Are we tenacious in our moment-by-moment walk in the Holy Spirit? Are we doing what the Apostle Paul warns us to do in Galatians 5:16,17? 

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.

Lusts, epithumia, Strongs #1939. A strong desire and intense craving for something. Three times it applies to good desires, Luke 22:15, Phil. 1:23, and 1 Thes. 2:17. The remainder of uses are negative, such as gratifying sensual cravings, desire for the forbidden, longing for the evil, coveting what belongs to someone else, and most importantly striving for things, persons, or experiences contrary to the will of God.

Lusts can also be defined as Desired, epithumeo, Strongs# 1937. To set one’s heart upon, eagerly long for, covet, greatly desire, lust after. The word emphasizes the intensity of the desire rather than the object desired. It describes both good and evil desires.

The flesh as our unredeemed nature is considered and enemy in the New Testament, Which focuses on the carnal, inbred tendencies of fallen humanity. These inclinations are the most immediate enemy of the born-again believer who desires to live under the control, influence, and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

The Word of God says the desire alone to do good is not enough to overcome our flesh (Romans 7:21) Rather, we are called to war against the flesh; to live our lives in a tug-of war as our flesh urges indulgence and the Holy Spirit constrains us to righteousness.

Victory in this war is found in: abiding in a right relationship with Jesus (Gal.5:25), understanding that true strength is found in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:10), and continually submitting to the unction and urging of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).

Victory comes as we take these practical steps of learning to submit to Him moment by moment thus avoiding or overcoming the pull of our flesh.