Struggling with Dual Nature: Victory Through Christ
Summary
In Romans 7:23, we encounter the profound struggle within every believer—a dual nature that wages war within us. This internal conflict is a mystery, a paradox that even the most devout Christian cannot fully comprehend. As believers, we are two men in one: the old nature, born of the flesh, and the new nature, born of the Spirit. This duality is not merely a theological concept but a lived reality, a daily battle between the law of the mind and the law of sin.
The old nature, rooted in our flesh, is not something that can be gradually improved or sanctified. It is inherently opposed to God and must be crucified with Christ. It resides in our bodily appetites, which, though necessary, can easily lead us into sin. The new nature, however, is a divine seed, incorruptible and heavenward in its desires. It is this new nature that ultimately will triumph, but not without a fierce and ongoing struggle.
This conflict manifests in three stages of the Christian life: comfort, conflict, and contemplation. Initially, new believers experience joy and peace, but soon they must engage in spiritual warfare. The old nature resists the new, leading to a lifelong battle. Yet, this struggle is a sign of spiritual life. The ungodly know no such conflict; they sin without remorse. But for the believer, sin is a source of deep sorrow and captivity.
Captivity occurs when the old nature rises within us, tempting us with thoughts and desires we despise. Even when we resist, the very presence of temptation feels like bondage. Our joy is often stolen by these internal battles, and we find ourselves longing for the purity and peace that sin disrupts. Yet, in these moments of weakness, we are driven to Christ, our source of victory. It is at the foot of the cross that we find strength to overcome, for Jesus came to save sinners.
In this lifelong war, we must continually return to Christ, clinging to Him for deliverance. Our struggles remind us of our need for His grace and power. As we grow in faith, we discover more of Christ's sufficiency, even as we become more aware of our own weaknesses. Though the conflict is fierce, we can confidently expect victory, for Christ has already triumphed over sin and death. Let us, therefore, press on, assured that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Dual Nature of Believers: Every Christian experiences an internal conflict between the old nature, rooted in sin, and the new nature, born of the Spirit. This duality is a mystery and a paradox, yet it is a sign of spiritual life. The struggle is real, but the ultimate victory belongs to the new, spiritual life. [01:23]
2. Stages of the Christian Life: The Christian journey often progresses through stages of comfort, conflict, and contemplation. Initially, believers experience joy, but soon they must engage in spiritual warfare. This conflict is a necessary part of growth, leading ultimately to a deeper understanding of God's goodness. [09:31]
3. The Reality of Captivity: Even as believers, we can feel captive to sin when the old nature rises within us. Temptation itself can feel like bondage, and our joy is often stolen by these internal battles. Yet, this captivity drives us to Christ, our source of strength and deliverance. [17:38]
4. The Importance of Returning to Christ: In moments of weakness and struggle, we must return to the foot of the cross, where we find strength and victory. Jesus came to save sinners, and it is in Him that we find the power to overcome sin and despair. [25:54]
5. Confident Expectation of Victory: Though the conflict is fierce, we can confidently expect victory because Christ has already triumphed over sin and death. As we grow in faith, we discover more of Christ's sufficiency, even as we become more aware of our own weaknesses. [31:21]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Dual Nature
- [00:30] - The Mystery of Godliness
- [01:06] - Two Men in One
- [01:39] - Surprises in the Christian Life
- [02:24] - Two Principles in Believers
- [03:02] - The Old and New Nature
- [03:56] - The Struggle with Sinful Appetites
- [05:00] - Misconceptions of Perfection
- [06:36] - The Incorruptible Seed
- [08:22] - The Necessity of Conflict
- [09:31] - Stages of Christian Life
- [11:57] - The Reason for the Fight
- [17:38] - Captivity to Sin
- [25:54] - Victory Through Christ
- [31:21] - Confident Expectation of Victory
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 7:23
- Galatians 5:16-17
- 1 John 3:9
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Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 7:23, what are the two laws that Paul describes as being in conflict within a believer? How does this relate to the concept of dual nature discussed in the sermon? [00:10]
2. According to the sermon, what are the three stages of the Christian life, and how do they reflect the internal struggle between the old and new natures? [09:31]
3. How does the sermon describe the experience of captivity to sin for a believer, and what role does this play in driving them to Christ? [17:38]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the ultimate source of victory over sin and internal conflict for believers? [25:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the dual nature of believers, as described in Romans 7:23, impact their daily lives and spiritual growth? What does this reveal about the nature of sin and grace? [00:10]
2. The sermon outlines a progression from comfort to conflict to contemplation in the Christian life. How might this progression help believers understand their spiritual journey and the challenges they face? [09:31]
3. In what ways does the experience of feeling captive to sin, as described in the sermon, highlight the believer's dependence on Christ for deliverance? [17:38]
4. The sermon emphasizes returning to Christ for strength and victory. How does this practice shape a believer's relationship with God and their approach to overcoming sin? [25:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt the internal conflict between your old and new natures. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time to align more with your new nature? [00:10]
2. Consider the stage of the Christian life you currently identify with: comfort, conflict, or contemplation. How can you embrace the challenges and opportunities of this stage to grow in your faith? [09:31]
3. When have you experienced a sense of captivity to sin, even when resisting temptation? How did this experience drive you to seek Christ's strength and deliverance? [17:38]
4. The sermon encourages believers to return to the foot of the cross in moments of weakness. What practical steps can you take to make this a regular part of your spiritual practice? [25:54]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with sin. How can you apply the sermon’s message of confident expectation of victory through Christ to this struggle? [31:21]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of Christ's sufficiency in your life, especially when facing internal conflicts and weaknesses? [30:10]
7. Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by your own weaknesses. How can you use that experience to remind yourself of the victory that Christ has already achieved over sin and death? [31:21]
Devotional
Day 1: The Inner Battle of Dual Natures
Every believer experiences a profound internal struggle between two natures: the old nature, rooted in sin, and the new nature, born of the Spirit. This duality is not just a theological concept but a lived reality, a daily battle between the law of the mind and the law of sin. The old nature, inherent in our flesh, cannot be improved or sanctified; it must be crucified with Christ. It resides in our bodily appetites, which, though necessary, can easily lead us into sin. The new nature, however, is a divine seed, incorruptible and heavenward in its desires. This new nature will ultimately triumph, but not without a fierce and ongoing struggle. [01:23]
"For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." (Romans 7:15, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the tension between your old and new natures. How can you actively choose to nurture your new nature today?
