Another Possibility for Habitual Sin

We’ve been discussing the possibility of living “under the law” when we find ourselves living like Romans 7 is the natural way for life – 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.

Since Paul was describing his life under the law, it can very well be that we’re living under the law. That’s already been discussed in posts. The second possibility comes from understanding what Paul makes clear in Romans 6.

If you think I’m going to talk about our struggle with the “Old Nature” you’re wrong. In Romans 6 Paul tells us time and time and time again that the old nature is dead -

• We died to sin  Romans 6:2
• …our old self was crucified with him Romans 6:6-7
• …count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God Romans 6:11-12
• You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Romans 6:18 (New International Version)
• …you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, Romans 6:22 (New International Version)

There is a practical application of this theological principal.

The Bible tells us to put off our old nature, it never says to kill it. Paul says the reason you’ve been baptized so you could have a funeral. (Romans 6:3-4)

You might say “Paul said, ‘I die daily’, isn’t he talking about putting to death our old nature?”

Actually, no. 1 Corinthians 15:31 is another verse picked out of context and applied poorly. In the chapter Paul is in the middle of talking about Christ’s physical death and what His physical resurrection means to us.  It’s a better thought-for-thought translation for it to read “I face death daily” as it has nothing to do with putting to death our old nature. You are already dead to sin.

You’re old nature isn’t the one haunting you.

You are dead to sin. You now have a choice not to sin. You are not obedient to sin any longer. You’re not a slave to it’s whim.

You’re not fighting your “old man.” Your old nature is dead. So if you’re in a battle with what you think is your old nature, you’ll never be free. How can you be free from yourself? How can you take even take a holiday from your soul?

When you try to kill you’re “old man” you’re not agreeing with God that the old man is already dead.

It’s not your old nature you’re fighting.

So why is the struggle with habitual sin so intense?

You’re fighting demons.

I think you may want to check out the next post on this topic, but if you want to disagree with me now I’m happy to read your comments.