Do Christians Still Struggle with Sin — In Biblical Context
Yes — the Bible teaches that believers have a new nature in Christ but still contend with the old flesh, creating an ongoing internal battle until glorification.
Yes — the Bible teaches that believers have a new nature in Christ but still contend with the old flesh, creating an ongoing internal battle until glorification.
"The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." — Romans 7:19 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Paul describes this struggle vividly: 'The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do' (Romans 7:19). Galatians 5:17 explains, '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.' This internal conflict is normal for believers — not a sign of failed faith. The new nature desires God's will; the flesh pulls toward sin. Romans 6:11 instructs believers to 'reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ.' Victory comes not through willpower but through the Spirit: 'Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh' (Galatians 5:16). Romans 8:1 provides assurance: 'There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.' The struggle itself is evidence of spiritual life — the unregenerate don't fight sin. Complete freedom comes at glorification: 'We shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is' (1 John 3:2).
Where It Sits in Scripture
Supporting Passages
"The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh."
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus."
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