This is saying that each of us as Christians feels two strong desires within. Here, Paul calls them “good” … “evil.” Elsewhere Scripture uses other terms: “spirit” … “flesh” (Galatians 5:17); “new man” … “old man” (Ephesians 4:22,24); “new heart” … “heart desperately wicked” (Ezekiel 36:26; Jeremiah 17:9).
These are two contrary principles and powers, each working in us and competing for our obedience. For convenience, we call these our “two natures.” By “nature,” we mean what will cause us to act; the inclination we tend to follow.
This gives to us the biblical understanding of a real Christian. Spurgeon, in his preaching, put it this way,
I hold that there is in every Christian two natures… There is … a spiritual nature, coming directly from heaven, as pure and as perfect as God himself, who is the author of it; and there is also in man that ancient nature which, by the fall of Adam, hath become altogether vile, corrupt, sinful, and devilish.
More recently, reformed teachers have denied this. In 1971, Donald Macleod, in a magazine article, maintained that Christians are only “the new man.”[1] And J.I. Packer has written, “A widespread but misleading line of teaching tells us that Christians have two natures: an old one and a new one.”[2] John MacArthur writes similarly, “If you are a Christian, it’s a serious misunderstanding to think of yourself as having both an old and new nature. We do not have a dual personality!”[3]
These men stand for a “one nature view.” What does this teach? MacArthur again,
Biblical terminology, then, does not say that the Christian has two different natures. He has but one nature, the new nature in Christ. The old self dies and the new self lives. They do not coexist … The Christian is a single new person, a totally new creation, not a spiritual schizophrenic.[4]
If the question is asked: if we have only one nature – the new nature – why can a Christian still sin? According to MacArthur, sin comes from our fallen and corrupt body,
[Paul] does not warn about sin reigning in our souls or in our spirits, but only about its reigning in our bodies, because that is the only place in a Christian where sin can operate.[5]
In reply to this, and to clarify what we mean by “two natures.”
a] We are not saying that Christians have a dual personally.
They are not two entities inside us working on their own. By two natures, we simply mean two opposing principles, each seeking the government of our soul and life.
b] Macarthur says that the body is the source of sinning.
But that suggests the body itself is evil, which it is not (1 Corinthians 6:19). Its role is as the vehicle of either sin or righteousness (Romans 6:12,13). Sin is in our nature, not in our body.
c] The “one nature view” can be misleading.
It implies that it is well with us by nature unless we give way to our bodily instincts and urges. But this promises too much: it is as if all we need do is operate on the level of our regenerate nature, and keep clear of the body and its corruptions.
However, we know that the problem of remaining sin is deeper than that. All is not well within us: “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, etc.” (Mark 7:21). The source of sinning is in the very warp and woof of our being. It is alive within us. The new nature from God, however, enables us to function as true Christians.
Clear understanding on this point is important. It is more than a theological matter – it belongs to what makes us Christians, and to our sanctification – the work of God in us whereby He subdues our sin and makes us gradually more holy like Himself. Let us see how a right understanding helps us regarding our sanctification.
1. WE ARE NOT WHAT WE ONCE WERE
1] Before our conversion, all was carnal.
We inherited a corrupt nature from our fall in Adam. It makes us what we fundamentally are, and what determines our conduct. We have anature whose default is away from God and toward every sin. Naturally, we are unbelievers, rebels, haters of God and transgressors (Romans 8:5-7; 1 Corinthians 2:14. Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 2:2; 1 John 2:16).
This left us with no ability to believe and know God, Christ and heaven. We were fools and blind. We lived in sin and loved it, and yet did not know it. We were on the broad way to eternal damnation.
2] When we were converted, we began life in the Spirit.
Conversion is nothing less than “regeneration” or a “new birth” from heaven (John 3:3 margin). By this miracle, the Holy Spirit quickens us and brings us into union with Christ and His saving fullness. The Spirit then indwells us as the One through Whom we love Christ and holiness.
The new nature from heaven did not change or replace the old nature but created a new one. It gave us a new set of desires and powers – and all to lead us to believing, loving and obeying God in Christ. A remarkable verse in this connection is 2 Peter 1:4 “partakers of the divine nature.” This, of course, does not mean we share His divine essence. Rather, it says that this new nature, akin to God, means we take part with God in all that pleases Him, including holiness: “partakers of his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10).
3] Now we find the conflict begins.
There is still the “evil” that is at work in us. What we term remaining sin or the old nature. It means, therefore, that we have within us two different capacities or abilities to think, speak and act. These are opposed and contrary: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). It is expressed also in Galatians 5:17 “the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other.”
4] We are, therefore, never free from the contrary working of sin.
