DEATH OF THE OLD MAN

Romans 7:5-6 New Living Translation

5When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. 6But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.

            There was a time, prior to redemption, when we were controlled by our old nature. Desires contrary to God’s word were at work in us. The Law revealed sin to us and at the same time aroused evil desires regarding things we might never have thought of prior to them being pointed out to us. It was the Jewish people who felt that the knowledge of the truth would actually extinguish our passions, but that does not appear to be the case. Our passions became enflamed. Just like with children, the more you are told you cannot do something, the more you find yourself desiring to do it; a desire for forbidden things.

            Once saved, we are supposed to be dead to our old nature. The Spirit of God is the one that brings about our spiritual restoration over time. It’s not at all instantaneous. We are constantly under construction and it will definitely take a lifetime. As I’ve often said, just because we’ll not achieve perfection this side of heaven is no reason not to try. There is no guilt from being under God’s umbrella of grace. We are forgiven and shall remain so. 

            Forgiveness makes you free, but not free to now do that which the Law forbids. It makes you free from the penalties associated with the OT Law. This same Law that only produced hostility and condemnation is now dead to you and the salvation that has been offered and received now produces in you a new desire and ability to keep God’s statutes. Remember, we don’t earn our way into heaven by the good deeds we do, but rather we do good deeds because we feel compelled by the spirit to do them for the furtherance of God’s kingdom. Just as it was God’s good pleasure to forgive it shall be our good pleasure to please him by worshiping him thru physical service and verbal praise. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:  www.bibegateway.com, The Life Application Study Bible, NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, NIV Study Bible & Notes, MacArthur Study Bible.