the NT. We have a conflict to resolve with the flesh and you are right that conscious effort is required. Interesting that Paul rules out resorting to observance of the law in favour of being led of the Spirit.

Gal 5:16-18  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  (17)  For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would.  (18)  But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Yes very interesting. What do you think Paul means exactly? Obviously we need the commands and teaching found in the NT, so he's not telling us commands are wrong to follow, so what exactly is he saying? 

[Whyme]

25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well. 26 Let’s not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

[Whyme]

WE do follow commands as part of abiding in Him, but Hes not just a word in a book, Hes much more, a Spirit within us. I feel excited thinking about it. For once in my life i feel victorious and see a clear path. 

[Michael37]

10 minutes ago, Whyme said:

Yes very interesting. What do you think Paul means exactly? Obviously we need the commands and teaching found in the NT, so he's not telling us commands are wrong to follow, so what exactly is he saying? 

In the context of Paul's day when Jewish Christians were having a hard time letting go of the ritualistic observance of the Laws of Moses as their means of justification, they are being told not to do that.  

Believer's Bible Commentary Quote on Gal 5:18

The Spirit of God does not lead people to look to the law as a means of justification. Rather, He points them to the risen Christ as the only ground of acceptance before God.

Gal 5:4  Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace.
 

Gal 3:1-3  O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you?  (2)  This only would I learn of you, Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  (3)  Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?

[Whyme]

5 minutes ago, Michael37 said:

 Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?

Whats "made perfect by the flesh" mean? Do you have any idea? Does it refer to circumcision or something else?

Edited May 5, 2021 by Whyme

[Michael37]

2 hours ago, Whyme said:

Whats "made perfect by the flesh" mean? Do you have any idea? Does it refer to circumcision or something else?

Galatians 3:3

Amplified Bible

 

³ Are you so foolish and senseless? Having begun [your new life by faith] with the Spirit, are you now being perfected and reaching spiritual maturity by the flesh [that is, by your own works and efforts to keep the Law]?

[Whyme]

44 minutes ago, Michael37 said:

Galatians 3:3

Amplified Bible

 

³ Are you so foolish and senseless? Having begun [your new life by faith] with the Spirit, are you now being perfected and reaching spiritual maturity by the flesh [that is, by your own works and efforts to keep the Law]?

Is the amplified infallible? Because other versions just say the flesh, not works.

[Whyme]

Either way, only Jesus saves and anyone who boasts is foolish and undiscerning. 

[Michael37]

2 hours ago, Whyme said:

Is the amplified infallible? Because other versions just say the flesh, not works.

When seeking clarification I look at many Bible versions, including the Amplified, and a number of commentaries, plus relevant lexicons.

In this case the Amplified Bible gives an adequate meaning of the Greek word sarx  according to its usage in the NT.

Strongs G4561
σάρξ
sarx
sarx
Probably from the base of G4563; flesh (as stripped of the skin), that is, (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred, or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specifically) a human being (as such): - carnal (-ly, + -ly minded), flesh ([-ly]).
Total KJV occurrences: 151

[Whyme]

3 hours ago, Michael37 said:

When seeking clarification I look at many Bible versions, including the Amplified, and a number of commentaries, plus relevant lexicons.

In this case the Amplified Bible gives an adequate meaning of the Greek word

3 hours ago, Michael37 said:

When seeking clarification I look at many Bible versions, including the Amplified, and a number of commentaries, plus relevant lexicons.

In this case the Amplified Bible gives an adequate meaning of the Greek word sarx  according to its usage in the NT.

Strongs G4561
σάρξ
sarx
sarx
Probably from the base of G4563; flesh (as stripped of the skin), that is, (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred, or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specifically) a human being (as such): - carnal (-ly, + -ly minded), flesh ([-ly]).
Total KJV occurrences: 151

  according to its usage in the NT.

Strongs G4561
σάρξ
sarx
sarx
Probably from the base of G4563; flesh (as stripped of the skin), that is, (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred, or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specifically) a human being (as such): - carnal (-ly, + -ly minded), flesh ([-ly]).
Total KJV occurrences: 151

It sounds like it could refer to the body or the carnal mind.