Or even from the consciousness of it. Henry Twells’ words ring true for us all,
And none, O Lord, have perfect rest,
For none are wholly free from sin;
And they who fain would serve Thee best
Are conscious most of wrong within.
Although we experience this internal civil war, let us never forget that we are not what we once were. We are regenerate and in the Spirit. We are like a boxer who has an opponent he must fight. But he has a trainer who helps him win. Our opponent is the old nature, but the Trainer is the Holy Spirit, who energises the new nature to fight the good fight of faith.
2. WE ARE BECOMING WHAT WE ARE CALLED TO BE
That is, to be more holy, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Sanctification is the work of God in us by which He gradually makes us holy in heart and life. What we are considering helps us see how He does it.
1] By helping us to obey the new nature.
Colossians 3:8-10 “Put off” … “put on.” It is vital that we starve the old man and feed the new man. If we do that, the one has less influence with us, and the other has more. George Whitefield reminds us that sometimes the Lord uses trials to accomplish this,
This remaining body of sin … How hard, how slow, he dies! Oh, for a heart gladly to embrace every cross, every trying dispensation that may have a tendency to poison, or starve, or nip the buddings of the old – and cherish, promote, or cause to bloom and blossom the graces and tempers of the new man in my soul.
2] We avoid whatever helps our old nature.
Romans 13:14 “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” If we are serious about this it will lead to our being careful what we see, read, hear and encounter.
It will affect Internet browsing, reading material, and use of the media: “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out” Proverbs 26:20.
3] We must yield to the new nature and its leading.
The Holy Spirit indwells us, who is sometimes called the Spirit with a capital “S.” Therefore, Paul writes, “walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Our renewed nature has the Holy Spirit; the flesh has the devil to act on it. We know, therefore that victory will be ours.
The story of the converted Indian given too much change at the trading post illustrates this. The next day he was back to return it. The owner of the trading post asked him why he did not just keep the extra, to which the Indian replied: “In me is two Indians; one good, one bad. Bad Indian say ‘Keep money.’ Good Indian say ‘Take’m back.’ They fight all night long. I get no sleep. Good Indian finally win.”
4] The Lord promises to weaken sin’s power in us.
Micah 7:19 “he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities.” James Smith helpfully illustrates this,
But like fire apparently quenched, it will break out again and again; like rebels in a state, it will seize every opportunity of disturbing the peace and happiness of the soul. Hear, then, what the Lord says to you … ‘I will subdue your iniquities.’ Carry your complaint to His throne, plead His faithful word, and expect His promised power to subdue your iniquities. Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace. Grace reigns, and will conquer every rival lust.
5] There is comfort when we fail.
The old nature will never be eradicated – any more than the new nature will ever perfectly prevail. Philip Melancthon once confessed, “Old Adam was too strong for young Melanchthon.” However, we do not sin as we once did: God gives us repentance, pardon, and restoration. And this shows us what we are. William Gurnall made the point, “A sheep may fall into a ditch, but it is the swine that wallows in it.” The regenerate show they are new, different creatures by their rising up from sin and persevering in holiness (Psalm 37:23,24).
6] The conflict keeps us humble and dependent.
We acknowledge our Lord’s words, “without me, ye can do nothing.” In addition, nothing that we do will be perfect – all will seem tainted. This is why need a Mediator who “bears the iniquity of our holy things” (Exodus 38:28) and through whose merit all we offer to God is accepted. And we will give God all the glory for anything good and worthy: “for thou hast wrought all our works in us” (Isaiah 26:12).
3. WE WILL ONE DAY BE ALL WE COULD WISH
1] It will not always be the battle.
Our old nature never weakens, but the motions of sin can be weakened. And every victory reminds us that one day there is final victory. Matthew Henry likens it to the “long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker” (2 Samuel 3:1). He wrote,
The contest between grace and corruption in the hearts of believers, who are sanctified but in part, may fitly be compared to this recorded here. There is a long war between them, the flesh lusted against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh; but, as the work of sanctification is carried on, corruption, like the house of Saul, grows weaker and weaker; while grace, like the house of David, grows stronger and stronger, till it come to a perfect man, and judgment be brought forth unto victory.
2] In death, we leave our old nature behind.
We shall then be perfected in holiness to enter heaven. And afterwards at the resurrection we will have bodies like that of our Lord Jesus Christ, the embodiment of perfect holiness (Philippians 3:20). Then will be realised Watts’ words,
Sin my worst enemy before
Shall vex my eyes and ears no more,
My inward foes shall all be slain,
Nor Satan break my peace again.
Then shall I see, and hear, and know
All I desired or wished below.
And every power find sweet employ
In that eternal world of joy.
