As we have discussed so many times by now, there is a huge debate, on what the flesh (Sarx) means. One side, there are people who say that Romans 6 says clearly that our old self, sinful nature was crucified with Christ, and that what Paul keeps referring to often as flesh is basically a mindset. On the other side of the fence we have a group which says that yes, the old man was crucified but still it’s not dead, and we will have to crucify the flesh, and put to death the deeds of the flesh. Both sides have their points, and it’s good to read Flesh, What is it?

N.T Wright’s stance on this debate

N.T. Wright, a prominent New Testament scholar, offers a nuanced interpretation of the term “flesh” (sarx) in Paul’s writings. He contends that Paul does not merely equate “flesh” with the physical body or an inherent sinful nature but rather views it as a mindset or orientation that opposes God’s Spirit.

“Flesh” as a Mindset Opposed to God

Wright emphasizes that when Paul discusses the conflict between “flesh” and “spirit,” he is not referring to a struggle between the material body and a non-material spirit. Instead, Paul uses “flesh” to denote a way of thinking and living that is contrary to God’s will.

Wright argues that Western Christianity has often misread Paul’s use of “flesh” due to Platonic dualism, which sharply divides the material and spiritual realms. This misreading leads to the erroneous belief that the physical body is inherently sinful and that salvation involves escaping the material world. Wright asserts that such interpretations are more reflective of Platonic thought than of biblical teaching.

Mind Renewal means to get rid of flesh

Wright highlights that Paul calls for the renewal of the mind as a means of transformation, suggesting that the “flesh” pertains to a mindset that needs to be changed. For instance, in Romans 12:1-2, Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by renewing their minds. This indicates that the problem lies not with the physical body but with the attitudes and thought patterns that lead to sinful behavior.

Fight the real enemy

Understanding “flesh” as a mindset rather than an inherent sinful nature shifts the focus from condemning the physical body to addressing the underlying attitudes and thought processes that lead to sin. This perspective encourages believers to seek transformation through the renewal of their minds and alignment with the Spirit, rather than viewing the body itself as the primary source of sin.

Conclusion

N.T. Wright’s interpretation of “flesh” in Paul’s writings challenges traditional views that associate it with the physical body or an inherent sinful nature. But this is the view that is most aligned to the Word, and not based on what we feel.