Day 2: The Journey Through Comfort, Conflict, and Contemplation
The Christian life often progresses through stages of comfort, conflict, and contemplation. Initially, new believers experience joy and peace, but soon they must engage in spiritual warfare. This conflict is a necessary part of growth, leading ultimately to a deeper understanding of God's goodness. The struggle is a sign of spiritual life, as the ungodly know no such conflict; they sin without remorse. For the believer, sin is a source of deep sorrow and captivity, yet it is also a catalyst for spiritual growth and maturity. [09:31]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent conflict or trial in your life. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper understanding of God's goodness?
Day 3: The Reality of Captivity to Sin
Even as believers, we can feel captive to sin when the old nature rises within us. Temptation itself can feel like bondage, and our joy is often stolen by these internal battles. Yet, this captivity drives us to Christ, our source of strength and deliverance. In moments of weakness, we are reminded of our need for His grace and power. As we grow in faith, we discover more of Christ's sufficiency, even as we become more aware of our own weaknesses. [17:38]
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a temptation that frequently challenges you. How can you rely on Christ's strength to stand firm and not submit to this yoke of slavery today?
Day 4: Returning to Christ for Strength and Victory
In moments of weakness and struggle, we must return to the foot of the cross, where we find strength and victory. Jesus came to save sinners, and it is in Him that we find the power to overcome sin and despair. Our struggles remind us of our need for His grace and power. As we grow in faith, we discover more of Christ's sufficiency, even as we become more aware of our own weaknesses. [25:54]
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, ESV)
Reflection: When you feel overwhelmed by your struggles, how can you practically return to Christ today to find rest and strength?
Day 5: Confident Expectation of Victory
Though the conflict is fierce, we can confidently expect victory because Christ has already triumphed over sin and death. As we grow in faith, we discover more of Christ's sufficiency, even as we become more aware of our own weaknesses. The ultimate victory belongs to the new, spiritual life, and we can press on, assured that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion. [31:21]
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to claim Christ's victory today? How can you live with a confident expectation of His triumph in this area?
Quotes
"I question whether any man understands himself and I'm quite certain that no Christian does so great is the mystery of godliness in more senses than one the believer is a great riddle to those who observe him he is discerned of no man he is equally an enigma to himself." [00:27:56]
"The converted man is a new man in Christ Jesus but the old nature remains within him the first life in a Christian in order of time is the old Adam nature it is there from the first it is born of and with the Flesh and it remains remain remains in us after we are born of the spirit." [02:40:40]
"Regeneration brings into us a new and higher principle which is ultimately to destroy the sinful nature but the old principle Still Remains and labors to retain its power some fancy that the carnal mind is to be improved gradually tamed down and sanctified if IED but it is enmity against God." [03:07:00]
"The old nature is of the earth earthy and must be crucified with Christ and buried with him for it is altogether too bad for mending this old nature lives in our members that is to say its nest is the body and it works through the body there are certain appetites of ours which are perfectly allowable." [03:37:19]
"The existence of these two principles in a Christian necessitates a conflict even as the text says another law in my members Waring against the law of my mind the lion will not lie down with the lamb in US fire will not be on good terms with water death will not not parley with life nor Christ with beel." [08:38:12]
"Frequently Christian Life may be divided into three stages the first period is that of comfort in which the young Christian rejoices in the Lord and his principal business is to sing and to tell what God has done for him the more of this the better after that very often comes the stage of conflict." [09:12:40]
"The reason of the fight is this the new nature comes into our heart to rule over it but the carnal mind is not willing to surrender its power a new Throne is set up in the heart and the old Monarch dethroned outlawed and made to lurk in holes and Corners says to himself I will not have this." [11:53:40]
"The sin which lurks In the Flesh will grow weaker in proportion as the holy principle of which I have to speak grows stronger and it is at no time to be tolerated or excused but we are to fight against it and Conquer it and ultimately it is to be destroyed in US root and Branch yet there it is." [06:00:00]
"While I sympathize with your sorrow I congratulate you that you feel it for this is one of the marks of a child of God forget not that in renewed men there are two opposing forces and that these necessitate a lifelong War thirdly we must now note that this Warfare sometimes leads us into captivity." [16:59:00]
"The Apostle asks who shall deliver me from the body of this death and his reply is I thank God through Jesus Christ Our Lord Brethren and sisters I am persuaded that there is no place so safe and none so proper and fitting for any of us as a sinner's place at the foot of the cross." [25:46:44]
"Expect conflict be not astonished when it comes but as confidently expect victory ictory and Shout in Prospect of it as surely as the Lord has called you to this Celestial Warfare he will bear you through it you shall sing on the other side of Jordan unto him that loved you and washed you from your sins." [31:21:00]
"Let us Resort then to Christ who giveth us the Victory and let us the longer we live praise Christ the more you young Christian you do not know yet what a dear savior you have found you know you have found him but he is a dearer Christ than you think he is you were naked and he has clothed you." [28:52:32]
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