In summary, concerning holiness, we can say that regeneration begins it, sanctification matures it, and glory will complete it. Despite all the opposition of our carnal remains, “the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18).
This is saying that each of us as Christians feels two strong desires within. Here, Paul calls them “good” … “evil.” Elsewhere Scripture uses other terms: “spirit” … “flesh” (Galatians 5:17); “new man” … “old man” (Ephesians 4:22,24); “new heart” … “heart desperately wicked” (Ezekiel 36:26; Jeremiah 17:9).
These are two contrary principles and powers, each working in us and competing for our obedience. For convenience, we call these our “two natures.” By “nature,” we mean what will cause us to act; the inclination we tend to follow.
This gives to us the biblical understanding of a real Christian. Spurgeon, in his preaching, put it this way,
I hold that there is in every Christian two natures… There is … a spiritual nature, coming directly from heaven, as pure and as perfect as God himself, who is the author of it; and there is also in man that ancient nature which, by the fall of Adam, hath become altogether vile, corrupt, sinful, and devilish.
More recently, reformed teachers have denied this. In 1971, Donald Macleod, in a magazine article, maintained that Christians are only “the new man.”[1] And J.I. Packer has written, “A widespread but misleading line of teaching tells us that Christians have two natures: an old one and a new one.”[2] John MacArthur writes similarly, “If you are a Christian, it’s a serious misunderstanding to think of yourself as having both an old and new nature. We do not have a dual personality!”[3]
These men stand for a “one nature view.” What does this teach? MacArthur again,
Biblical terminology, then, does not say that the Christian has two different natures. He has but one nature, the new nature in Christ. The old self dies and the new self lives. They do not coexist … The Christian is a single new person, a totally new creation, not a spiritual schizophrenic.[4]
If the question is asked: if we have only one nature – the new nature – why can a Christian still sin? According to MacArthur, sin comes from our fallen and corrupt body,
[Paul] does not warn about sin reigning in our souls or in our spirits, but only about its reigning in our bodies, because that is the only place in a Christian where sin can operate.[5]
In reply to this, and to clarify what we mean by “two natures.”
a] We are not saying that Christians have a dual personally.
They are not two entities inside us working on their own. By two natures, we simply mean two opposing principles, each seeking the government of our soul and life.
b] Macarthur says that the body is the source of sinning.
But that suggests the body itself is evil, which it is not (1 Corinthians 6:19). Its role is as the vehicle of either sin or righteousness (Romans 6:12,13). Sin is in our nature, not in our body.
c] The “one nature view” can be misleading.
It implies that it is well with us by nature unless we give way to our bodily instincts and urges. But this promises too much: it is as if all we need do is operate on the level of our regenerate nature, and keep clear of the body and its corruptions.
However, we know that the problem of remaining sin is deeper than that. All is not well within us: “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, etc.” (Mark 7:21). The source of sinning is in the very warp and woof of our being. It is alive within us. The new nature from God, however, enables us to function as true Christians.
Clear understanding on this point is important. It is more than a theological matter – it belongs to what makes us Christians, and to our sanctification – the work of God in us whereby He subdues our sin and makes us gradually more holy like Himself. Let us see how a right understanding helps us regarding our sanctification.
1. WE ARE NOT WHAT WE ONCE WERE
1] Before our conversion, all was carnal.
We inherited a corrupt nature from our fall in Adam. It makes us what we fundamentally are, and what determines our conduct. We have anature whose default is away from God and toward every sin. Naturally, we are unbelievers, rebels, haters of God and transgressors (Romans 8:5-7; 1 Corinthians 2:14. Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 2:2; 1 John 2:16).
This left us with no ability to believe and know God, Christ and heaven. We were fools and blind. We lived in sin and loved it, and yet did not know it. We were on the broad way to eternal damnation.
2] When we were converted, we began life in the Spirit.
Conversion is nothing less than “regeneration” or a “new birth” from heaven (John 3:3 margin). By this miracle, the Holy Spirit quickens us and brings us into union with Christ and His saving fullness. The Spirit then indwells us as the One through Whom we love Christ and holiness.
The new nature from heaven did not change or replace the old nature but created a new one. It gave us a new set of desires and powers – and all to lead us to believing, loving and obeying God in Christ. A remarkable verse in this connection is 2 Peter 1:4 “partakers of the divine nature.” This, of course, does not mean we share His divine essence. Rather, it says that this new nature, akin to God, means we take part with God in all that pleases Him, including holiness: “partakers of his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10).
3] Now we find the conflict begins.
There is still the “evil” that is at work in us. What we term remaining sin or the old nature. It means, therefore, that we have within us two different capacities or abilities to think, speak and act. These are opposed and contrary: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). It is expressed also in Galatians 5:17 “the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other.”
