Christian life that was first introduced in 3:3 now takes center stage. It is important to stress that Paul does not envision the flesh and the spirit as two aspects of a person. Both the flesh and the Spirit are powerful agents who act upon the believer, locked in a battle to shape the lives of believers. Thus the cosmic battle between the flesh and the Spirit plays out within the scope of the believer’s individual life, as well as within the body of believers. Indeed, the conflict between the flesh
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