It isn't a competition of one versus the other. We need BOTH the word and the Spirit. Bible says two or three witnesses are required to establish the truth sister. The Spirit and the word agree. The written word is a witness because it testifies of Christ....it is the Living word written down....it's alive and active....as long as we approach it that way, in the new way of the spirit, not the old way of the letter.
Are You Dead to Self?
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Ritajanice
Born-Again
Sorry, we do not need the written word to find life, that Life giving seed finds us..when we are Born Again by Gods Witness His Living Holy Spirit.
The Living word is not the written word...The Living word who is Gods Living witness the Holy Spirit.....who testifies with our spirit that we are Gods children....then that Living word brought life to our spirit, that is the spiritual birth a “ Living “supernatural birth that only Gods witness can perform when he makes our spirit Born Again.
The word of God is Alive and Active...he made Adam from the dust of the ground...that was God’s Living Spirit that did that, not the written word.
The Living word of God also makes our spirit Born Again, by His Living Witness the Living Holy Spirit..
Who is everywhere in Spirit...he is not the written word...the Living witness Gods Holy Spirit is very much Alive and Active in His children...they have been Born Of God’s seed... His Living Holy Spirit.
We are spiritual children of God...we are not Bible children of God..the written word helps us grow, mature and bear fruit, Jesus fruit but, all that we read must penetrate our heart/ spirit to understand what is being said to us by the Spirit.....it takes tears and years to grow in the spirit, well it has for me and still I’m growing in spiritual understanding...and all because of God’s Living witness who made my spirit Born Again.
Praise God for making my spirit Born Again and then I’m saved from eternal damnation!!
Praise Jesus for dying on that cross, so that I can become Born Again of His Spirit.
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No matter where you want to go-you cannot escape this indissoluble fact-
The correction emphasizes the distinction between the living Word (the Holy Spirit) and the written word (the Scriptures). While the Scriptures are inspired and authoritative, the Holy Spirit brings them to life and applies them to believers (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12).
Act 17:11 Now these [Jews] were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and welcomed the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] with inclination of mind and eagerness, searching and examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Act 17:12 Many of them therefore became believers, together with not a few prominent Greeks, women as well as men.
First searching, hearing--became believers.
More noble than those (eugenesteroi tōn). Comparative form of eugenēs, old and common adjective, but in N.T. only here and Luk_19:12; 1Co_1:26. Followed by ablative case tōn as often after the comparative.
With all readiness of mind (meta pāsēs prothumias). Old word from prothumos (pro, thumos) and means eagerness, rushing forward. In the N.T. only here and 2Co_8:11-19; 2Co_9:2. In Thessalonica many of the Jews out of pride and prejudice refused to listen. Here the Jews joyfully welcomed the two Jewish visitors.
Examining the Scriptures daily (kath' hēmeran anakrinontes tas graphas). Paul expounded the Scriptures daily as in Thessalonica, but the Beroeans, instead of resenting his new interpretation, examined (anakrinō means to sift up and down, make careful and exact research as in legal processes as in Act_4:9; Act_12:19, etc.) the Scriptures for themselves. In Scotland people have the Bible open on the preacher as he expounds the passage, a fine habit worth imitating.
Whether these things were so (ei echoi tauta houtōs). Literally, “if these things had it thus.” The present optative in the indirect question represents an original present indicative as in Luk_1:29 (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1043f.). This use of ei with the optative may be looked at as the condition of the fourth class (undetermined with less likelihood of determination) as in Act_17:27; Act_20:16; Act_24:19; Act_27:12 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1021).
The Beroeans were eagerly interested in the new message of Paul and Silas but they wanted to see it for themselves. What a noble attitude. Paul’s preaching made Bible students of them. The duty of private interpretation is thus made plain (Hovey).
RWP
1. "In that they received the word with all readiness of mind," (oitines edeksanto ton logon meta pasea prothunias) "Who received the word with all eagerness," open minds and ears, with an wholesome attitude, an open mind, Heb_11:6; Rom_10:17; Joh_5:39.
2 "And searched the scriptures daily," (to kath' hemeran analrinontes tas graphs) "And they were daily examining the scriptures," a matter admonished of the Lord, for the Jews, Joh_5:39; Isa_34:16; Luk_24:44-46.
2 "Whether those things were so." (ei echoi tauta houtos) "Whether these things (asserted or taught by Paul and Silas) were so," true or in harmony with the scriptures, the law, prophets, and Psalms, Isa_8:20; Luk_16:29; Luk_16:31. They were honest inquirers, searchers, for truth, not just curious, Jer_29:13.
