The Old Man
A regenerate man struggles with the old man, a fleshly part prone to sin, which can lead to great sins and a wounded conscience.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the duality within every regenerate man, describing the ongoing struggle between the old man, representing the flesh, and the new man, representing the spirit. He illustrates how the old man can lead to grievous sins, citing examples from biblical figures like Noah, Lot, and David, showing that even the redeemed are not immune to temptation. Brooks warns that the old man's influence can manifest in the will and actions of believers, leading to consent and delight in sin, despite their regeneration. He stresses the importance of recognizing the wounds caused by sin and the necessity of repentance and reliance on the blood of Christ for healing. Ultimately, the sermon calls for vigilance and continual renewal in the life of a Christian.
Text
In every regenerate man, there are two men--an old man and a new man; or if you please, flesh and spirit. Romans 7.
The old man, the fleshly part, will incline the soul, and bias the soul, as well to sins against the gospel, as to sins against the law, and to great sins as well as small sins; witness Noah's drunkenness, Lot's incest, Asa's oppression, David's murder and adultery, Solomon's idolatry, and Peter's blasphemy.
The old man, the fleshly part, is as much in the will as in any other part of the regenerate man; and therefore, when he falls into heinous sins, he may fall into them with consent, delight, and willingness, so far as his will is unrenewed. Though a real Christian is changed in every part--yet it is but in part and imperfect.
The old man, the fleshly part, is in a regenerate man's members, as well as in his will, and therefore they may be exercised and employed in and about those sins they have consented unto.
High sinnings injure and wound the conscience of a regenerate man, and lay him open to the sore rebukes of God, and call for great repentance, and fresh and frequent applications of the blood of Christ.
Sermon Outline
- The Old Man in the Regenerate Man
- The old man is fleshly and inclines to sin
- The old man will commit great sins as well as small
- Examples of great sins committed by regenerate men
Key Quotes
“The old man, the fleshly part, will incline the soul, and bias the soul, as well to sins against the gospel, as to sins against the law, and to great sins as well as small sins;” — Thomas Brooks
“High sinnings injure and wound the conscience of a regenerate man, and lay him open to the sore rebukes of God, and call for great repentance, and fresh and frequent applications of the blood of Christ.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the struggle between the old man and the new man in your life.
- Be aware of the potential for great sins and take steps to prevent them.
- Seek repentance and fresh applications of Christ's blood when you sin.