Now it's not me, but sin that lives in me

[Heart2Soul]

But we can only succeed in this race until we get it into our heads that the race has already been run and the victory won on our behalf.

We fight the good fight, not against sin, but the good fight of faith. The faith to BELIEVE that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us and has given Himself for us.

Yes that is part of renewing our mind. Obtaining the mind of Christ becoming spiritually minded instead of carnal.

 

[soul man]

Hello Soul Man!

I'm glad that you asked that question. Many others ask that same question, and I clear it up without a doubt, yet no one has ascended to this Truth. Here it is again with the NLT translation so that when you use your Bible of choice, it'll be more clear:

Romans 2:28-29 NLT - "For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people."

A True Jew is a True Christian. A True Christian is a True Jew. There are only two True types of people who walk this planet . . . those whose Hearts have been Spiritually Circumcised by Christ, and those whose Hearts have not been lifted, or Purified, of the Sinful Nature, the Curse of Adam and Eve. Those who have been relieved of the Curse of Adam and Eve, are the humans who will receive Eternal Life. Those who do not lift their Hearts to Christ for Purification are the humans who are bound to the Eternal Pit.

Anyone whose Heart has been changed will literally be a new person in mind and in character. A True Jew [will] change. A True Christian [will] change. Anyone who does not change is not a Child of God. Follow this path of Scripture to see how our Faith "works." Again, use your own translation as I provide them (below) in the NLT translation for ease of understanding.

Remove My Sinful Nature, Lord - Galatians 3:13 NLT - "But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."

Grant Unto Me a New, Divine Nature, Lord - 2 Peter 1:4 NLT - "And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires."

My Old Life is Gone, My New Life Begins - 2 Corinthians 5:13-21 NLT - "If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!" 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

I Will Reflect Your Glory With Increasing Measure - 2 Corinthians 3:14-18 NLT - "But the people's minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. 15 Yes, even today when they read Moses' writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. 16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."

Free and Reborn of God, I Possess no Pattern of Sin - 1 John 3:8-10 NLT - "But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God."

As you can see, it is clear that a changed Heart, which is the Work of the Spirit, is proven by our ability to Love each other in a Godly way. To Love others rightly, this Love can only come through a Circumcised Heart, the Holy Operation of Faith performed only by Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. How does Jesus save us? It is so clear . . . and it is so unfortunate that virtually no pastor is teaching what I have clearly presented to you today. Check out the Work of Christ . . . as no pastor gives credit to Jesus for this amazing "Work."

Colossians 2:9-15 NLT - "For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 11 When you came to Christ, you were "circumcised," but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision--the cutting away of your sinful nature. 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross."

Do not ignore the NLT translation, for I assure you that it says essentially the same things as your favorite translation of choice.

How would we fit "neither Jew nor Gentile" into the mix?

 

[2nd Timothy Group]

How would we fit "neither Jew nor Gentile" into the mix?

Colossians 2:9-15 solves that whole riddle. The reason why there is neither male nor female, Greek or Jew, 100% is because of the Circumcision of Christ. Colossian's 2:9-15 solves many of the Bibles issues that have never Truly made sense. When Jesus said, "Get away from me. For I never knew you." The reason why He said this is because these people will not have had their hearts Circumcised by Christ, and because of this, they remained under the Law. Colossians 2:9-15 shows why it is that people are no longer under the Law . . . for it is through Circumcision of the Heart that sets them free of the Law.

As I have said before, Colossians 2:9-15 are the single-most-important seven verses in the Bible. All should have them memorized (any translation will do).

 

[marks]

Your method of struggling against sin will keep your mind earthbound instead of heavenward.

I'm sorry, the only way that I know to truly resist and avoid sin is to trust that Jesus will make it so in me.

Somehow I've given the wrong idea I think!

Much love!

 

[marks]

Exactly????? You're kidding! Romans 7:17 is NOT someone with the Spirit, but with the Law of Moses. Read the context if anyone dare. The sin is not dead, it is in control!!!!!

