Twice in Psalm 42 the Psalmist cries out, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” V. 5 and 11. Strange thought and strange wording, a man speaks to his own soul, but from where? It must be that the Word of God has brought about the separation of soul from spirit as spoken in Hebrews 4:12 There the Word is “quick” and powerful and pierces to the “dividing asunder” of soul and spirit… Nevertheless, the psalmist is observing the self-bending down of his own soul — it seems to have a mind of its own.
Paul appears to speak from this same kind of separation in his letter to the Romans.:
“Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” Romans 7:20
He also says it twice in verses 17 and then 20 of chapter 7
Does it mean that there’s a part of me functioning on its own? Actually this renegade within runs according to an inward dialogue, yes, another word, another thought pattern. In Galatians 5:24 Paul speaks of these influences and the desires. He goes on to say that they in Christ have crucified these both, in the crucifixion of sin accomplished at Calvary.
Back on topic , Paul’s Romans 7 experience led him to discover victories through Christ which led to Romans 8, there is now therefore no condemnation in Christ Jesus. This is an amazing truth which solidifies the new reality which has overcome the former dialogue, it’s influence, it’s desires, and it’s forceful barbaric impetus. Indeed, the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death, this is Romans 8 verse 2. All of this deals with my subjective world, through objectivity — the objective word of God. And frankly refers to two identities. Yes, who I view myself to be.
The next verse, 3, tells us of “a corrupt nature, too strong to be influenced by mere commands and threatening. “JFB Yes, the Law was too weak when going up against the powerful flesh. Verse 5 reinforces the idea of the strength of the flesh identity, referring to it’s mind. Paul calls it the mind of the flesh. Flesh has a mind, a mind of its own. Only through the mind of the Spirit is the mind of the flesh nullified. And to reiterate a point, the law was not strong enough to subdue it.
Old school psychology recognized a split soul in man. On the one hand, a barbarian, on the other hand a cover up program which essentially try’s to hide the barbarian, much like Adam and Eve fabricated a fig leaf garment. They thought that they could hide from God . Needless to say , The identity and flesh-governed propensity to cover up our errors and barbaric tendencies, complicates our deliverance, which comes only through Calvary’s tree and the Holy Spirit’s application effecting that so-great a sacrifice.
Friends , the carnal mind is enmity with God. However here is some good news,
“ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.” Romans 8:9a
Incredible truth, much like Romans chapter 5, “where sin does abound, grace is much more abound, when I walk in the Spirit, the lust of the flesh is not fulfilled. When I refrain from adjusting to my own defenses and mechanisms and instead apply the law of the Spirit of life , I find victory in the spirit and in grace, yes the grace released through Christ death burial and resurrection.
In closing , we must skip ahead of this loaded chapter and make our point again. Beloved all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. Amazing truth, There is more.
We are predestined , called, justified, glorified. Done deal.
If God be for us, who can be against us?… how shall He not with him also freely give us all things?
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
Who is he that condemneth? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? No one, no way, no never.
Love ya
