Over my lifetime as a Christian I have heard and read plenty of teachings regarding Romans 7 and 8’s topic of the conflict of the Spirit with the old nature. That’s even the title of the sub heading in the New King James set between 8:4 and 5.

This conflict inside us is typically stirred up in turmoil, especially during this season. Today, as I write this, it’s Resurrection Day. This section of scripture just happens to be my current daily read [reed]. When I read [red] 8:1 through 13 yesterday I saw it in a new light (by divine inspiration?) and then coupled it with what I’d read the day before in chapter 7:15 through 7:25.

I had always heard and read [red] that this was referring to our struggle, as born-again Christians (BACs), with our fleshly desires but I’m now not sure that’s what is being referred to. Chapter 7 seems to be making it clear that “those in the flesh” are not born-again yet and “those in the Spirit” are born-again. So with that in mind, when you read [reed] the well-known verses 5 and 6 it changes our perception of ourselves as BACs. We are no longer referring to ourselves as wishy-washy saints but rather washed in the blood and standing confident in His righteousness.

Rom 8:5-6
(5)  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
(6)  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

To follow this up in verses 7 and 8 we see this reiterated because as BACs we are no longer enemies of God . . .

Rom 8:7-10
(7)  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
(8)  So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
(9)  But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
(10)  And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

. . . but friends and children of God.

Rom 8:14-17
(14)  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
(15)  For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
(16)  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
(17)  and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

So the point here is to not wallow in your self-condemnation (including when you partake in Communion. That’s another topic of discussion). Live as Christ intended which is to live in victory over eternal death thus separation from Him throughout eternity. Live as if you’re not going to sin again, ever, because one glorious day soon that will be your reality.

Rev 21:2-7
(2)  Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
(3)  And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
(4)  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
(5)  Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
(6)  And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
(7)  He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

If you’re not born-again or if you’re not sure then watch this video or read this doc.