Ritajanice
Born-Again
Only Gods Living witness His Living Holy Spirit who bears witness with our spirit that we are Gods children...can bring our spirit Alive...no scripture can do that.
The Living seed penetrates the heart/ spirit of Gods child ,there it will grow into a beautiful tree...because the seed was planted by Gods Living Witness.
We were chosen and predestined to be Born Again...to bear Jesus fruit and to be made into Jesus image, just as Gods word says..which must be understood in our heart/ spirit as that is where we have wonderful fellowship with God via His Spirit.
Ezekiel 37:1-14
King James Version
37 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.
4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
5 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
11 Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.
12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
13 And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,
14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lordhave spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.
The recipients of this prophetic vision are Ezekiel, a prophet of Israel, and the whole house of Israel, symbolized by the valley of dry bones. In the vision, Ezekiel is carried by the hand of the Lord and set down in the midst of a valley filled with dry bones. Through the dialogue between Ezekiel and the Lord, it becomes evident that the vision is a symbolic representation of the spiritual condition of the people of Israel. The dry bones represent the hopeless and lifeless state of Israel, signifying their spiritual deadness and exile from the land. However, the Lord promises to bring restoration and renewal to His people. Through Ezekiel's prophetic actions and declarations, the bones are brought back to life, symbolizing the spiritual revitalization and resurrection of Israel. Ultimately, the vision conveys God's promise to breathe new life into His people, restore them to their land, and pour out His Spirit upon them, ensuring their revival and reconciliation with Him.
J.
Ritajanice
Born-Again
Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Romans 8:8
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Romans 8:7
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Psalm 139:13
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
Galatians 1:15
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
Ephesians 1:4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Ephesians 1:5
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Ephesians 1:11
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:37
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
John 6:39
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Romans 8:8
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Romans 8:7
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Psalm 139:13
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
Galatians 1:15
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
Ephesians 1:4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Ephesians 1:5
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Ephesians 1:11
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:37
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
John 6:39
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you
I think this is where some will say, But you cannot understand the word of God unless God reveals it to you, and that only happens when you are born again.
John announced Jesus as "the true light that enlightens every man". Paul wrote to Titus that the "grace of God unto salvation" has appeared to all men. But not all men are saved. As you've said, we have to be receptive, we have to respond.
Much love!
Ritajanice
Born-Again
A Tree and Its Fruit
(Luke 6:43–45)
15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’
AMPC
But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings andrevelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.
(Luke 6:43–45)
15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’
AMPC
But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings andrevelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.
Ritajanice
Born-Again
1When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. Spiritual Wisdom (Ephesians 1:15–23) 6Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God,a which He destined for our glory before time began. 8None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”b 10But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.c 14The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. 16“For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?”d But we have the mind of Christ. |
Amen brother, as you are well aware of the Syntax and Morphology of these precious words and my own experience when I was a young lad-still battling though, won't lie to you marks.
Johann.
Keep fighting the good fight!! One day, brother, we will see Him with our eyes!!
Much love!
You too brother-keep on fighting the good fight of faith-I believe we are on the home run and need to read Pilgrims Progress again.
"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."
Johann.
Ritajanice
Born-Again
1Co 2:9-12 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" -- (10) but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. (11) For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. (12) We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
It is God's Spirit that reveals truth to us. Even the deep things of God... and we are discussing deep things in Ephesians! But what specifically does 1 Cor 2 tell us about what the Spirit wants to show us? It says we have been given His Spirit so that we can understand what God has freely given us. That is, we can understand the depths of God's grace
It is God's Spirit that reveals truth to us. Even the deep things of God... and we are discussing deep things in Ephesians! But what specifically does 1 Cor 2 tell us about what the Spirit wants to show us? It says we have been given His Spirit so that we can understand what God has freely given us. That is, we can understand the depths of God's grace
All born again believers have received the word of God....whether it was through reading/hearing the written word, or through preaching of the word, or by direct revelation of God.......it's all the engrafted Word of the Lord that we received when we came to faith. Christ in us. The Word made flesh.
Mentioned this before how scripture says Do not say in your heart whether to bring Christ down from heaven, or up from the depths, but He is nigh thee.....in your mouth, the word of faith which we preach. (Rom. 10:6-8) Anyway I'll leave it there.
Ritajanice
Born-Again
All Born Agains have been Born Of The Spirit exactly as Gods word says....we should not add to Gods written word it’s confusing.
We have been Born Again of imperishable seed that liveth and abideth forever.
