Old versus New

[Christ4Ever]

"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh." -Galatians 5:17​

In every believer's heart there is a constant struggle between the old nature and the new. The old nature is very active, and loses no opportunity of plying all the weapons of its deadly armoury against newborn grace; while on the other hand, the new nature is ever on the watch to resist and destroy its enemy. Grace within us will employ prayer, and faith, and hope, and love, to cast out the evil; it takes unto it the "whole armour of God," and wrestles earnestly.

These two opposing natures will never cease to struggle so long as we are in this world. The battle of "Christian" with "Apollyon" lasted three hours, but the battle of Christian with himself lasted all the way from the Wicket Gate in the river Jordan. The enemy is so securely entrenched within us that he can never be driven out while we are in this body: but although we are closely beset, and often in sore conflict, we have an Almighty helper, even Jesus, the Captain of our salvation, who is ever with us, and who assures us that we shall eventually come off more than conquerors through Him.

With such assistance the new-born nature is more than a match for its foes. Are you fighting with the adversary to-day? Are Satan, the world, and the flesh, all against you? Be not discouraged nor dismayed. Fight on! For God Himself is with you; Jehovah Nissi is your banner, and Jehovah Rophi is the healer of your wounds. Fear not, you shall overcome, for who can defeat Omnipotence? Fight on, "looking unto Jesus"; and though long and stern be the conflict, sweet will be the victory, and glorious the promised reward.

"From strength to strength go on;
Wrestle, and fight, and pray,
Tread all the powers of darkness down,
And win the well-fought day."​

Charles Spurgeon

 

[HisFollower]

"If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:21-24)
Whenever I read this or the other passages concerning the old person and the new, (Matthew 16:24) comes to mind.
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

 

[Jesus_is_LORD]

Amen. Thanks for sharing that insight. God Bless.

 

[Christ4Ever]

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

I agree with you and thanks for sharing. I also look at Luke as it includes "daily". For truly it is something which assails many including me "daily" and so the need to continue to be an overcomer.

And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23
YBIC
C4E
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