The Nature of The Flesh and The Evil Inclination

When Paul speaks of the flesh the concept is closely related to but not identical with the concept of the evil inclination. These two concepts and their relationship are very important to understand for the work of making talmidim to the Good News of Israel and her Messiah among all nations.

The evil inclination is an aspect of all human nature from the beginning of creation. It is augmented and empowered by the fall of Adam and by every sin. It is therefore a key element in the concept of what Paul calls the flesh, which is to say the flesh nature. The concept of the evil inclination is not, however, one that is set in the context of regeneration and the new creation, which is precisely the context in which the concept of the flesh is set. This context of regeneration and inclusion in the new, resurrected humanity of Mashiach is the key distinction between the concept of the flesh and the concept of the evil inclination.