Living Out Sarx: Overcoming Sinful Nature

The Meaning of Sarx

The term *sarx* (σάρξ) has strong theological significance in biblical discussion, especially in how it describes human existence and sin.

In classical Greek, *sarx* denotes physical flesh or the body, but within biblical contexts, it often signifies more than mere corporeality. In the Septuagint (LXX), it frequently translates Hebrew terms like *basar*, conveying human vulnerability and mortality - as seen in Job 2:4, where Satan questions Job’s flesh as a source of his righteousness. In the New Testament, the term also includes the sinful, fallen nature of humanity, not only the physical body. This dual meaning creates layers of theological interpretation, especially in Pauline writings.

Old Testament references to *sarx* (via LXX translations) emphasize physicality and human limitation, whereas New Testament texts, particularly Paul’s letters, link *sarx* to spiritual conflict. Romans 8:3, for example, contrasts *sarx* with the law, illustrating how Christ’s incarnation addresses humanity’s sinful condition.

Romans 8:3 states, *‘For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh [ἐν τῇ σαρκί αὐτοῦ], God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh [ἐν μορφῇ σαρκὸς ἁμαρτίας]’*. Here, *sarx* symbolizes the systemic weakness of human nature, which the law could not overcome. Paul’s emphasis on Christ’s ‘flesh’ underscores both divine solidarity with humanity and the transformative power of the Spirit over sin - marking a pivotal theological shift in early Christian thought.

Sarx and the Flesh-Spirit Contrast

Paul's use of 'sarx' crystallizes in his contrast between the flesh and the Spirit, most vividly articulated in Romans 8:3-4 and Galatians 5:19-21.

In Romans 8:3-4, Paul declares that 'God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,' illustrating how Christ's embodied humanity became the vehicle for overcoming sin's dominion. Here, 'sarx' represents the systemic power of sin that the law could not conquer, while the Spirit enables believers to fulfill the law's demands. 'Sarx' is presented as more than physicality; it is a force opposed to God's will unless transformed by Christ.

Galatians 5:19-21 amplifies this contrast by cataloging 'the works of the flesh' - such as immorality, idolatry, and strife - then juxtaposing them with 'the fruit of the Spirit' (love, joy, peace). Paul positions 'sarx' as a pattern of life opposed to the Spirit's transformative influence, warning that those dominated by the flesh cannot inherit God's kingdom. This passage underscores a practical dichotomy: spiritual vitality requires conscious alignment with the Spirit over fleshly impulses.

The implications are significant for Christian living. Paul's theology in these texts does not dismiss the body but reorients it toward spiritual purpose, urging believers to 'walk by the Spirit' (Galatians 5:16) to avoid fulfilling fleshly desires. Romans 8:4's assertion that the law's requirements are 'fulfilled in us who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit' (ESV) highlights a lived tension between human frailty and divine empowerment. This framework invites readers to see 'sarx' as a dynamic reality to be transcended through reliance on the Holy Spirit, not a fixed identity - bridging Paul's Christology to the ethical imperatives of the believer's daily life.

Putting 'Sarx' into Practice

Believers can discern the influence of *sarx* by examining patterns of thought and action that contradict Christ’s teachings.

Identifying *sarx* involves recognizing habitual sins like selfishness, pride, or dishonesty (Galatians 5:19-21), which reveal the flesh’s opposition to spiritual growth. Galatians 5:24 clarifies that those who belong to Christ have 'crucified the flesh with its passions and desires,' emphasizing a deliberate, ongoing surrender to His lordship. Romans 8:3 underscores hope in this process, showing how God overcame sin’s power through Christ’s embodied humanity.

This crucifixion of the flesh is not self-achieved but empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to walk in newness of life (Romans 8:4). Such transformation invites practical reliance on prayer, community accountability, and Scripture to resist the flesh’s pull.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of *sarx*, explore its interplay with Paul’s broader theological framework, particularly his contrasts with *pneuma* (spirit) and *soma* (body).

Consider how Romans 8:5-6 distinguishes between living ‘according to the flesh’ and ‘according to the Spirit,’ and how 1 Corinthians 15:44 contrasts the ‘natural body’ (*soma psychikon*) with the ‘spiritual body’ (*soma pneumatikon*). These passages show Paul’s vision of transformation, where the Spirit redirects the *soma* toward resurrection life, redeeming *sarx* through Christ rather than merely suppressing it.