Tension Between the Old Nature and the New
Christ's nature remains unchanged, but believers must navigate the ongoing conflict between their old and new natures to live a victorious life.
A.W. Tozer discusses the ongoing tension between the old nature and the new nature in believers, emphasizing that while Christ's character remains unchanged, the presence of the old nature often leads to un-Christlike behavior. He argues that the struggle is not merely a sign of false faith but a continuous battle within true Christians, as the old nature competes with the new nature where Christ dwells. Tozer encourages believers to seek victory through a prayerful study of Romans 6 to 8, asserting that allowing Christ complete control will enable them to reflect His holiness and compassion as He did in Galilee.
Text
Christ in a believer's heart will act the same as He acted in Galilee and Judea. His disposition is the same now as then. He was holy, righteous, compassionate, meek and humble then, and He has not changed. He is the same wherever He is found, whether it be at the right hand of God or in the nature of a true disciple. He was friendly, loving, prayerful, kindly, worshipful, self-sacrificing while walking among men; is it not reasonable to expect Him to be the same when walking in men? Why then do true Christians sometimes act in an un-Christlike manner? Some would assume that when a professed Christian fails to show forth the moral beauty of Christ in his life it is a proof that he has been deceived and is actually not a real Christian at all.
But the explanation is not so simple as that.
The truth is that while Christ dwells in the believer's new nature, He has strong competition from the believer's old nature. The warfare between the old and the new goes on continually in most believers. This is accepted as inevitable, but the New Testament does not so teach. A prayerful study of Romans 6 to 8 points the way to victory. If Christ is allowed complete sway He will live in us as He lived in Galilee.
Sermon Outline
- The Unchanging Nature of Christ
- The Conflict Between the Old and New Natures
- The Path to Victory
- A prayerful study of Romans 6-8 points the way to victory
- Christ will live in us as He lived in Galilee if given complete sway
Key Quotes
“Christ in a believer's heart will act the same as He acted in Galilee and Judea.” — A.W. Tozer
“He was holy, righteous, compassionate, meek and humble then, and He has not changed.” — A.W. Tozer
“If Christ is allowed complete sway He will live in us as He lived in Galilee.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Believers must acknowledge the ongoing conflict between their old and new natures.
- Through prayerful study and surrender, believers can achieve victory over the old nature.
- Christ's disposition of holiness, righteousness, and compassion should be evident in the lives of believers.