Spirit gives birth to spirit...etc..all God’s word and very easy to understand in the spirit, if one is Born Again.
That is your opinion/ testimony and belief...and with respect your post makes no sense to my spirit.
Our spirit is Alive because we are in the righteousness of Christ, that can only happen if one is Born Again.
Proverbs 20:27 says “The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” Whatever instruction, leading or guidance the Lord seeks to give you, He contacts your spirit. That’s who He deals with; not your physical body or outward man. When the Bible says “And thine ears shall a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21), it isn’t talking about your natural senses, but your spirit.
(Ezekiel 36:16–38; Galatians 5:16–26) 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.a2For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set youb free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin.c He thus condemned sin in the flesh, 4so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,7because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the fleshd cannot please God. 9You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alivee because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the deadf will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you. |
| Audio Crossref Comment Greek Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” New Living Translation For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” English Standard Version God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Berean Standard Bible God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” Berean Literal Bible God is Spirit, and it behooves those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth." King James Bible God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. |
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@Lizbeth is spot on, not adding nor subtracting from the Scriptures--
Receiving the Word of God
Old Testament
Deuteronomy 30:11-14:
"For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it."
New Testament
Romans 10:6-8:
"But the righteousness based on faith says, 'Do not say in your heart, "Who will ascend into heaven?"' (that is, to bring Christ down) 'or "Who will descend into the abyss?"' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim)."
1 Peter 1:23:
"Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God."
James 1:21:
"Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
John 1:1-14:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Ephesians 1:13:
"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit."
Colossians 1:5-6:
"Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth."
2 Timothy 3:15:
"And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."
Hebrews 4:12:
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
1 Thessalonians 2:13:
"And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers."
Acts 2:41:
"So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls."
Direct Revelation of God
Galatians 1:11-12:
"For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ."
Conclusion
These scriptures collectively affirm that the word of God plays a central role in the process of being born again, whether it is through hearing, reading, preaching, or direct revelation. They highlight the transformative power of the word of God in bringing about new birth and sustaining the faith of believers.
Johann.
Galatians 2:20
Verse: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Explanation: Paul speaks of his union with Christ in his crucifixion, indicating that his old self, with its sinful desires, has been put to death. Now, Christ lives in him, and his life is defined by faith in Jesus.
Romans 6:6-7
Verses: "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin."
Explanation: Paul explains that through Christ's crucifixion, believers' old sinful nature has been put to death, liberating them from sin's power.
Colossians 3:3
Verse: "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Explanation: Believers have died to their old selves and their lives are now securely hidden with Christ in God, indicating a profound spiritual transformation and new identity in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Verse: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Explanation: In Christ, believers are new creations. The old self, characterized by sin and self-centeredness, has passed away, and a new life has begun.
Ephesians 4:22-24
Verses: "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Explanation: Paul instructs believers to actively discard their old selves and embrace their new identity in Christ, characterized by righteousness and holiness.
Theological and Practical Implications
Theological Implications: The idea of being "dead to self" reflects a profound theological truth about the believer's union with Christ in his death and resurrection. It underscores the transformative power of the gospel, which not only forgives sin but also empowers believers to live new lives in Christ.
Practical Implications: Living as one who is "dead to self" involves daily decisions to deny selfish desires, take up one's cross, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). It means prioritizing God's will and purposes over personal ambitions and comforts.
Cross-References and Related Concepts
Luke 9:23: "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"
Philippians 3:8-10: "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him... that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."
These passages collectively provide a robust biblical foundation for understanding the concept of being "dead to self," highlighting the transformative and sacrificial nature of the Christian life.
Powerful, no wonder this is not widely accepted in this modern day world-the ego eimi needs to be dethroned, once, and once for all.
Johann
You might be wrong-no offense brother.
Crucifying the Flesh with Its Lusts: Removing an Impediment to Living Out Our New Self
The concept of crucifying the flesh with its lusts is an important aspect of Christian sanctification. It involves putting to death the sinful desires and inclinations that belong to our old nature, thereby removing obstacles that hinder us from living out our new identity in Christ. This process is both a decisive act and an ongoing effort, supported by several key New Testament passages.
Key Verses and Exegesis
Galatians 5:24
Verse: "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
Explanation: This verse highlights that believers, through their union with Christ, have decisively crucified the flesh. The term "crucified" (Greek: ἐσταύρωσαν, estaurōsan) is in the aorist tense, indicating a past, completed action. The "flesh" (Greek: σάρξ, sarx) refers to the sinful nature, and "passions and desires" (Greek: τὰς παθήματα καὶ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας, tas pathēmata kai tas epithumias) denote the impulses and cravings that arise from it. By crucifying these, believers remove significant barriers to living out their new life in Christ.