The last thing you asked was almost an existential question, like "if not me then who or what? I thought Wow, that was really advanced thinking. I'm not used to it on these forums. I should ponder this. It got me to thinking, and I think Paul meant not who I was created to be (before Adam's sin). We inherited the corrupt nature of Satan who became Adam's master. So it wasn't the human being God created, but sin in me. But then when you said, "Exactly" That advanced thinking dropped in a sink hole. Honestly, I felt like I was in an episode of the Twilight Zone of incongruousness.

I'm done with this post.

It sounds like you are thinking that receiving the Law was what made Paul a new man, but of course that's not what happened.

I guess it remains that you are thinking Paul was speaking for the ancient Israelites, but that makes no sens to the grammar.

The thing of it is, Paul speaks of being one sort of person, and then he's no longer that person, that is,

Now it is no more I, but sin that lives in me.

Paul said he was the sinner, but now he's not.

This is what you cannot reconcile to your view. This is why I focus on this point. If your view does not harmonize, and make these passages understandable, well, that's what this thread is for.

Much love!

 

[marks]

But we can only succeed in this race until we get it into our heads that the race has already been run and the victory won on our behalf.

We fight the good fight, not against sin, but the good fight of faith. The faith to BELIEVE that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us and has given Himself for us.

Amen!!

Much love!

 

[CharismaticLady]

It sounds like you are thinking that receiving the Law was what made Paul a new man, but of course that's not what happened.

What? You're kidding.

I guess it remains that you are thinking Paul was speaking for the ancient Israelites, but that makes no sens to the grammar.

Read the first sentence of Romans 1. CONTEXT

Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?

The thing of it is, Paul speaks of being one sort of person, and then he's no longer that person, that is,

Now it is no more I, but sin that lives in me.

Paul said he was the sinner, but now he's not.

This is what you cannot reconcile to your view. This is why I focus on this point. If your view does not harmonize, and make these passages understandable, well, that's what this thread is for.

Paul said he was the sinner, but now he's not.
Rmns 7 vs. Rmns 8

 

[Nancy]

Was Paul calling attention to his own flaws or errors or to the ideal, to Jesus the One who had in his flesh walked the walk and talked the talk to the end of his course as a man without sin?

Paul warned us about looking at other men, did he not? Did that not include even Paul, himself?

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." II Cor 10:12

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." I Cor 11:1

If we were to see Paul stumble or our current leader or teacher or pastor stumble, should we go ahead and follow him into a ditch? Jesus provides the only flawless example. He is our measuring stick rather than any other man.

Well put my brother!

 

[CharismaticLady]

Yes that is part of renewing our mind. Obtaining the mind of Christ becoming spiritually minded instead of carnal.

No human being can renew their own mind. We cannot obtain the mind of Christ from anything we practice over time. Only by realizing our own sinfulness and complete weakness in our nature can we give up trying to be good little boys and girls and cry out to Jesus to fill us with His powerful Spirit and change our nature from the inside out. The first step is being completely honest with God. Not telling Him what we are going to do for Him, but telling Him we can't. Surrendering to God in complete humbleness and asking Him to come into us and do what we cannot do. Make us righteous.

 

[Heart2Soul]

No human being can renew their own mind. We cannot obtain the mind of Christ from anything we practice over time.

Hello sister, I think you misunderstand what I am saying.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
— Romans 12:2 (KJV)
How do you renew your mind? By thinking on the right things.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
— Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

And these are just a couple of scriptures...there are others.

 

[amadeus]

Hello sister, I think you misunderstand what I am saying.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
— Romans 12:2 (KJV)
How do you renew your mind? By thinking on the right things.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
— Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

And these are just a couple of scriptures...there are others.

Yes, sister, we cannot remain clean and empty and expect to stay right with God...The thinking on the right things is filling up that empty space properly. Jesus is speaking of this here:


"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." Matt 12:43-45

When a person truly repents before God he is cleaned out, all of the sin is gone...but that is only the beginning of his walk... not the end of it. Some people will insist on supporting a OSAS position, but these words of Jesus. I believe, show the impossibility of that position. We must grow. This means Him increasing and us decreasing. People want to have a final guarantee without walking the whole distance of their course with Him. It is a promise to believers who believe enough to begin to surrender to Him and continue to surrender to Him right up until they have no more time remaining to them in this flesh.

