The Third World War within!

TWO NATURES 

INTRODUCTION: As a born again believer, it is important to understand the changes that have 

taken place. If we do not understand that we now have two natures, we will have difficulty serving
God.

I. The two natures we now possess are referred to by various terms in the Scriptures.

A.   ADAMIC NATURE: Outward man, old man, carnal man, fleshly man

B.   SPIRIT NATURE: Inward man, inner man, new man, divine nature

II. The Bible reveals that our flesh birth gave us a flesh nature, John 3:6.

A.   We must contend with the desires of the flesh until we lay our bodies to rest in the
        grave.

B.   By the flesh nature, we mean the inborn character, the innate disposition, the inherent
        primitive state that is common to all human flesh.

1.     Just as the nature of the hog causes him to desire to wallow in the mud, the human

nature, in and of itself, desires to serve the flesh, Romans 8:7,8.

2.     We see, then, that the flesh nature never changes its character.

III. The Bible reveals that being born again gave us a spirit nature.

A.   The spirit nature cannot sin and is totally pleasing to God, I John 3:9.

B.   By letting the spirit nature dominate our lives, we can conquer the desires of the flesh,

Galatians 5:16.

1.     We need to feed the spirit daily in order to be victorious.

2.     To walk in the spirit is to walk according to the spirit nature.

C.   If we can learn the character of each of these natures, we will be able to understand

our thoughts and feelings and be able to control our lives.

1.     It is important to realize that there is a conflict between the flesh nature and the

spirit nature, Galatians 5:17.

2.     This battle takes place in the mind.

IV. The Bible reveals the nature of the flesh birth.

A.   We are born with the flesh nature, Romans 5:12.

B.   We cannot change this flesh nature, Romans 7:18.

C.   The flesh nature will profit us nothing, John 6:63.

D.   Even when we do good, the old nature is looking for an opportunity to rise up, Romans
        7:21.

E.   Notice that the works of the flesh keep us from reigning in the future kingdom in the
        Bride of Christ, I Corinthians 6:9,10; Galatians 5:19-21.

1. Adultery and Fornication — unlawful sex

2. Uncleanness — spiritually and morally impure

3. Lasciviousness — lustful; sinful emotions

4. Idolatry — worshipping an idol, or anything we place before Christ and faithful service to Him

5. Sorcery — witchcraft, drugs, enchantment

6. Hatred — animosity, malicious feelings toward another

7. Strife — quarreling, fighting, or conflict

8. Jealousy — suspicious fear of rivalry

9. Wrath — rage; uncontrolled anger

10. Factions — a self-seeking group within the fellowship

11. Seditions — dissensions

12. Heresies — false doctrine

13. Envy — displeasure at the good fortune of another (closely related to jealousy)

14. Murder — to kill; hatred of a brother

15. Drunkenness — under the influence of alcohol

16. Revelings — merry making; rioting

V. The Bible reveals the nature of the spirit birth.

A.   The spirit nature is totally from God, I Peter 1:23.

1.     The Holy Spirit is the incorruptible seed.

2.     We are born of the Spirit by the Word of God (The Word is the means).

B.   The new nature makes us alive unto God, Romans 6:11.

C.   The spirit nature causes us to delight in the law of God (the Word of God), Romans 7:22.

D.   The spirit nature produces fruit, Galatians 5:22-25.

VI. The Bible reveals how to live according to the spirit nature.

A.   We must make a commitment to the spirit life, Romans 6:1-4.

1.     We symbolically bury the old man (flesh nature).

2.     This commitment involves not only a public declaration in baptism, but a commit-

ment to walk in the new way of life.

B.   We must put off our old way of life, Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:5-9.

C.   We must put on the attributes of the spirit nature, Colossians 3:10; 3:12-14.

1.     We must be renewed in our minds by studying the Word of God daily, Ephesians

4:23,24.

2.     In this way we are able to put on the attributes of the spirit nature.

VII. The Bible reveals the consequences of living after the flesh.

A.   Even though we cannot lose our salvation, it will separate us from God’s fellowship,
        Romans 8:6.

B.   If we live according to the flesh, we will reap corruption, Galatians 6:8.

C.   Let us not live after the flesh but pursue the things of the Spirit, so our lives can count
        for God.