Exhortations To The New Man

Paul exhorts brethren to put off the old man of flesh. He's not addressing the wicked. He addresses the redeemed who believe Christ is all. This is an encouraging word to those who, like Paul, "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). Everything Paul says in this chapter is a work of grace that must be wrought in us by the Spirit of grace. We cannot put off the flesh, by the works or will of the flesh. These exhortations teach us our insufficiency, and show us our need of Christ. We are quickly confronted with the law of sin bringing us into captivity, and warring against the law of our mind written in our hearts by the Spirit. Through this warfare our Lord shows us our need of Christ and that "without [him I] can do nothing" (John 15:5). Through this understanding we cry out like Paul for God to save us and keep us through Jesus Christ (Romans 7:20-25). By this way our Lord grows us in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We further learn patience and graciousness with our brethren, who are just like us, and need grace.