Definition: For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Galatians 5:17. It’s a really important idea about temptation and our choices. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: "We have a struggle between our desires (our flesh) and the will of God (the Spirit)." Let's unpack that a little further: "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit..." : The "flesh" refers to our physical body – our wants, desires, and impulses. The "Spirit" represents God’s guidance, His purpose, and His will for us. “Lusteth” means to desire intensely or crave something. It's a strong, sometimes overwhelming urge. "...and the Spirit against the flesh..." : This is similar – our desires are fighting against God’s direction. "And these are contrary the one to the other…” : This is the key part! The struggle isn't just a mild disagreement; it's an opposite battle. It's like a tug-of-war. "...so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." : This is the consequence of this struggle. If we’re constantly fighting against God's will, we’re more likely to do things that go against what He wants for us – things that are wrong, sinful, or not aligned with our true purpose. In a nutshell: We have a natural desire to do wrong things (our flesh), and the Spirit tells us to do right . This struggle keeps us from following God’s path. Why is this important? This verse is about resisting temptation and staying on the right track. It's about aligning our lives with God's plan for us, which ultimately leads to a happier and more fulfilling life. Does that make sense? Do you want me to: Explain it in a different way? Give some examples of temptations?