But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. Romans 13:14

Here are two approaches to battling fleshly lusts. The first is Paul’s.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Gal. 5:16

Being a pragmatist, he says, “Hey look, walk in the Spirit and you’ll not have to contend with them.” It’s that simple! We can’t do both—walk in the Spirit and in the lusts of our flesh—at the same time.

“Fleshly” Peter promotes proactivity, because he knows who’s lurking around the corner, i.e. the roaring lion. (1 Peter 5:8)

Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 1 Peter 2:11

Truth is, we must do both.

Paul’s admonition in the preceding verses (vv. 12-13) involves “laying aside” the deeds of darkness and “putting on” the armor of God, implying action and effort on our part. There is a concerted effort necessary to resist—stand firm against—sin, but it’s empowered and equipped by the Spirit of God.

So, we go out to brave the cold but we don’t leave the house without our coats.