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The Battle Between Two Natures
When we identify as followers of Christ, we must wrestle with a fundamental question: If we have died with Christ to worldly principles, why do we still submit to them? This tension between our new life in Christ and our ongoing struggles reveals a deeper truth about the nature of spiritual transformation.
Understanding True Death and Life
Scripture uses two distinct Greek words for "death" that illuminate our spiritual journey:
- Necros (noun) - Describes the actual spiritual condition of being dead in sin before salvation
- Nekru (verb) - The active putting to death of sinful desires after salvation
As Paul writes in Colossians 2:20: "If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees?" This highlights the difference between our former state of spiritual death and our current call to actively put sin to death.
Setting Our Minds Above
For believers, the battle occurs primarily in the mind. Colossians 3:1-2 instructs: "If you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth."
This aligns with other scriptural teachings:
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - We look not at things seen but unseen
- Matthew 6:20 - Store treasures in heaven
- Philippians 3:18-20 - Set minds on heavenly, not earthly things
Putting Off the Old Nature
The old nature has already been removed through "a circumcision made without hands" (Colossians 2:11). However, we often keep it alive by:
- Feeding it through wrong choices
- Failing to starve it of attention
- Not actively putting it to death
Paul provides specific lists of behaviors to put to death:
- First List (Colossians 3:5-7):
- Immorality
- Impurity
- Passion
- Evil desire
- Greed (idolatry)
- Second List (Colossians 3:8-9):
- Anger
- Wrath
- Malice
- Slander
- Abusive speech
- Lying
Putting On the New Self
The Christian life isn't just about removing sin - it's about putting on new characteristics (Colossians 3:12-14):
- Compassion
- Kindness
- Humility
- Gentleness
- Patience
- Love
This renewal process requires:
- Letting Christ's word dwell richly within
- Teaching and admonishing one another
- Worshipping through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
- Doing everything in Jesus' name
Living in Victory
Romans 6:12-14 reminds us that sin shall not be master over believers - we are under grace, not law. The key to victory lies in:
- Recognizing our death with Christ
- Actively setting our minds on things above
- Choosing daily whom we will serve
- Letting Christ's peace rule in our hearts
The power of the old nature is broken - it only has the influence we choose to give it. Through Christ, we have been made holy and beloved, empowered to live in newness of life.