Naturally, our own sinful nature is very demanding.  It demands that self is put first, our body pampered, our desires indulged and our fantasies entertained.  It says that we have to obey or we will die!  But that is a lie.  The truth is exactly the opposite: if we give in to that sinful nature, we will die!

By contrast, God's Spirit urges us to reject those sinful, selfish and destructive demands and reconstruct our lifestyle with His help.  Then we will know life in all its fullness (John 10:10).  Those who allow themselves to be led by God's Spirit will demonstrate that they belong to His family. The powerful guidance of the Spirit will enable believers to stand against the tyranny of habitual sin (Ephesians 6:10-18).

It is only through the Holy Spirit that we will have the strength and wisdom to extinguish the flames of our old life and give us the courage to do it.  People who are filled with the Holy Spirit will obey Him and turn away from the cravings of the flesh.  That is our daily spiritual obligation.  Yes, it will upset our fleshliness; yes, it will feel like a big internal battle - but we are not alone, the Lord is with us ... and as we are His children (Romans 8:14) we have His authority to deal with the lies of Satan.

As we do so, our relationship with God will grow richer and deeper.  Indeed, failure to deal with the sinful nature is the prime cause of losing that closeness of relationship.  So let God's Spirit lead you into today's battle, challenging the demands of your sinful nature to control you, and experience the victory of Christ.