They do not walk after the flesh
Now whoever abides in him does not sin, and does not walk after the flesh. The flesh, in the usual language of Saint Paul, means corrupt nature. In this sense he uses the word, writing to the Galatians. The works of the flesh are manifest. Galatians 5:19.
And a little before that, he says, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust, or desire, of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Galatians 5:16.
To prove that point, namely, that those who walk by the Spirit do not fulfill the lust of the flesh, he immediately adds this. The flesh lusts against the Spirit, but the Spirit lusts against the flesh, for these are contrary to each other, so that you may not do the things which you would.
That is the literal translation of his Greek. It is not, so that you cannot do the things that you would, as if the flesh overcame the Spirit. A translation like that has nothing to do with the original text of the apostle. It also makes his whole argument worth nothing. Yes, it asserts just the reverse of what he is proving.
1771 text
2. Now whosoever abideth in him, sinneth not; walketh not after the flesh. The flesh, in the usual language of St. Paul, signifies corrupt nature. In this sense, he uses the word, writing to the Galatians. The works of the flesh are manifest, Gal. v. 19. And a little before, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust (or desire) of the flesh (v. 16.) To prove which, namely, that those who walk by the Spirit, do not fulfil the lust of the flesh, he immediately adds, for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit; but the Spirit lusteth against the flesh (for these are contrary to each other) that ye may not do the things which ye would. So the words are literally translated, (ἵνα μὴ ἃ ἂν θέλητε, ταῦτα ποιῆτε) Not, so that ye cannot do the things that ye would, as if the flesh overcame the Spirit: a translation which hath not only nothing to do with the original text of the apostle, but likewise makes his whole argument nothing worth, yea, asserts just the reverse of what he is proving.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 8 in the 1771 Works. Romans 8:1.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.