A
I believe he's referring to the Greek word sarx which is often used in the context of one's "sinful nature." In other words, sarx or “flesh,” is a common metaphor that Paul often uses for inherent human sinfulness.
The image of sarx as rebellious human nature occurs most frequently in Romans and Galatians. Particularly in Galatians the image seems to be gauged to subvert the ideology of those who are promoting the circumcision of the “flesh.”
Against these Judaizers, who wish to boast in the Galatians’ circumcised flesh, Paul produces this counter-image of flesh as opposed to the “Spirit” (Gal 3:3) and its fruits (Gal 5:16–17).
The picture is further refined in Romans, where “flesh” is a member of a trilateral alliance of spiritual powers: sin, flesh and death (Rom 6–8).
I'm not sure exactly what his point is except perhaps to assert that you were attempting to do something from your unregenerate state.
I went through that as well initially and failed as you did. Only later, as I continued exercising my will in pursuit of God, did I finally connect with Him only to discover to my amazement that He was always present.
Not to sound trite but one may not always hit a home run the first time up to bat.
The image of sarx as rebellious human nature occurs most frequently in Romans and Galatians. Particularly in Galatians the image seems to be gauged to subvert the ideology of those who are promoting the circumcision of the “flesh.”
Against these Judaizers, who wish to boast in the Galatians’ circumcised flesh, Paul produces this counter-image of flesh as opposed to the “Spirit” (Gal 3:3) and its fruits (Gal 5:16–17).
The picture is further refined in Romans, where “flesh” is a member of a trilateral alliance of spiritual powers: sin, flesh and death (Rom 6–8).
I'm not sure exactly what his point is except perhaps to assert that you were attempting to do something from your unregenerate state.
I went through that as well initially and failed as you did. Only later, as I continued exercising my will in pursuit of God, did I finally connect with Him only to discover to my amazement that He was always present.
Not to sound trite but one may not always hit a home run the first time up to bat.
Sounds to me like you are not paying attention to anything I said.