2516. Because man is a composite being, spirit and body, there already exists a certain tension in him; a certain struggle of tendencies between “spirit” and “flesh” develops. But in fact this struggle belongs to the heritage of sin. It is a consequence of sin and at the same time a confirmation of it. It is part of the daily experience of the spiritual battle:
For the Apostle it is not a matter of despising and condemning the body which with the spiritual soul constitutes man’s nature and personal subjectivity. Rather, he is concerned with the morally good or bad works, or better, the permanent dispositions – virtues and vices – which are the fruit of submission (in the first case) or of resistance (in the second case) to the saving action of the Holy Spirit. For this reason the Apostle writes: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”303
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
544. How does Jesus teach us to pray?
73. How should we understand the reality of sin?
457. What place does the family occupy in society?
442. What is implied in the affirmation of God: “I am the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:2)?
206. What does it mean to die in Christ Jesus?
130. How is the Resurrection the work of the Most Holy Trinity?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What is the significance of Christ being the Head of Creation, as mentioned in Colossians 1:15-17?
The Beatitudes: Understanding Their Meaning and Importance (Matthew 5:3-11)
What is Jonah’s story and what lessons can we learn from it?
How does Job 38:1-11 reveal God’s sovereignty in the midst of suffering?
What is the meaning of David’s song of gratitude to God?
What does Hosea 7:14-16 reveal about God’s judgment against hypocrisy?
