The Seventh chapter of Romans, Paul describes himself as virtually two people —the “inward man” locked in combat with “the old man” of the flesh. He says:
“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members” (vs. 21-23).
Who of us cannot empathize with the anguish of Paul in his mighty struggle against sin? Who of us cannot feel that same battle within ourselves? If a spiritual giant such as Paul felt this way, do we not at times feel nearly hopeless in our fight against sin?
Hope lies in chapter 8. “For The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the .flesh, but after the Spirit”
Here then is another “law,” a moral principle in which the believer can find strength to battle the propensities of the flesh.
Walking after the “law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus” is not merely refraining from evil, for “the law of the spirit” is not a negative principle. The way of Christ is positive, concerned more with doing the will of God rather than merely refraining from sin. We must walk after the spirit; this is a positive act. The believer will never overcome sin by force of will, thinking, “I will not sin, I will not sin.”
Yet there are a number of practical things we can and must do to overcome the cravings of “the carnal mind.”
Power of Bible study
We must feed the “new man.” We do this by reading and studying the word of God daily. In using the word “study” we are thinking not merely of an exercise in the acquisition of facts, but a way of communing with the divine mind, thereby feeding the “inner man.”
We should give our best effort to our Bible study. This means more than keeping current with our daily readings; it means a diligent effort at digging out the “meat of the Word.” The Lord will not accept a half-hearted effort: “And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts” (Mal. 1:8). Let us reflect on efforts we have put into our worldly pursuits and ask ourselves whether we have expended the same hard work in our Bible study. Are we offering “the lame and sick?”
Study of the word gives us God’s perspective. When we see things through God’s eyes we have real power in our lives. The difficult issues of life take on new meaning as God’s word molds our characters into a “new creation.” As we feed the “new man,” we starve the “old.”
Power of working the work of God
Study alone is not enough to build the “new man;” physical as well as mental exercise is necessary. The intake of the word must find expression in working the work of God: visit the sick, the lonely, the elderly; call someone you haven’t talked to lately; write a letter; volunteer to organize a gathering or study weekend; help a preaching effort; show a kindness to the undeserving; do something for someone who couldn’t possibly do something for you. The list is endless as the work of the Lord consists of the many small tasks of ecclesial life that are sorely needed — and all too often neglected.
Are we concerned that no one has called us, or done something for us lately? Forget about self and concentrate on the needs of others. The “old man” delights in selfishness. When we deny self, we crucify the “old man” and feed the “new.”
The power of prayer
The power of prayer cannot be too greatly emphasized. Our Lord was a man of prayer as even the most superficial consideration of his life reveals this quality of his character. He constantly sought communion with his Father through prayer and is the perfect example that as we draw nigh to God, He draws nigh to us (Jas. 4:8).
Our problems ecclesially and personally would be much easier to bear if we resorted more diligently and fervently to prayer. All too often, we seek to solve our problems with human wisdom and self will while ignoring the fact the “new man” can truly overcome the “old man” through prayer.
God has graciously condescended to hear our prayers, therefore let us avail ourselves liberally of this wonderful resource.
The power of the atonement
When we truly appreciate what our Lord has done in laying down his life for us, it becomes a tremendous power in how we live the Truth:
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (II Cor. 5:14- 1 5).
The love of Christ compels us to live a life of service, dedication and self-denial. A proper appreciation of the atonement leads us to serve and obey God, not out of fear of punishment or hope of reward, but out of love and appreciation for what was done for us.
Yes, it is certain that we long for the redemption of this mortal body; but as we mature in our understanding of the atonement, we seek immortality, not as a personal benefit only, but so that we might fully glorify God.
Christ’s life and death are the supreme examples of his love and selfless devotion to God and his brethren. When we appreciate what Christ has done for us — what great love was manifested — it motivates us to “walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.”
The power of faith
“I’m not good enough for the kingdom.” Have we ever heard this, or even said it ourselves?
Of course we are not good enough for the kingdom! None of us are! It is through God’s grace we will be there, not through our goodness.
We know that an entrance into the kingdom is conditional upon our obedience. Perhaps in a reaction against the false doctrine of “once saved, always saved,” we think of the kingdom and immortality in such conditional terms that we don’t fully appreciate what God has done for us. It may even lead us to lose faith. We may allow negative thinking to blind us to the fact that “it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Lk. 12:32).
Consider the children of Israel as they stood at the threshold of the land of promise (Num. 13:26-14:9). God had said: “Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it…” (Lev. 20:24). Their report after spying out the land was, “We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we” (Num. 13:31). They didn’t believe that God could save them. Their own unbelief kept them out! (Heb. 4:6).
Contrast their attitude with that of Caleb and Joshua: “Rebel not ye against Yahweh, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and Yahweh is with us: fear them not” (Num. 14:9). There was no doubt in their minds that Yahweh would save them and give them the land.
We, too, like Israel, stand at the threshold of the land of promise. God can save us and give us that land, but we must believe that He will help us in the fight to overcome the “old man” of the flesh. In our battle with the flesh, there are times when we will surely stumble. Such is the weakness of our nature. What the Father expects of us is to fight and never give up. The positive attitude of faith and confidence in what the Father has promised will lead us to victory over the flesh and into His kingdom. We must banish every doubt, truly believing “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13).
This is not presumption, but confidence in what our Lord has done for us and what He will do if we believe in Him.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One