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
321. What are the sacraments at the service of communion and mission?
10. What is the value of private revelations?
193. What can the consecrated life give to the mission of the Church?
533. What is the greatest human desire?
514. To what type of work does every person have a right?
591. Why pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What does the mutual admiration between loved ones mean in the book of Songs?
God’s Law and Justice: Exploring Their Relationship (Deuteronomy 16:18-20)
What can we learn about divine justice from the Lord’s vengeance mentioned in Abdias 1:15?
What is the significance of Christ being the Head of Creation, as mentioned in Colossians 1:15-17?
What is the example of faith that the poor widow gives us in Luke 21:1-4?
David’s old age and death: the end of a life of ups and downs (2 Samuel 23, 24)
