Our “old man”, aka, our old sinful nature, CAN be snuffed out like a cheap cigar if that is your desire. Stop feeding him. Feed your spirit man instead. Once saved your desires should start to realign themselves with the Lords desires FOR YOU. Because of the free will that God offers us all, one doesn’t HAVE to stop feeding the old nature, because there’s a good chance your past life has some pleasurable moments that you’d like to replicate. But does that help you grow spiritually AND is it pleasing to the Lord. We can do as we choose. We don’t HAVE to conform to God’s will for us, but if we choose not to we are shortchanging ourselves in a very big way with regards to that which will benefit us the most.
To do our own thing means we think we know better than our Creator what benefits us the most. With the influence of the “prince of the power of the air” [1] (Satan) we’ll have a difficult time adhering to God’s statutes. That’s why our focus cannot be on the past events that have brought us pleasure. We must readjust our way of thinking and make our main goal to emulate Christ and follow the directives of the Lord.
The problem many have regarding the “old man” is that he just doesn’t have the good grace to stay buried. He’s constantly trying to claw his way back into our lives. It takes a “stick to it” attitude and determination to thwart the enemies attacks. Put on your spiritual armor
(Ephesians 6), call on the name of the Lord, rebuke the enemy in Jesus’ name. This approach works if you’re locked into a steady, rock solid relationship with God. You are His child and as a good Father, God provides for and protects us. He strengthens us and guides us by His Holy Spirit who resides within us once saved. Feed your spirit man and starve the old man. He no longer has to have any hold on you. Believe that and you shall be free of him.
Until next time, serve God & praise His name.
In His Name & for His Glory,
RL Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
[1] Ephesians 2:2 NIV
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