4] We are, therefore, never free from the contrary working of sin.
Or even from the consciousness of it. Henry Twells’ words ring true for us all,
And none, O Lord, have perfect rest,
For none are wholly free from sin;
And they who fain would serve Thee best
Are conscious most of wrong within.
Although we experience this internal civil war, let us never forget that we are not what we once were. We are regenerate and in the Spirit. We are like a boxer who has an opponent he must fight. But he has a trainer who helps him win. Our opponent is the old nature, but the Trainer is the Holy Spirit, who energises the new nature to fight the good fight of faith.
2. WE ARE BECOMING WHAT WE ARE CALLED TO BE
That is, to be more holy, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Sanctification is the work of God in us by which He gradually makes us holy in heart and life. What we are considering helps us see how He does it.
1] By helping us to obey the new nature.
Colossians 3:8-10 “Put off” … “put on.” It is vital that we starve the old man and feed the new man. If we do that, the one has less influence with us, and the other has more. George Whitefield reminds us that sometimes the Lord uses trials to accomplish this,
This remaining body of sin … How hard, how slow, he dies! Oh, for a heart gladly to embrace every cross, every trying dispensation that may have a tendency to poison, or starve, or nip the buddings of the old – and cherish, promote, or cause to bloom and blossom the graces and tempers of the new man in my soul.
2] We avoid whatever helps our old nature.
Romans 13:14 “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” If we are serious about this it will lead to our being careful what we see, read, hear and encounter.
It will affect Internet browsing, reading material, and use of the media: “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out” Proverbs 26:20.
3] We must yield to the new nature and its leading.
The Holy Spirit indwells us, who is sometimes called the Spirit with a capital “S.” Therefore, Paul writes, “walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Our renewed nature has the Holy Spirit; the flesh has the devil to act on it. We know, therefore that victory will be ours.
The story of the converted Indian given too much change at the trading post illustrates this. The next day he was back to return it. The owner of the trading post asked him why he did not just keep the extra, to which the Indian replied: “In me is two Indians; one good, one bad. Bad Indian say ‘Keep money.’ Good Indian say ‘Take’m back.’ They fight all night long. I get no sleep. Good Indian finally win.”
4] The Lord promises to weaken sin’s power in us.
Micah 7:19 “he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities.” James Smith helpfully illustrates this,
But like fire apparently quenched, it will break out again and again; like rebels in a state, it will seize every opportunity of disturbing the peace and happiness of the soul. Hear, then, what the Lord says to you … ‘I will subdue your iniquities.’ Carry your complaint to His throne, plead His faithful word, and expect His promised power to subdue your iniquities. Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace. Grace reigns, and will conquer every rival lust.
5] There is comfort when we fail.
The old nature will never be eradicated – any more than the new nature will ever perfectly prevail. Philip Melancthon once confessed, “Old Adam was too strong for young Melanchthon.” However, we do not sin as we once did: God gives us repentance, pardon, and restoration. And this shows us what we are. William Gurnall made the point, “A sheep may fall into a ditch, but it is the swine that wallows in it.” The regenerate show they are new, different creatures by their rising up from sin and persevering in holiness (Psalm 37:23,24).
6] The conflict keeps us humble and dependent.
We acknowledge our Lord’s words, “without me, ye can do nothing.” In addition, nothing that we do will be perfect – all will seem tainted. This is why need a Mediator who “bears the iniquity of our holy things” (Exodus 38:28) and through whose merit all we offer to God is accepted. And we will give God all the glory for anything good and worthy: “for thou hast wrought all our works in us” (Isaiah 26:12).
3. WE WILL ONE DAY BE ALL WE COULD WISH
1] It will not always be the battle.
Our old nature never weakens, but the motions of sin can be weakened. And every victory reminds us that one day there is final victory. Matthew Henry likens it to the “long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker” (2 Samuel 3:1). He wrote,
The contest between grace and corruption in the hearts of believers, who are sanctified but in part, may fitly be compared to this recorded here. There is a long war between them, the flesh lusted against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh; but, as the work of sanctification is carried on, corruption, like the house of Saul, grows weaker and weaker; while grace, like the house of David, grows stronger and stronger, till it come to a perfect man, and judgment be brought forth unto victory.
2] In death, we leave our old nature behind.
We shall then be perfected in holiness to enter heaven. And afterwards at the resurrection we will have bodies like that of our Lord Jesus Christ, the embodiment of perfect holiness (Philippians 3:20). Then will be realised Watts’ words,
Sin my worst enemy before
Shall vex my eyes and ears no more,
My inward foes shall all be slain,
Nor Satan break my peace again.
Then shall I see, and hear, and know
All I desired or wished below.
