We shall now glance for a moment at the conflict in Galatians v. 17. We shall quote the passage. “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”[2] This passage is often quoted to account for continual _defeat_, whereas it really contains the secret of perpetual _victory_. In verse 16, we read, “This I say, then, walk in the Spirit, and _ye shall not fulfill_ the lust of the flesh.” This makes it all so clear. The presence of the Holy Ghost secures power. We are assured that God is stronger than “the flesh,” and therefore where He is in conflict, the triumph is secured. And be it carefully noted that Galatians v. 17 does not speak of the conflict between the two natures—the old and the new, but between the Holy Ghost and the flesh. This is the reason why it is added, “In order that ye may not do the things that ye would.” If the Holy Ghost were not dwelling in us, we should be sure to fulfill the lust of the flesh; but inasmuch as He is in us to carry on the warfare, we are no longer obliged to do wrong, but blessedly enabled to do right. Now this precisely marks the point of difference between Romans vii. 14, 15 and Galatians v. 17. In the former, we have the new nature, but not the power of the indwelling Spirit; in the latter, we have not only the new nature, but also the power of the Holy Ghost. We must ever bear in mind that the new nature in a believer is dependent. It is dependent upon the Spirit for power, and upon the Word for guidance. But clearly, where God the Holy Ghost is, there must be power. He may be grieved and hindered, but Galatians v. 16 distinctly teaches that if we walk in the Spirit, we shall have sure and constant victory over the flesh. Hence, therefore, it would be a very serious mistake indeed to quote Galatians v. 17 as a reason for a low and carnal walk. Its teaching is designed to produce the direct opposite. And now one word on Ephesians vi. 10-17. Here we have the conflict between the Christian and wicked spirits in heavenly places. The Church belongs to heaven, and should ever maintain a heavenly walk and conversation. It should be our constant aim to make good our heavenly standing—to plant the foot firmly upon our heavenly inheritance, and keep it there. This, the devil seeks to hinder in every possible way, and hence the conflict; hence, too, “the whole armor of God,” by which alone we can stand against our powerful spiritual foe.