Romans 6:6-7
Verses: "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin."
Explanation: Paul asserts that the "old self" (Greek: ὁ παλαιὸς ἄνθρωπος, ho palaios anthrōpos) was crucified with Christ. This crucifixion aims to render the "body of sin" (Greek: τὸ σῶμα τῆς ἁμαρτίας, to sōma tēs hamartias) powerless, thus liberating believers from sin’s dominion.
Colossians 3:5
Verse: "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."
Explanation: The phrase "put to death" (Greek: νεκρώσατε, nekrosate) is a command in the aorist imperative, urging believers to decisively and actively eradicate sinful behaviors and inclinations. This ongoing process is essential for living out the new self in Christ.
Ephesians 4:22-24
Verses: "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Explanation: Paul instructs believers to "put off" (Greek: ἀποθέσθαι, apothesthai) the old self and its corrupt desires and to "put on" (Greek: ἐνδύσασθαι, endysasthai) the new self. This involves a continuous renewal of the mind and a commitment to living in accordance with God’s righteousness and holiness.
Theological and Practical Implications
Theological Implications
Union with Christ: The crucifixion of the flesh signifies believers' union with Christ in his death and resurrection (Romans 6:5). This union is both a positional reality and a transformative process.
Sanctification: Crucifying the flesh is a critical aspect of sanctification, the process by which believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Practical Implications
Daily Denial: Believers are called to daily deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). This involves a continuous rejection of sinful desires and a commitment to godly living.
Empowerment by the Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to crucify the flesh and live out their new identity. This includes producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which contrasts with the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21).
Cross References
Romans 8:13: "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
1 Peter 2:11: "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul."
1 Corinthians 9:27: "But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."
Philippians 3:18-19: "For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things."
Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Conclusion
The crucifixion of the flesh with its lusts is a decisive act that removes significant impediments to living out the new self in Christ. This process, supported by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the renewal of the mind, allows believers to live in accordance with God's will, characterized by righteousness and holiness. The ongoing nature of this transformation is a vital aspect of the Christian life, reflecting both the believer's union with Christ and their commitment to spiritual growth and sanctification.
More info should you wish.
Johann.
I believe this is incorrect-no offense.
Key Verses and Exegesis
Luke 9:23
Verse: "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"
Explanation: Jesus calls his followers to deny themselves. The Greek word for "deny" (ἀπαρνησάσθω, aparnēsasthō) means to disown or renounce. This implies a rejection of one's own desires and ambitions in favor of Christ's lordship.
Galatians 2:20
Verse: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Explanation: Paul speaks of being crucified with Christ, indicating that his old self (with its self-centered desires) has been put to death. The life he now lives is by faith in Christ, not by his own strength or desires.
Romans 6:6
Verse: "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin."
Explanation: The term "old self" (Greek: ὁ παλαιὸς ἄνθρωπος, ho palaios anthrōpos) refers to the pre-conversion self, dominated by sin. Crucifixion of the old self signifies the end of its dominion over a believer’s life.
Ephesians 4:22-24
Verses: "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Explanation: Believers are instructed to "put off" the old self and its corrupt desires and to "put on" the new self. This indicates a transformation from the old, sinful way of life to a new life in Christ.
Colossians 3:3-5
Verses: "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ... Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."
Explanation: Believers have died to their old, earthly selves. They are called to put to death sinful behaviors, which is part of the ongoing process of sanctification.
Theological Implications
Union with Christ: Believers are united with Christ in his death and resurrection, which involves dying to their old selves and living a new life in him (Romans 6:5-11).
Sanctification: Dying to self is a crucial aspect of sanctification, the process by which believers are progressively made holy and conformed to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Practical Implications
Daily Denial: Believers are called to daily deny their own desires and ambitions to follow Christ. This involves a continuous rejection of sinful inclinations and a commitment to godly living (Luke 9:23).
Empowerment by the Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to crucify the flesh and live according to the new self. This includes producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which contrasts with the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21).
Cross References
Romans 8:13: "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
1 Peter 2:11: "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul."
2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Philippians 3:8-10: "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him... that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."
While there is no single verse that explicitly states "self must die," the concept is thoroughly embedded in the New Testament teachings on discipleship and sanctification. The process of crucifying the flesh, denying oneself, and putting off the old self are all ways of expressing the necessity of dying to self in order to live a new life in Christ. This transformation is essential for living out the Christian faith and is made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Johann
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