Why can't the law be kept by the energy of the flesh?
The law cannot be kept by the energy of the flesh because it is impossible for old Adam. The flesh may recognize right and wrong, but cannot obey and soon gives up. Only when the Holy Spirit leads, guides, and directs the believer does the law take care of itself, fulfilling it through newness of Spirit rather than the letter.
Les explains that believers are delivered from the law so they should serve in newness of Spirit, not in the oldness of the letter. He contrasts two concepts: living under the new nature prompted by the Holy Spirit, or trying to satisfy old Adam. Old Adam can recognize that things like stealing are wrong, but he knows he cannot keep the law anyway, so he soon gives up. The new nature does not have that problem. Under the Holy Spirit's guidance, the believer realizes the law cannot be kept by the energy of the flesh—it is impossible. But when the Holy Spirit leads, guides, and directs, the law takes care of itself. Les says this newness means a whole new ball game when a person becomes a believer and receives the new nature.
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
More Questions
What happens when the old nature tries to keep the law?
Old Adam can recognize that things like stealing are wrong, but because he knows he cannot keep the law anyway, he soon gives up.