Battling Two Natures: The Struggle of Faith
Summary
In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves in a battle between two natures: the old and the new. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 7:24-25, vividly describes this struggle, expressing the anguish of a soul caught between the remnants of sin and the new life in Christ. This duality is not unique to Paul; it is a shared experience among all believers. The old nature, inherited from Adam, is inherently sinful and resistant to God, while the new nature, imparted by the Holy Spirit, is holy and aligned with God's will. This internal conflict is a testament to the reality of our faith, as the presence of this struggle indicates the work of the Holy Spirit within us.
The old nature is described as a "body of death," a vivid metaphor illustrating the burden of sin that clings to us. Like a decaying corpse strapped to a living person, it is a constant source of distress and conflict. Yet, this struggle is not without hope. The new nature, though often feeling like a mere infant compared to the giant of the old nature, is empowered by God. It is through this divine empowerment that we are able to engage in the battle against sin, drawing strength from the promises of God and the victory of Christ.
Despite the intensity of this battle, we are assured of ultimate victory. The Christian life is not one of perpetual defeat but of eventual triumph. The struggle against sin is a refining process, preparing us for the day when we will be free from sin's presence entirely. This hope sustains us, reminding us that our current struggles are temporary and that we are destined for a future of perfect holiness.
For those who do not experience this internal conflict, it may be a sign of spiritual complacency or a lack of genuine faith. The absence of struggle could indicate a life not yet transformed by the grace of God. Therefore, we are called to examine ourselves and seek the transformative power of Christ, who alone can deliver us from the body of this death.
Key Takeaways:
- The Christian life involves a constant battle between the old sinful nature and the new nature given by the Holy Spirit. This struggle is a sign of genuine faith and the work of God within us. [05:18]
- The old nature is described as a "body of death," symbolizing the burden and corruption of sin that remains with us. Yet, through Christ, we have the power to overcome this burden. [11:06]
- The new nature, though seemingly weaker, is empowered by God and destined for victory. Our struggles are temporary, and we are assured of ultimate triumph over sin. [27:51]
- Those who do not experience this internal conflict may lack genuine faith. The absence of struggle could indicate spiritual complacency or a life not yet transformed by God's grace. [40:31]
- Our hope lies in the promise of future perfection and freedom from sin. This hope sustains us through our current struggles, reminding us of the glorious future that awaits us. [38:46]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Introduction to the Struggle
[01:09] - Misconceptions About Apostolic Saints
[02:48] - The Humanity of the Apostles
[05:18] - The Two Natures
[07:57] - The Conflict Within
[10:47] - The Body of Death
[13:19] - The Battle of Life and Death
[18:18] - The Intensity of the Battle
[24:39] - The Unyielding Struggle
[30:14] - The Weary Combatant
[36:58] - The Promise of Victory
[40:31] - A Warning to the Complacent
[42:46] - The Call to Seek Christ
[45:27] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 7:24-25
Observation Questions:
1. How does the Apostle Paul describe his internal struggle in Romans 7:24-25? What imagery does he use to convey the weight of this struggle? [00:14]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two natures present within a Christian, and how are they characterized? [05:18]
3. What metaphor does the sermon use to describe the old nature, and why is this metaphor significant? [11:06]
4. How does the sermon explain the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the new nature? [27:51]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of experiencing an internal conflict between the old and new natures for a believer's faith? [40:31]
2. How does the sermon interpret the metaphor of the "body of death" in relation to the Christian's struggle with sin? [11:06]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the struggle against sin is a refining process for believers? [38:46]
4. How does the sermon address the issue of spiritual complacency in those who do not experience this internal conflict? [40:31]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt the tension between your old and new natures. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [05:18]
2. The sermon describes the old nature as a "body of death." What are some practical steps you can take to overcome the burdens of your old nature in daily life? [11:06]
3. How can you draw strength from the promises of God and the victory of Christ in your personal battle against sin? [27:51]
4. The sermon warns against spiritual complacency. How can you actively examine your faith to ensure it is genuine and transformative? [40:31]
5. Consider the hope of future perfection and freedom from sin. How does this hope influence your current struggles and your outlook on life? [38:46]
6. Identify an area in your life where you feel spiritually complacent. What specific actions can you take to seek the transformative power of Christ in that area? [40:31]
7. How can you support others in your small group who are experiencing similar struggles between their old and new natures? What role can community play in this battle? [05:18]
Devotional
Day 1: The Battle Within: Old vs. New Nature
In the Christian journey, believers experience a profound internal struggle between their old sinful nature and the new nature given by the Holy Spirit. This battle is a testament to the authenticity of one's faith, as it reflects the active work of God within. The old nature, inherited from Adam, is inherently resistant to God and clings to sin, while the new nature, imparted by the Holy Spirit, seeks holiness and alignment with God's will. This conflict is not a sign of failure but rather an indication of spiritual growth and transformation. The presence of this struggle is a reminder that believers are not alone; the Holy Spirit is actively working within them to bring about change and renewal. [05:18]
"For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out." (Romans 7:18, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel the tension between your old and new nature most acutely? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen your new nature today?