And every power find sweet employ
In that eternal world of joy.
In summary, concerning holiness, we can say that regeneration begins it, sanctification matures it, and glory will complete it. Despite all the opposition of our carnal remains, “the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18).
We All Start Off with ONE Nature – Adam’s (Jer 17:9; Romans 5:12; Mark 7:20-23)
1. The unsaved man has but one nature--a sinful, selfish, corrupt, wicked nature which he/she received from Adam.
a. We are NOT the descendants of GOD (deity), but of ADAM (sinner)
b. And all that HE was – all of HIS nature – passed upon all of us
2. Human nature is OUR nature – and it is NOT a good one
a. Our “nature” is who we are
b. With all its flaws, and all its varieties of sin
c. It is what you and I do without thinking
d. That’s why your parents had to spend so much time trying to mould your nature into someone respectful, and kind, and responsible – because left to yourself, you are only a stinking selfish cruel hurtful animal!
e. It’s why our governments make laws- to LIMIT us from being so evil!
3. Our natural nature is not a good one
a. It is full of SIN – not of goodness
1) Tell me what to do, and I will instantly try to justify NOT doing it
2) Show two options, and I will usually choose the one that satisfies my selfishness
b. Our sinful nature keeps us from ever entering into God’s presence – will send us to a devil’s hell, and ultimately into the lake of fire
1) Like a stray dog is not allowed into your home
2) Like a badger would not be allowed, or a squirrel
3) Because by nature they are wild and unpredictable
4. This first nature is called the Old Man - the OLD You
5. Listen to how GOD describes our nature
a. How is the heart of man described in Jeremiah 17:9?
1) “Desperately wicked” means “incurably evil.”
2) We are so wicked deep inside that God says we are like a person who has a deadly, incurable disease. And it is a disease far worse than cancer, leprosy or AIDS - it is the number one killer - SIN! (Romans 5:12)
b. In Mark 7:20-23 Jesus said some of the most VILE things just naturally come out (proceed) from within us, proving that our hearts are wicked INSIDE us
c. In Matthew 7:9-11, the Lord Jesus said men are WHAT? Good or evil?
1) According to these verses (especially verse 11), is it possible for an evil person to do good things?
2) Therefore, when we see people doing kind and good deeds, does this mean that these people are not evil?
3) Unsaved people can sometimes be very good fathers, very good mothers, very good citizens, very good workers on their jobs, etc.
4) But every man’s heart is "deceitful above all things and desperately wicked" (Jer 17:9)
d. According to Ephesians 2:1-3, we were "by NATURE the children of wrath" (Eph 2:3). That is our old nature. That is our Old man!
6. So, According to the Bible, is man’s heart basically evil or basically good?
7. And, What is man’s basic and biggest problem?
a. World Hunger?
b. Corrupt government leaders?
c. Poor housing?
d. Evil capitalistic corporations?
e. Pollution in the water?
f. Wars?
g. An evil and polluted heart?
8. EVERY PSYCHOLOGIST knows this, but can no longer admit it! All they can do is try and modify people’s behaviours. They never can fix them! Not at the heart level!
B. At Salvation, GOD Moved In – Became a Second Nature IN all of us
1. When a person is saved, he/she receives a new nature which is "… the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24).
2. The believer has been made a partaker of the “Divine Nature” (2 Peter 1:4), the nature of God Himself!
3. None of us had any new nature before the new birth – before conversion! We may have had rigorous training, and discipline, and character instilled in us – but our nature was the same!
4. Where did that NEW divine nature come from?
a. Christ in you (Col 1:27; 1Jn 4:4; Eph 3:17; Gal 2:20)
b. Both God the Father and the Son moved into you (John 14:23; 2Cor 6:16)
c. The Spirit of God now dwells in you (Rom 8:11)
d. In simple words, Jesus is the NEW You IN you – HE is the New Man!
e. That is why the new birth is so vitally important for you to start living!
C. So, What Happened to the Old You, When God put a New You in You?
1. Now that I have a new nature, what has happened to my old sinful nature?
a. Did it disappear?
b. Was it transformed from something evil to something good?
c. Was it totally removed?
d. Was it at least PARTIALLY removed?
e. None of the above!
2. Listen to the Apostle John describe HIMSELF along with every other believer:
a. If a believer says that he has no sin (no sin nature), he is deceiving himself (1 John 1:8)
b. If the believer says that he has not sinned (not committed any acts of sin), he is making God a liar (1 John 1:10)
3. The old sinful nature has not been erased or removed. It is still present with the believer.
4. Listen as Paul, a saved man, made the following amazing statements in Romans chapter 7:
a. Romans 7:14 "I am CARNAL, sold under SIN." (as a CHRISTIAN)
b. Romans 7:17 "Now, then, it is no more I that do it, but SIN that DWELLETH in me."
c. Romans 7:18 "For I know that IN ME (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth NO GOOD THING; for to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not."
d. Romans 7:21 "I find then a law, that, when I would do good, SIN is present with me."
e. Romans 7:24 "Oh, WRETCHED man that I am!"
f. I wish YOU were that honest about yourself!
