How do I deal with the conflict going on within myself between my sinful nature and my new nature in Christ?

Romans 7:18-25I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. . . . I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

Galatians 5:17, 22-23The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. . . . But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When you become a Christian, a new conflict begins inside you that will be a life-long battle: what you want versus what God wants. Fortunately, you also have the Holy Spirit living in you, and when you allow him, he gives you the tools you need to fight your sinful nature. Over time, you will replace conflict with peace, anger with patience, rage with gentleness, and sinful thoughts and actions with self-control.

Matthew 12:25“Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart.”

While all Christians must recognize their own constant, internal battle with sin, you must not become comfortable with this conflict; it is a fight you must try to win at all costs. Failing to stand against sin in your own life will ultimately destroy you.