“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” – Colossians 3:10 (NLT)
Softwares remain active and relevant through updates, which fix bugs and implement user feedback. Without updates, your device will likely malfunction, and manufacturers may eventually phase out outdated versions. A legacy system is an obsolete software still in use but doesn’t allow growth or improvement.
Similarly, the nature of a person without Jesus Christ is like legacy software. The nature inherited from Adam which is subject to sin and eternal damnation (Ephesians 4:22). However, when a person, like software, receives an upgrade to a higher version—the life in Christ—their nature completely changes (2 Peter 1:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:17). Through Jesus’ sacrifice, the old nature is put to death (Romans 6:6). Hence, we receive a new nature through Him. Glory to God!
The new nature we receive is born of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3), whom we receive when we believe in Jesus. It is a divine nature, created in the likeness of God, righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:24).
As glorious and liberating as this may sound, we must be mindful that although we have this new nature in Christ, the devil has not gone to sleep. The influence of our old nature still tirelessly pulls us toward sin. This means we face a continuous struggle between the new and the old nature (Romans 7:14-25, Galatians 5:17). A poor understanding of this struggle has caused many to condemn themselves at any slight shortcoming.
How does this relate to victory over sin that we have been exploring all week?
Every believer must be armed with knowledge and mind renewal. You must apply that knowledge with the consciousness that you have perpetual victory over sin. This knowledge will help you defeat habits, addictions, and all forms of temptation. Make this a vital part of your daily life, continually putting off the old nature and putting on your new nature in Christ Jesus (Colossians 3:9-10). You were once darkness, subject to the old nature, but now you are light in the Lord. Therefore, walk as children of light, according to your new reality in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 5:8).
Anyone who belongs to Jesus has become a new person and the old life of sin has passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17). We must live our new lives in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, who has given us a new life, freeing us from the power of sin which leads to death (Romans 8:1-2).
Bible Reading Plan: John 15