He (God) condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
   - Romans 8:3-4

Why failure and defeat, why painful and humiliating experiences, instead of a victorious life? It is because we are unable to put God's teachings about the flesh into practice by using our own strength (see Romans 7:15-8:8). However, the Holy Spirit, who came to dwell in us when we were saved, is able to give us the strength we need.

We must learn to understand that the new nature in the believer has no strength, no power, in or of itself. Sadly, a believer may live according to the flesh and think according to the flesh. But the flesh does not submit itself to God; it is at enmity against God. In the condition just described, unfortunately, one cannot see a difference between a Christian walking according to the flesh and those that--before God--are unbelievers still in the flesh (Romans 8:8).

God, however, desires that I can be recognized as a Christian in my life, walk, and actions! How? Through the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in me--that is to say, if indeed I submit to Him, to His authority, to His direction (Romans 8:13). In other words, if I live according to the Spirit, I will enjoy the victorious life of Romans 8 and Galatians 5 (verses 16, 18, and 22-25). A victorious Christian lives and walks according to the Spirit, in His power.

The Lord Jesus, although He is God blessed over all, is also a Man, without sin, who has lived on earth according to these standards. He is our Model and He desires to give us strength, through His Spirit, to follow His example.

Alfred E. Bouter