5. So, your old nature is STILL there – all of it
a. You now have TWO natures in you!
b. The believer still has their old nature in their heart and mind, and will continue to possess the old nature until he is with the Lord
1) A nature that loves its sin – that fights God
2) That would commit adultery if it could get away with it
3) That will watch porn until caught
4) That will lie and deceive at the drop of a hat
5) That will blaspheme and criticize God for everything it can imagine to be wrong
c. Only by death will a believer actually be free from the presence of all that sin in him forever!
6. Your old nature CANNOT CHANGE – can only be modified, and moulded, but never transformed into a better you
a. The old nature is incurable. It will not change. In fact, when you are saved the old nature will seem even worse! It is desperately wicked and it remains so. It will never become less wicked than it now is.
b. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh" (John 3:6). Flesh is flesh and it will not change to become something else. Man's sinful flesh will always produce the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). Man's sinful flesh will never produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
c. Only God can do that by giving you a new nature in you.
7. It CANNOT IMPROVE
a. If you are hoping that your old nature will gradually reform itself and improve its behavior, you are going to be very disappointed.
1) That which is "corrupt" (Eph. 4:22) is going to continue to be corrupt.
2) That which is "wretched" (Rom. 7:24) is going to continue to be wretched.
3) "No good thing" (Rom. 7:18) is not going to improve to become "some good things."
b. The old nature is sinful and corrupt through and through, and it is never going to improve.
c. When a person is saved, the old nature is not transformed into something good. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit" (John 3:6). When a person is born again, the flesh does not transform itself into spirit. It remains what it always was: FLESH.
d. The old nature is not improved and sweetened. It does not undergo a reformation.
e. The Bible teaches that my old nature is just as vicious and rotten and sinful and wicked as it ever was:
1) That’s why we are commanded to "Put off . . . the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts" (Ephesians 4:22).
2) That’s why the new birth is a CREATION (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10), not a transformation.
3) The new birth is the bringing in of a new thing, not the changing of an old. My old nature remains the same.
f. The difference is this: I now have a new nature created in me by God Almighty!
g. The Bible never teaches that the old nature is transformed. It does, however, teach that believers are being transformed and changed into a new nature. Here are two examples:
1) "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed [changed] by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).
2) "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed [transformed] into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor. 3:18).
h. As we grow in the Lord, as we walk in the Spirit, as we obey the Lord, and as we surrender our wills to Him, HE CHANGES US to become more like HIS nature! Little by little, day by day, we are constantly being changed into His image.
1) FACT: I can be more like Christ today than I was yesterday!
2) I can be more like Christ tomorrow than I was today!
3) God can transform me by His grace IN me
4) But God does NOT transform the old sinful nature.
5) No, instead He crucified it!
8.
9. It WILL NEVER PLEASE GOD
a. "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:8). If you live “in the flesh” – in THAT old nature, you will never please God.
b. Listen to Proverbs 15:8: "The sacrifice of the wicked [old man] is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [new man] is his delight."
c. Even when the unsaved person performs religious acts (offering a sacrifice, saying a prayer, etc.), God is not pleased. It is done only by their flesh.
d. Proverbs 15:9: "The way of the wicked [old man] is an abomination unto the LORD: but he [God] loveth him [new man] that followeth after righteousness."
e. The way of the wicked is detestable to God. No matter which way he goes, no matter what he does, he cannot please God.
f. Wicked is not what you and I do – wicked is what you and I ARE!
g. "An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin" (Prov 21:4). Why? Because a wicked man is doing it!
h. Proverbs 15:26: "The thoughts of the wicked [old man] are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure [new man] are pleasant words."
i. Even the thoughts of the wicked are detestable to God. "And you, that were sometime alienated and ENEMIES in your MIND by wicked works" (Col. 1:21).
10. The Old Nature is CONDEMNED By God
a. God did not change the old nature. God did not transform the old nature. God did not improve the old nature. Rather, God condemned it. "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh" (Romans 8:3). Our sinful nature was condemned at Calvary's cross. DEATH of my old nature is the only answer.
b. "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:6). God's solution to the problem of the old sinful nature involved Calvary's horrible cross.
