ISB ~ Galatians 5 v16 - 24

Paul alerts readers that a hidden war is waged in the heart of every Christian. It is a struggle between the Spirit and our flesh, i.e., our fallen nature that inclines us toward evil (Rom 8:5-8). Unless we follow the Spirit’s lead, the lusts of the flesh (concupiscence) will dominate our lives and enslave us in sin. When we respond to grace, we enable the Spirit to work powerfully in us by clearing out the vices that lead us away from God. Because of our weaknesses, victory in this struggle is possible but not easy (1 Cor 9:25-27) (CCC 2515-16; 1426; 2744).