the flesh: The word flesh can sometimes refer to the human body in a neutral way. For example, Paul speaks of Christ coming “in the flesh” (see 8:3). More often, however, Paul uses flesh in a negative sense. It describes human life lived apart from God. To live according to the flesh means to be ruled by sin and opposed to God.
the sinful passions aroused by the law: God’s law is good in itself (see 7:12). However, because people have sinful hearts (inner desires that go against God), the law can cause sinful desires to appear. When people live in rebellion against God, his commands can cause a desire to do the opposite of what he commands.