The Old Self

[Van]

Once a person has been spiritually born anew, they are a "new creation." Our old human spirit has been born anew, but our newly created human spirit, made perfect by the washing of regeneration, still animates our flesh and blood physical body. We still have our memories of our old attributes and attitudes, in short our old self. (Old here is not used to indicate age, but the worn out inferior version of ourselves.)

Both 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 6:15 refer to those born anew as "new creations." Therefore one of our tasks or callings, as born anew ambassadors of Christ is to rid ourselves of the controlling influence of our "old self." Ephesians 4:22. This daily battle is termed "Progressive Sanctification." You can read all about it in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12.

 

[Van]

Romans 6:19 NASB
I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented the parts of your body as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your body’s parts as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

Here, in the phrase"weakness of your flesh" the Greek word "sarx" (G4561) is used to refer to our old, prone to sin, attributes and attitudes, our old self.

 

[Ascetic X]

Romans 6:19 NASB
I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented the parts of your body as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your body’s parts as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

Here, in the phrase"weakness of your flesh" the Greek word "sarx" (G4561) is used to refer to our old, prone to sin, attributes and attitudes, our old self.

It is easy to have head knowledge of spiritual truths, and much memorized scripture, causing us to think we are good Christians — but not exhibit significant positive change in behavior.

I have started examining myself more critically, comparing my actions to the commands of Jesus and the instructions in the church epistles.

For example, we are to pray continually. Unfortunately, I spend a lot of time occupying my mind with entertainment, memories, regrets, expectations, hopes, news reports, and other things, instead of praying.

The old sinful self is deceptive and stubborn. We can downplay our sinful tendencies as they enslave us and expand.

Do we think it is okay to be harsh to those we disagree with? Do discussions heat up and escalate into insulting or personally attacking someone? How often do we turn the other cheek?

 

[Van]

It is easy to have head knowledge of spiritual truths, and much memorized scripture, causing us to think we are good Christians — but not exhibit significant positive change in behavior.

I have started examining myself more critically, comparing my actions to the commands of Jesus and the instructions in the church epistles.

For example, we are to pray continually. Unfortunately, I spend a lot of time occupying my mind with entertainment, memories, regrets, expectations, hopes, news reports, and other things, instead of praying.

The old sinful self is deceptive and stubborn. We can downplay our sinful tendencies as they enslave us and expand.

Do we think it is okay to be harsh to those we disagree with? Do discussions heat up and escalate into insulting or personally attacking someone? How often do we turn the other cheek?

1) Do we think it is ok to be harsh to those we disagree with? Great question. What does scripture say?

Topical Bible: Discernment Against False Teachers

2) Does "pray continually" mean to pray all the time? Nope, but we should have an active prayer life that demonstrates our dependence upon God.

Topical Bible: Pray Continually

 

[Van]

Romans 7:25
Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. A more interpretive translation might read, "... the sinful impulse of my old self...."

 

[Van]

One trademark of the rule of the "Old Self" is the failure to acknowledge correction. If someone teaches, no lost person ever seeks God, and when shown that many lost people actually do seek God, but does not acknowledge the error in doctrine, stronger treatment is biblical, along the lines of church discipline.

On the internet, the rub is no "private" means of correction is available. If the errant view goes unchallenged, the errant view might cause people to stumble, and some to even lose entry into the kingdom.

Another sure sign of a false teacher is when shown the error in their doctrine, they revert to finding fault with the character and behavior of their opponent...