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Crucified with Christ: Embracing the New Creation

This study explores the profound truth that our old, sinful nature has been crucified with Christ, leading to a new life empowered by His Spirit. We will examine what it means to die to sin and live unto God, walking in the freedom and righteousness that comes through identification with His death and resurrection.

1. Understanding the Old Man

1.1 What is the 'Old Man'?

Verses: Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9
  • It refers to our unregenerate, sinful nature inherited from Adam.
  • This nature is characterized by rebellion against God and slavery to sin.
  • It represents our former way of life before encountering Christ.

1.2 The Condition of the Old Man

Verses: Romans 7:18; Romans 8:7; Ephesians 2:1
  • The old man is inherently corrupt and incapable of pleasing God.
  • It is hostile to God's law and cannot submit to it.
  • Spiritually, it is dead in trespasses and sins.

1.3 The Origin of the Old Man

Verses: Romans 5:12; Psalm 51:5; Genesis 3:6
  • Our sinful nature originates from Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden.
  • Through Adam, sin entered the world and passed to all humanity.
  • We are born with this fallen nature, prone to sin.

2. Our Identification with Christ's Crucifixion

2.1 United in His Death

Verses: Romans 6:3; Romans 6:4; Galatians 2:20
  • Through faith and the new birth, we are spiritually united with Christ.
  • His death on the cross becomes our death to sin.
  • We are buried with Him, signifying the end of our old life.

2.2 The Purpose of the Crucifixion

Verses: Romans 6:6; Romans 6:7; Colossians 2:14
  • The crucifixion of our old man breaks the power of sin over us.
  • It frees us from the dominion and penalty of sin.
  • The legal claim of sin against us is cancelled at the cross.

2.3 A Past Event, A Present Reality

Verses: Romans 6:10; Romans 6:11; Hebrews 10:10
  • Christ's death was a singular, historical event for all time.
  • For believers, this death to sin is a completed work.
  • We are called to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God daily.

3. Walking in Newness of Life

3.1 Resurrection with Christ

Verses: Romans 6:4; Romans 6:5; Colossians 3:1
  • Just as Christ was raised, we too are raised to a new kind of life.
  • This new life is characterized by spiritual vitality and purpose.
  • We are called to seek and set our minds on things above.

3.2 No Longer Slaves to Sin

Verses: Romans 6:14; Romans 6:18; John 8:36
  • Because the old man is crucified, sin no longer has dominion over us.
  • We are freed from sin's bondage and become servants of righteousness.
  • True freedom is found in Christ, liberating us from sin's power.

3.3 Living for God

Verses: Romans 6:11; Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 4:2
  • We are to present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness.
  • Our lives are no longer our own but dedicated to His will.
  • This new life is a continuous act of surrender and devotion to God.

4. Practical Application: Putting Off and Putting On

4.1 Putting Off the Old Man

Verses: Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:8; Colossians 3:9
  • This involves actively renouncing sinful habits, attitudes, and desires.
  • We must lay aside malice, anger, slander, and deceit.
  • It is a conscious decision to shed the former ways of living.

4.2 Putting On the New Man

Verses: Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; Galatians 3:27
  • This means embracing Christ-like virtues and behaviors.
  • We are to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
  • The new man is renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.

4.3 Daily Surrender and Obedience

Verses: Luke 9:23; Romans 8:13; Philippians 2:12
  • Living the crucified life requires daily taking up our cross and following Him.
  • Through the Spirit, we are to put to death the deeds of the body.
  • We work out our salvation with fear and trembling, relying on God's power.

5. Empowerment for the New Life

5.1 The Spirit's Role in Regeneration

Verses: Titus 3:5; John 3:5; Acts 2:38
  • The new birth, involving water and Spirit, is essential for entering God's kingdom.
  • It is by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit that we are saved.
  • The Spirit of God brings about this spiritual transformation within us.

5.2 Empowerment for Righteous Living

Verses: Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16; Philippians 2:13
  • It is through the Spirit that we are able to put to death the deeds of the body.
  • Walking in the Spirit prevents us from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh.
  • God works in us, both to will and to do of His good pleasure, through His Spirit.

5.3 Sanctification through the Spirit

Verses: 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 15:16
  • We are chosen and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling with the blood of Jesus.
  • The Spirit sets us apart and purifies us for God's holy purposes.
  • This ongoing process makes us more like Christ in character and conduct.