 

[Brakelite]

No human being can renew their own mind. We cannot obtain the mind of Christ from anything we practice over time. Only by realizing our own sinfulness and complete weakness in our nature can we give up trying to be good little boys and girls and cry out to Jesus to fill us with His powerful Spirit and change our nature from the inside out. The first step is being completely honest with God. Not telling Him what we are going to do for Him, but telling Him we can't. Surrendering to God in complete humbleness and asking Him to come into us and do what we cannot do. Make us righteous.

There is something we can contribute to God's work in us...and we do this by faith, believing God's word is quick and powerful. We have scripture. We are sanctified by truth...Thy word is Truth. We are conformed to the mind of Christ by making ourselves available to the Spirit of God to work in us the righteousness of Christ, through faith in His promises found in scripture.

 

[Brakelite]

This is what Jesus meant when He said we must abide in the vine. The source of nourishment and life comes to us through Christ...being intimately connected to Him...and His speaking to us through scripture...His word has creative power, He speaks, and it's done. All we are required to do is believe. But we cannot believe in anything until we know what it is we ought to believe. The word...the promises of God.

 

[Billy Evmur]

Was Paul calling attention to his own flaws or errors or to the ideal, to Jesus the One who had in his flesh walked the walk and talked the talk to the end of his course as a man without sin?

Paul warned us about looking at other men, did he not? Did that not include even Paul, himself?

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." II Cor 10:12

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." I Cor 11:1

If we were to see Paul stumble or our current leader or teacher or pastor stumble, should we go ahead and follow him into a ditch? Jesus provides the only flawless example. He is our measuring stick rather than any other man.

Paul at the end of his career knew of nothing that was against him. There is no record of Paul stumbling. He admits of no sin having dominion over him.

We don't compare ourselves with Paul, we follow Paul as he followed Christ.

 

[2nd Timothy Group]

Paul at the end of his career knew of nothing that was against him. There is no record of Paul stumbling. He admits of no sin having dominion over him.

We don't compare ourselves with Paul, we follow Paul as he followed Christ.

There is no one like Paul throughout the entire Bible. What a remarkable man he was. I hope to meet his Spirit!

 

[Billy Evmur]

There is no one like Paul throughout the entire Bible. What a remarkable man he was. I hope to meet his Spirit!

He is the most Christ like ... you cannot go wrong if you follow Paul

 

[2nd Timothy Group]

He is the most Christ-like ... you cannot go wrong if you follow Paul

Why do you think that is? That, Paul, was the most Christ-like? I'd say that it was because his meeting with Christ was utterly Powerful. He felt the Power of God in a most profound way. His experience left him knowing, with full certainty, that God could take his life in less than an instant. Paul understood the Fear of the Lord, and when a person understands the Fear of the Lord, their behavior changes. And this, too, is a gift from God.

 

[CharismaticLady]

He is the most Christ like ... you cannot go wrong if you follow Paul

He didn't willfully sin as accused, but he could get frustrated at Peter and Barnabas. Then reconcile later.

 

[2nd Timothy Group]

He didn't willfully sin as accused, but he could get frustrated at Peter and Barnabas. Then reconcile later.

Thank God that Paul had the temerity to confront Peter and his inability to endure, for what would have happened to Christianity if Peter were at the helm? Soooo thankful for Gal 2:11 and the story that follows.

 

[Billy Evmur]

Why do you think that is? That, Paul, was the most Christ-like? I'd say that it was because his meeting with Christ was utterly Powerful. He felt the Power of God in a most profound way. His experience left him knowing, with full certainty, that God could take his life in less than an instant. Paul understood the Fear of the Lord, and when a person understands the Fear of the Lord, their behavior changes. And this, too, is a gift from God.

Not sure how you understand fearing the Lord ... count how many times Jesus says "fear not it is I" or similar ...
I hear many folks talk about fearing the Lord, fear and trembling and such but I do not see so much of it, I am amazed at folk who say they fear the Lord but then deliberately misquote His words to bolster an argument.

... I wouldn't dare to do that ...