Day 2: The Burden of Sin: A Body of Death
The old nature is vividly described as a "body of death," symbolizing the burden and corruption of sin that remains with believers. This metaphor illustrates the distress and conflict that sin brings into one's life, much like a decaying corpse strapped to a living person. However, through Christ, believers have the power to overcome this burden. The victory of Christ provides the strength needed to engage in the battle against sin, offering hope and assurance that the old nature does not have the final say. This struggle, though intense, is not without purpose; it serves as a refining process, preparing believers for a future free from sin's presence. [11:06]
"Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What specific sins feel like a "body of death" in your life? How can you rely on Christ's power to begin overcoming these burdens today?
Day 3: Empowered for Victory: The New Nature
Though the new nature may seem weaker compared to the old, it is empowered by God and destined for victory. This divine empowerment enables believers to engage in the battle against sin with confidence, knowing that their struggles are temporary. The assurance of ultimate triumph over sin is a source of hope and encouragement, reminding believers that they are not fighting in vain. The Christian life is not one of perpetual defeat but of eventual triumph, as God works within to bring about transformation and renewal. This hope sustains believers, encouraging them to persevere in the face of challenges and to trust in God's promises. [27:51]
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively rely on God's empowerment to face your current struggles? How does the promise of ultimate victory influence your perspective on these challenges?
Day 4: The Danger of Complacency: A Call to Examine
For those who do not experience this internal conflict, it may be a sign of spiritual complacency or a lack of genuine faith. The absence of struggle could indicate a life not yet transformed by the grace of God. Believers are called to examine themselves and seek the transformative power of Christ, who alone can deliver them from the body of this death. This call to self-examination is an invitation to pursue a deeper relationship with God, allowing His grace to bring about true transformation and renewal. It is a reminder that the Christian life is not static but dynamic, requiring ongoing growth and change. [40:31]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: Are there areas in your spiritual life where you have become complacent? How can you actively seek Christ's transformative power to reignite your faith today?
Day 5: Hope in Future Perfection: Sustained by Promise
Believers' hope lies in the promise of future perfection and freedom from sin. This hope sustains them through current struggles, reminding them of the glorious future that awaits. The assurance of eventual triumph over sin provides the strength needed to persevere, knowing that their present challenges are temporary. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in God's promises. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God is working all things for their good and preparing them for a future of perfect holiness. [38:46]
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
Reflection: How does the promise of future perfection and freedom from sin impact your daily life? In what ways can you let this hope sustain you through your current struggles?
Quotes
The Christian life involves a constant battle between the old sinful nature and the new nature given by the Holy Spirit. This struggle is a sign of genuine faith and the work of God within us. [00:05:18]
The old nature is described as a "body of death," symbolizing the burden and corruption of sin that remains with us. Yet, through Christ, we have the power to overcome this burden. [00:11:06]
The new nature, though seemingly weaker, is empowered by God and destined for victory. Our struggles are temporary, and we are assured of ultimate triumph over sin. [00:27:51]
Those who do not experience this internal conflict may lack genuine faith. The absence of struggle could indicate spiritual complacency or a life not yet transformed by God's grace. [00:40:31]
Our hope lies in the promise of future perfection and freedom from sin. This hope sustains us through our current struggles, reminding us of the glorious future that awaits us. [00:38:46]
The Apostle Paul is here describing his own experience as a Christian. Some have affirmed that he is merely declaring what he was before conversion and not what he was when he became the recipient of the grace of God, but such persons are evidently mistaken. [00:00:26]
The nearer a man lives to God, the more intensely he has to mourn over his own evil heart, and the more his master honors him in his service, the more also doth the evil of the flesh vex and tease him day by day. [00:01:50]
The Christian becomes a double man, two men in one. Some have imagined that the old nature is turned out of the Christian. Not so, for the word of God and experience teach the contrary. The old nature is in the Christian unchanged, unaltered, just the same as bad as ever it was. [00:07:19]
The old nature is evil only evil and that continually. The new nature is holy, good. It knows nothing of sin except to hate it. Its contact with sin brings it pain and misery, and it cries out, "Woe is me that I dwell in Meek, that I tabernacle in the tents of Kedar." [00:16:14]
The old nature of man which remains in the Christian is evil, and it cannot ever be anything else but evil. The old Adam nature cannot be improved; it cannot be made better. It is hopeless to attempt it. You may do what you please with it, but you cannot make the rebel into the friend. [00:15:29]
The new nature can never be tainted, spotless, holy, pure. It dwells in our hearts, it rules and reigns there, expecting the day when it shall cast out its enemy, and without a rival, it shall be monarch in the heart of man forever. [00:18:00]
The Christian is to be a conqueror at last. Do you think that we are forever to be the drudges and the slaves of sin? Am I forever to be the galley slave of my own nature, to tug for freedom and never to escape? [00:36:58]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?