The Old Way

A believer’s unregenerate self – “our old man”.  The Greek word for “old” does not refer to something old in years but to something that is worn out and useless.  Paul uses the term “body” and “flesh” to refer to sinful propensities that are intertwined with physical weaknesses and pleasures.  But the term “flesh” is not equivalent to the physical body, which can be an instrument of holiness.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Romans 6:6.

The Old Way

Put to death, therefore, whatever

belongs to your earthly nature:

sexual immorality,

impurity,

lust,

evil desires and greed,

which is idolatry.

Because of these, the wrath of God

is coming.

You used to walk in these ways,

in the life you once lived.

But now you must rid yourselves

of all such things as these:

anger,

rage,

malice,

slander,

and filthy language from your lips.

Colossians 3:5-8