Larry Polston

I agree that "the flesh" is used to describe the natural man as we were from the time we were born until we were born again. We were sinners by nature, having inherited that trait from Adam who willfully disobeyed God. I believe in Romans 7, Paul was describing himself before he met Christ. He wanted to obey the law but could not. However, he ends the chapter by explaining how he has been delivered through Jesus Christ our Lord In Romans 8:1, Paul points out that the condemnation is gone for those who are in Christ Jesus, who are led by the Spirit instead of following our own fleshly lusts. Paul said one time "I die daily". If Paul had to crucify the flesh daily, we must also do the same. However, that is not something we can DO. We must submit to the Spirit, confess our sins and He will cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we have a haughty spirit and think that we can live above sin without the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we are in for a great fall.