After setting forth the hard truth of the sinfulness of man, Paul applies the work of Christ in saving a man and sanctifying him day by day. The two truths that make Christians know that they are in Christ is by having heard Him and by being taught in Him. This does not mean that Christians must here the voice of Christ in the flesh, but it means to hear and be taught that is a product of saving faith in Christ alone. After establishing this, Paul describes the caustic nature of the old self that must be done away with, or laid aside. O, how the Christian is a new creature in Christ, yet that old nature longs to cause havoc. What a spiritual war that we are in! By the grace of God, He sticks alongside us as we crucify the flesh along with its desires.
