5:17 Does this mean that Christians can never overcome the flesh as some believe?
5:17 Does this mean that Christians can never overcome the flesh as some believe?
No! That is not correct, as scriptures clearly teach (cp Ga 5:16,18,24-25; with Ro 6:1-14, 19; 13:13-14; 1Cor 4:16; 11:1; 2Cor 7:1; Eph 4:21-24; 6:11-18; Php 3:17-18; Col 2:6-7; 3:1-11; He 12:1).
Ga 5:17 is one of the most misunderstood scriptures in Christendom. It is used to teach how Christians are victims of the flesh and helpless to live right, but as is plainly evident in scripture that is not correct.
Of course V17 does describe anyone who is walking in the flesh, but not a Christian under grace walking in the spirit (cp Ro 6:18-22; 7:24-25; 8:1-14; 2Cor 10:3-5; 1Jn 3:8-10; 5:1-4, 18).
See also comments on Ro 6:6-11, 6:12-14, 6:16 and 7:7-23.