Note 9 at Gal. 5:17: Today, the word "lust" is used primarily in a very negative way to describe unlawful sexual desires. However, the word literally means "an overwhelming craving" (New American Heritage Dict.). The NIV translated this thought as, "desires what is contrary to. . . ." Notice that in this verse, Paul says that the Spirit also lusts against the flesh. We know that is not speaking of some unlawful sexual desire. It is just expressing that the flesh constantly desires things contrary to what the Spirit of God desires and vice versa. They are opposed to each other in their basic nature and desires. Serving one will keep us from serving the other.

Note 10 at Gal. 5:17: The flesh and the Spirit have opposite desires manifesting opposite results (Gal. 5:19-23). Because of this, if we indulge one, the other will automatically be hindered. We cannot serve both (Mt. 6:24). Most Christians take the negative approach of denying the flesh to bring the power of the Spirit (see note 8 at v. 16, p. 1082). The more positive way is to seek to walk in the Spirit (see note 6 at v. 16, p. 1082) and the flesh will be denied through neglect.

Note 11 at Gal. 5:17: A parallel passage to this would be Romans 7:19 in which Paul states, "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not that I do." Paul's answer for deliverance is not in self-effort but rather total dependence upon the Spirit of God to break the bonds of sins by dependence upon Him (see notes 1-5 at Rom. 7:15-23, pp. 789-790; see notes 1-4 at Rom. 7:24-25, p. 792). We cannot free ourselves. Romans 8:7 says, "the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Our only hope is the power that the Holy Spirit brings to our lives.