🕊️ Crucifixion in the Believer’s Life — Part 3: The Flesh vs. the Old Man
(THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS) Introduction
Confusion between "the flesh" and "the old man" has led many believers into unnecessary striving, false guilt, or theological error. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual speech, Scripture draws a critical distinction between them — one that shapes how we walk in freedom and rest.
Understanding this distinction allows us to rightly divide the Word, to live in our new identity, and to relate to temptation and sin without slipping into condemnation or self-effort.
🔍 Definitions and Biblical Clarity
1. The Old Man (ho palaios anthrĹŤpos)
Refers to the unregenerate self — the person you were in Adam.
This identity was crucified with Christ at salvation.
It is no longer present in the believer.
Key Scriptures:
Romans 6:6 – "Our old self was crucified with Him."
Colossians 3:9 – "You have put off the old self with its practices."
Ephesians 4:22 – "Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life."
Greek: palaios anthrōpos — "old, worn out, obsolete man."
2. The Flesh (sarx)
Refers to the residual indwelling tendency of the body and soul to operate independently of God.
The flesh is not a person and was not crucified in the same sense as the old man.
It remains present in the believer but has been stripped of authority.
Key Scriptures:
Galatians 5:16–17 – "The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit..."
Romans 7:18 – "In my flesh dwells no good thing."
Romans 8:7 – "The mind set on the flesh is hostile to God."
Greek: sarx — can refer to the physical body or, contextually, the fallen operating principle of self-reliance and sin.
🧠Theological Implications
The Old Man:
Crucified once-for-all at salvation (Rom 6:6)
Removed as your spiritual identity (2 Cor 5:17)
Never returns — you are no longer in Adam
The Flesh:
Remains as a source of temptation
Opposes the Spirit’s desires
Must be walked away from, not fought with fleshly effort
Failing to distinguish these results in trying to kill what is already dead, or denying the ongoing struggle with sin’s presence.
🧠Practical Understanding
Why it matters:
When you confuse the flesh with the old man, you may feel like your identity hasn’t changed — as though the old you is alive and well.
When you distinguish them, you see that while the flesh tempts, it no longer defines you or has dominion over you.
You are not the flesh nor are you in the flesh. You are a new creation indwelt by Christ. The flesh may still shout, but you no longer need to listen.
🪞 Metaphor: The Echo in the Cave
The old man is gone — crucified and buried. But the flesh is like an echo in a cave: it reverberates long after the voice has stopped. You may hear its suggestions, but they are only that — echoes, not identity.
Summary Comparison Chart
Final Encouragement
Believer, you are no longer the old man. You are not defined by the flesh. You are in Christ, and He is in you. Don’t waste your energy trying to crucify what God already buried. And don’t fear the flesh — it has no authority unless you yield to it.
Instead, listen to the Spirit. Trust your new identity. And walk each step knowing the difference between echo and reality.