Lesson 8: The Struggle Within — Battling the Flesh and Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit

 

Introduction: The Honest Battle

 

Every believer faces an ongoing struggle — the war between the flesh and the Spirit. Even the apostle Paul, one of the most faithful servants of God, wrote openly about this inner conflict.

 

 Romans 7:15, 18-19 — "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do... For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out."

 

This lesson addresses the reality of spiritual struggle, the call to holiness, and the tools God gives us to overcome.

 

1. The Human Condition — Scriptures on Our Struggle

 

Romans 3:23 — "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

 

"Romans 7:23 — "But I see another law at work in me... waging war against the law of my mind.

 

"Galatians 5:17 — "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh."

 

Jeremiah 17:9 — "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked."

 

The Bible is clear: we are born into sin, and even after salvation, we must learn to live by the Spirit.

 

2. What Should We Do to Overcome?

 

Crucify the flesh daily (Galatians 5:24)

 

Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16)

 

Renew our minds (Romans 12:2)

 

Abide in Christ (John 15:4–5)

 

Put off the old self and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22–24)

 

These are not one-time actions — they are habits of the heart.

 

 

3. Renewing the Mind

 

 Romans 12:2 — "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

 

Renewing the mind means:

 

Replacing lies with truth

 

Training our thoughts through Scripture

 

Guarding what we consume (media, words, conversations)

 

2 Corinthians 10:5 — “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

 

This is a spiritual discipline, not an emotional reaction. It's the battlefield of transformation.

 

4. The Armor of God — Our Defense

 

 Ephesians 6:11–17 — "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."

 

Belt of Truth — Stay grounded in God’s Word.

 

Breastplate of Righteousness — Protect your heart with right living.

 

Gospel of Peace (shoes) — Be ready to stand firm and move with peace.

 

Shield of Faith — Deflect lies, fear, and attacks.

 

Helmet of Salvation — Guard your mind and identity.

 

Sword of the Spirit — Use God’s Word to fight lies and temptation.

 

We are not defenseless — God gives us spiritual armor to withstand the battle.

 

5. Fruits of the Spirit vs. Works of the Flesh

 

 Galatians 5:19–23

 

Galatians 5:19–23 (NIV)

 

"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

 

Biblical Examples of the Inner Struggle and Its Consequences

 

David and Bathsheba — (2 Samuel 11–12)David, a man after God’s own heart, gave in to temptation when he saw Bathsheba. His lust led to adultery, deceit, and ultimately the arranged murder of her husband. The consequences were grave — the child born from that sin died, and David’s household suffered for generations.

 

 One moment of giving in to the flesh can lead to devastating ripple effects. But even then, God offers mercy when we repent (Psalm 51).

 

Peter’s Denial — (Matthew 26:33–35, 69–75)Peter boldly claimed he would never betray Jesus, yet under pressure, he denied Him three times.

 

 Even strong believers fail, but true disciples return in humility. Jesus restored Peter in love (John 21:15–17).

 

Cain and Abel — (Genesis 4:6–7)Cain’s jealousy was left unchecked. God warned him: “Sin is crouching at your door... but you must rule over it.” Cain ignored the warning and murdered his brother.

 

 God sees the struggle and warns us. It’s up to us to obey and master our flesh.

 

Jesus in the Wilderness — (Matthew 4:1–11)

Jesus was tempted by Satan after 40 days of fasting. Each time, He fought back with Scripture.

 

 We are not stronger than temptation — but God’s Word is. Scripture is our sword.

 

The Mirror Analogy — (James 1:23–25)

 

 “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

 

Renewing the mind is like looking in God’s mirror every day to remember who we are.

 

Modern Day Thought Traps — Even today, works of the flesh sneak in through socially accepted behavior:

 

“It’s just flirting.”

 

“I’m venting — not gossiping.”

 

“I need this drink or scroll time to cope.”

 

“I can’t help how I feel.”But we must constantly ask: “What does the Spirit say?

 

”Works of the flesh include:

 

Sexual immorality, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, drunkenness, etc.

 

Fruit of the Spirit:

 

We live in a culture that says, “Do anything you want, as long as you’re not hurting anyone.” YOLO. “This isn’t your practice life.” These sayings sound freeing, but they actually promote selfishness — the opposite of what God calls us to.

 

And ironically, they’re right: you do only live once, and this isn’t a practice run — which is exactly why we shouldn’t be hurting anyone, ourselves included.

 

The world takes the things of God and distorts them to fit its narrative. This has led to a world filled with broken relationships, addiction, pornography, and a devaluation of human life.

 

It may seem easier in the short-term to operate in the works of the flesh, but it never ends well — not for anyone. Most people might say, “I’d never cheat, steal, or lie,” but have they ever truly been tested?

 

There’s a moment in The Lord of the Rings when Galadriel is offered the ring of power. She knows it would make her even more powerful — a great queen. But she declines and says, “I have passed the test.”

 

Can we say the same of ourselves? When temptation is shiny and powerful and tailored just for us — can we pass the test?

 

That’s why we stay in the Word, renew our minds, and put on the full armor of God. The test will come.

 

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

 

The presence of the Spirit should be evident in how we live — not perfectly, but progressively.

 

Reflection Questions

 

1. Where in my life do I feel this inner battle the most?

 

2. Am I feeding my spirit or feeding my flesh?

 

3. What does renewing my mind look like practically?

 

4. Which piece of God's armor do I neglect the most?

 

Closing Prayer“Lord, You know my struggles. You see my weakness and love me still. Help me to walk by Your Spirit, not by my flesh. Teach me to renew my mind daily and clothe myself in Your armor. Let the fruit of Your Spirit grow in me — not by my effort, but by Your grace. In Jesus’ name