What does the flesh refer to in Galatians 3?
In Galatians 3, the flesh refers to the Law—the works of the Law. The Law is described as fleshly, weak, and beggarly. Paul contrasts beginning in the Spirit with being made perfect by the flesh, meaning legalistic works cannot complete what the Spirit began.
Les explains that in Galatians 3:3, Paul asks the Galatians if, having begun in the Spirit, they are now made perfect by the flesh. Les identifies the flesh as the Law—the Law was fleshly, weak, and beggarly. The Spirit generated salvation because of their faith, and the works of the Law cannot make one right with God. Faith comes by hearing, not by the works of the Law.