Can we eliminate our evil nature in this life?
No.
However, we can ignore it to the point that it does not control us.
It seems that evil is some how connected to these bodies we live in. This strange anomaly resides in our thoughts. We all get evil thoughts and good ones.
Those with the mind of Christ are able to identify the origin of thoughts, whether good or evil. They (should) choose the good and ignore the evil. A consistent practice of this leads us to life, while following the evil thoughts leads to sin. It gets us all caught up in the scenario Paul lays out. In this passage, Paul is explaining that.
Jesus explained that sin comes from the "heart". This means that if we will follow evil the thoughts that we most closely identify with and act on them that it leads to sin and death.
But if we ignore them and act upon the nudging of God;s spirit within us that it leads to life and peace.
Its an active struggle that we must endure to test our true nature. The scariest part is that it takes place in the mind. We can have the appearance of being righteous, but if our thoughts toward others are actually evil, we deceive ourselves about who we really follow. It all takes place in the mind and at the judgement, every secret thought and motive will be exposed.
And yes, we are absolutely responsible for which path we choose to follow.
It is crucial to realize that evil thoughts COME FROM the evil one. I do not think we are at fault that the thought itself appeared, only if we coddle and embrace it.
Somehow our consciousness is like a radio receiving signals from everywhere.
It is our responsibility to tune into God's spirit and tune out the devils.