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Every person that is born again experiences a struggle between the flesh and the Spirit -- the "old man" and the "new man." In Christ, we receive a new nature, but the old nature, received from Adam, is not eradicated. Until we are liberated from our "vile body" (Phil 3:20-21), we have to contend with a part of us that is NOT regenerated. The Scriptures state this experience in this way. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish" (Galatians 5:16-17, NKJV). This series of lessons deals with this experience. This is the good fight of faith, and is intense.

These studies are based upon the seventh chapter of Romans - particularly verses 14-25.

"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I . . . For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not . . . For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do . . . I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me . . . But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." (Rom 7:15,18,19,21,23, KJV).

Study 01 - Conflict is NOT strange thing -- Although inner conflict is not pleasant, it is not a strange phenomenon.

Study 02 - Objectives of this study -- There are good reasons to devote yourself to a consideration of these things.

Study 03 - Interpretations of inner struggle --  Improper views of this struggle produce erroneous and ineffective reactions to it.

Study 04 - Conflict from the beginning of time -- There has always been conflict -- even from the beginning of time.

Study 05 - Jesus, the ultimate revelation of conflict -- In the Lord Jesus, the most precise and thorough view of struggle is seen.

Study 06 - Psalmic expressions of conflict -- The Psalms articulate the effect of inner struggle upon the individual.

Study 07 - Some preliminary observations -- Miscellaneous observations that serve to clarify the situation.

Study 08 - Getting our bearings -- A short statement that helps fine-tune our vision.

Study 09 - Romans Seven - A macro view -- The believer is seen as a microcosm of world conflict - a sort of minature universe.

Study 10 - The reality of the inner struggle -- This is not a philosophical battle, but a very real one, with very real feelings and consequences.

Study 11 - The reason for the struggle -- Something happened when you were born again that set this warfare in motion.

Study 12 - Contrasting views -- Scripture represents contrasting views (good and evil) from a variety of perspectives.

Study 13 - Another view of the situation -- We are living in two worlds at one time, and they are in fierce and unrelenting competition.

Study 14 - Our reaction to the struggle -- Decisive action is possible, and must be taken.

Study 15 - Four spiritual laws -- A consideration of a facet of thought introduced several years ago.

Study 16 - Elaborating on the four spiritual laws of Scripture -- What the Word of God REALLY has to say about four spiritual laws.