11. It is STUCK with you – until death do you part!
a. When we were unsaved the old nature dominated everything that we did, including our thoughts, words and deeds. We could not help but sin against God. We were slaves to our old nature. We could do nothing but follow the devil and our own ways.
b. Well, as believers, even though we now want to do right and want to be free from our old sinful desires are stuck with our old nature until the day we die or until the day that Christ comes to take us home to heaven at the Rapture!
c. That’s why we love to sing of HEAVEN! And why THIS world just doesn’t have such a hold on our attention like it does everyone else around us!
D. A Comparison of the Two Natures
1. What is the "old man" (Rom 6:6; Eph 4:22; Col 3:9) and what is the "new man" (Col 3:10; Eph 4:24)?
2. The old man refers to all that I am because of Adam
3. The new man refers to all that I am because of Christ
4. The old man is my old life in Adam
5. The new man is my new life in Christ.
6. The one refers to the SELF LIFE
7. The other to the CHRIST LIFE.
8. The old man is characterized by that fallen sinful nature received from Adam
9. The new man is characterized by that divine holy nature received from God at the time of the new birth.
10. The old man is born of the flesh
11. the new man is born of God.
12. The old man came about by natural birth
13. The new man came about by the spiritual new birth.
14. The old man is "CORRUPT according to the deceitful lusts" (Eph. 4:22; and compare Romans 7:24)
15. The new man is "after God (according to God, patterned after God, a reflection of God, etc.) … created in righteousness and true holiness" (Eph. 4:24).
16. The old man, old nature is what you were born with
17. The new man is a new thing which did not previously exist but which was created (Eph. 4:24; 2 Cor. 5:17). Five minutes before you were saved the new man did not exist at all, but the old man did!
As believers, we will always be fighting sin. The battlefield is within us, and the spiritual conflict is not going away. Sin no longer reigns over us, though it is still resident within us. Sin once reigned over our lives, but Christ has removed sin from the throne of our life. Jesus is now enthroned as Lord over our lives. But sin is not vanquished. Sin still lives in the palace of our heart and still has direct access to us.
VII. Sin is a Remaining Reality (7:20)
Seventh, we see that sin is a remaining reality in the life of every believer. Paul writes, “But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me” (verse 20). This repeats what Paul said earlier in verse 17, making the clarification that though he is doing the sin, it is not the real Paul. It is not the true Paul now that he is converted. The real Paul is the new man that he is in Christ. That sin “dwells” in him, “dwells” (oikeo) means ‘to live with,’ as though to co-habitate and to occupy a house with another person. Paul reaffirms that sin set up house in him and is living within him. It has made itself at home with Paul. It never leaves and never goes away from him. His sinful flesh is a permanent houseguest that is always looking over his shoulder and whispering in his ear. Simply put, sin is a monster living inside of him.
For every believer, sin is a reality that continues in our lives even after we are saved. After reading Romans 6, we could have gotten the idea that we are coasting into glory without any speed bumps or hindrances. But Paul includes Romans 7 to teach us that sin is still in our lives with us. We will fight it all the way to glory. You and I will never get out of Romans 7 until we arrive in heaven. Sometimes I hear teaching that states we need to get out of Romans 7 and permanently leave it behind by moving into Romans 8. This is not the reality of the Christian life. If Paul could not get past the battle with his sinful flesh found in Romans 7, neither will we. For the rest of our Christian life, we will be in the second half of Romans 7, as well as in Romans 6 and 8. This is an ongoing reality in the life of the Christian.
Romans 8 will emphasize our great hope regarding victory and triumph over sin in our Christian life. The trip to the doctor in Romans 7 reveals our troubling diagnosis. Romans 8 will give us the prescription for how to get well. It has been well said that a right diagnosis is half the cure. We must have a right diagnosis about what is wrong with us.
Some people are converted to Christ, join a Bible study, and begin attending a church. They assume that everything in their new Christian life will be an easy walk from there on out. Paul reminds us of the reality in Romans 7, that is an accurate diagnosis. We need these verses to help us see what remains that is wrong with us. The prescription for our ailment is found at the end of Romans 7 when Paul says, “thanks be to God [who gives us the victory] through the Lord Jesus Christ.” There is victory in the Christian life.
We cannot adopt a defeatist attitude, because greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. Because of the all-sufficient grace of God, we will grow in personal holiness. We will experience ever-increasing victories over sin in our lives. There is still sin within us as believers, but we are, nevertheless, making progress and moving forward into greater conformity to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). In Romans 7, we see our problem with sin, which continues for even the mature believer. But there is great hope in the verses that lie ahead.
I. THERE ARE IN ALL BELIEVERS TWO PRINCIPLES.
1. The first in order of time is the old Adam nature. It is born of and with the flesh. Some fancy that it is to be improved, gradually tamed down and sanctified; but it is enmity against God, and is not reconciled to God; neither, indeed, can be.
