He does this because he has previously concluded that we the conflict between the two natures continues after our faithful walk has begun (Rom 7:25 and Eph 4:22,23). This is why the addict can have a relationship with the Lord before his addiction is defeated. There is a sense in which "that which according to the spirit" has nothing to do with what we do and everything to do what we think and hope to be. If the addict has to stop his sin in order to have a continuing relationship with the Lord, what purpose does faith, unmerited grace and the cross serve that is different from the sacrifice of bulls and goats??? John
Judyt:
I don't believe it is all in the head John. Read Galatians 5:19-23 which contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruits of the Spirit. Would you say this is all in the head, or is it behavior and lifestyle?
What you think, feel, believe effects what you do. I would think to be so obvious as to be apparent without question. No doubt flesh and spirit are opposed to one another. But the problem is in the heart of man (mind, emotion, conviction). Correct the heart and you correct the lifestyle. Much as "faith" that is alive will work without being commanded.
If we minister to the deeds of an individual, we deal with sin symptomatically. If we minister to the heart of man, we deal with his sickness. It is the heart that is desparately wicked. So Paul teaches those who will listen that the presentation of our bodies as a "holy sacrifice" is accomplished through the process of the renewal of the mind (Ro 12:2). Such renewal, obviously a process, validates and exposes ("prove") the will of God. The understanding of God's will (for the individual) is tied to this proving and to the measure of faith He has given to all men (Ro 12:3). This is why the biblical message is for all who will read it. This is why time is required and, hence, the continual flow of the blood of the Lamb. This is why the justification of the sinner is the FIRST order of business for the Lord. This is why we have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved. PTL
John
