Freedom From What?

Galatians 5:13-17
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

What does Paul say that believers were called to?
What does he say prevents believers from doing the things that they please?
What did Paul mean by "the flesh"?
Let's look up "flesh" in Strong's. It's number is G4561, and its corresponding Greek word is "sarx." Here's what it says: flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul [or spirit], or as the symbol of what is external, or as by the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties [physical or moral] and passions), or (specifically) a human being (as such), and it's translated with these words: carnal, carnally, carnally minded, flesh, fleshly.
What does Paul specifically teach us about the flesh?
Let's make a list.

• We are not to use our freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. (G 5:13)
• If we walk by the Spirit, we will not carry out the desire of the flesh. (G 5:16)
• The flesh and the Spirit are in opposition to one another. (G 5:17)
• The flesh keeps us from doing what we please. (G 5:17)

From what Paul teaches us in these verses about the flesh, what attitude would he desire that his readers have toward the flesh and its desires? What does he warn them they may do to one another if they're walking in the flesh instead of the Spirit?

Read what Paul wrote to the Romans in Romans 7:5-6. As you go through your day, be aware of this war between your flesh and the Spirit of God living within you. What do you know that should help you to better live your life today?