Romans 6:4–7 (NLT)
For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.
Jesus was buried and raised to new life. Likewise, we are buried with him and raised to new life as well. What does Paul say the result of that is for us?
On Sunday, I said that my problem is that now I have “two natures.” Did you agree with that statement? Let’s look again at how Paul describes that in himself…
Romans 7:14–15 (NLT)
The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.
Romans 7:18–19 (NLT)
And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
Galatians 5 says the flesh and the Spirit “are opposed to each other.” Where do you see that conflict most clearly in your own real life (thought life, desires, words, habits)?
Romans 6:12–13 (NLT)
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.
This is important… There is a difference between stumbling in the battle, and having a deeper allegiance issue. How can I discern the difference?
When believers do fall into jealousy, anger, envy, etc., (works of the flesh) what does repentance look like practically (confession, bringing it into the light, making amends, replacing lies with truth)?
1 John 1:8–9 (NLT)
If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
Take a minute with these next two:
Romans 8:1 (NLT)
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:12–13 (NLT)
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
How do these two ideas in the very same passage work together? How do we find comfort in our peace with God and remain at war with our old nature?