Old Self

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;” Eph 4:22 (NIV) 

Does your struggle with sin end at conversion? If so, why do believers sin? The penalty for your sin has been paid in full by the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Yet, the presence of sin is still contaminating our culture and inviting believers to compromise their convictions. 

Paul acknowledged that the old self is in a state of decay. The fleshly corruption creates an inner civil war for the child of God.   

• “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing.” Romans 7:18-19 (NIV)
• “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Gal 5:16-17 (NIV)
• “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God–through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:24-25 (NIV)
• “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Col 3:5 (NIV)

What a celebration to behold for your deliverance from your former way of life! Put off the old self. There’s a new you in view through the redemptive activity of God. The victory has been won! 

Pursuing God,