(1) This old nature lives in our members; its nest is the body, and it works through the body. There are certain appetites of ours which are perfectly allowable, nay, even necessary; but they can be very easily pushed to sinful extremes.
(2) The sin which lurks in the flesh will grow weaker in proportion as the holy principle grows stronger; and it is at no time to be tolerated or excused, but we are to fight against it, and conquer it.
2. When we are born again there is dropped into our soul the living and incorruptible seed of the Word of God. It is akin to the Divine nature, and cannot sin, because it is born of God. It is at deadly enmity with the old nature, which it will in the end destroy; but it has its work to do, which will not be accomplished all at once.
II. THE EXISTENCE OF THESE TWO PRINCIPLES NECESSITATES A CONFLICT. The lion will not lie down with the lamb. Fire will not be on good terms with water. Death will not parley with life, nor Christ with Belial. The dual life provokes a daily duel.
1. The conflict is not felt by all young Christians at the first. Christian life may be divided into three stages.
(1) That of comfort, in which the young Christian rejoices in the Lord.
(2) That of conflict. The more of this the better. Instead of being children at home we have grown into men, and therefore we must go to war. Under the old law, when a man was married, or built a house, he was excused from fighting for a season, but when that was over, he must take his place in the ranks; and so is it with the child of God.
(3) That of contemplation; in which the believer sits down to reflect upon the goodness of the Lord towards him, and upon all the good things in store for him. This is the land Beulah, which Bunyan describes as lying on the edge of the river, and so near to the Celestial City that you can hear the music and smell the perfumes from the gardens of the blessed. That is a stage which we must not expect to reach just now.
2. The reason of the fight is this; the new nature comes into our heart, to rule over it, but the carnal mind is not willing to surrender. A new throne is set up, and the old monarch, outlawed, and made to lurk in holes and corners, says to himself, "I will not have this. I will get the throne back again." (Read the "Holy War.") And let me warn you that the flesh may be doing us most mischief when it seems to be doing none. During war the sappers and miners will work underneath a city, and those inside say, "The enemy are very quiet; what can they be at?" They know their business well enough, and are laying their mines for unexpected strokes. Hence an old divine used to say that he was never so much afraid of any devil as he was of no devil. To be let alone tends to breed a dry rot in the soul.
III. THIS WARFARE SOMETIMES LEADS US INTO CAPTIVITY. This sometimes consists in —
1. The very rising of the old nature. The old nature suggests to you some sin: you hate the sin, and you despise yourself for lying open to be tempted in such a way. The very fact that such a thought has crossed your mind is bondage to your pure spirit. You do not fall into the sin; you shake off the serpent, but you feel its slime upon your soul. What a difference. A spot of ink on my coat nobody perceives; but a drop on a white handkerchief everybody at once detects, The very passing of temptation across a renewed soul brings it into captivity. I saw in Rome a very large and well executed photograph of a street and an ancient temple; but I noticed that right across the middle was the trace of a mule and a cart. The artist had done his best to prevent it, but there was the ghost of that cart and mule. An observer unskilled in art might not notice the mark, but a careful artist, with a high ideal, is vexed to see his work thus marred; and so with moral stains, that which the common man thinks a trifle is a great sorrow to the pure-hearted son of God, and he is brought into captivity by it.
2. The loss of joy through the uprising of the flesh. You want to sing the praises of God, but the temptation comes, and you have to battle with it, and the song gives place to the battle shout. It is time for prayer, but somehow you cannot control your thoughts. In holy contemplation you try to concentrate your thoughts, but somebody knocks at the door, or a child begins to cry, or a man begins to grind an organ under your window, and how can you meditate? All things seem to be against you. Little outside matters which are trifling to others will often prove terrible disturbers of your spirit.
3. Actual sin. We do, in moments of forgetfulness, that which we would willingly undo, and say that which we would willingly unsay. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak; and then the consequence is, to a child of God, that he feels himself a captive. He has yielded to treacherous banishments, and now, like Samson, his locks are shorn. He goes out to shake himself as he did aforetime, but the Philistines are upon him, and it will be a happy thing for him if he does not lose his eyes, and come to grind at the mill like a slave.
IV. THIS WARFARE, AND THIS OCCASIONAL TRIUMPH OF THE FLESH, MAKE US LOOK TO CHRIST FOR VICTORY. Whenever there is a question between me and the devil my constant way is to tell the accuser, "Well, if I am not a saint I am a sinner, and Jesus came into the world to save sinners, therefore I will go to Christ, and look to Him again." That is the way to conquer sin, as well as to overcome despair; for, when faith in Jesus comes back to your soul, you will be strong to fight, and you will win the victory.
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