Laying Down the Dead Man: Walking in New Life

Published on 30 October 2025 at 05:00

Laying Down the Dead Man

Walking in New Life

Recently I heard a sermon on Romans, chapter 7 and it affected me like never before. I think that is what I love the most about reading the Bible! It's always new, and it's always speaking to me on a deeper level.

Romans 7 shows us the struggle with sin that every person faces, but Romans 4 reminds us of the peace of God and the strength He gives us to overcome. Paul paints such a vivid picture in Romans of the inner battle between our sinful nature and our desire to live righteously before God.

During Roman times, one form of punishment for murder was horrifying: the guilty person would be forced to carry the corpse of their victim strapped to their back. Over time, the disease and decay would infect them, often leading to death. As awful as this sounds, I believe Paul may have had something like this in mind when he wrote about the “body of death” we carry around (see Romans 7:24). Our past sins and mistakes can feel like that weight – rotting, smelly, and impossible to shake off. But thanks be to God, only Christ can remove that burden and set us free (see Romans 7:25).

The truth is, sometimes our old self tries to come back. I know in my own life, during hard circumstances, ‘old Priscilla’ tries to show up with her nasty fragrance. But God calls me to put off the old man and walk in the newness of Christ (see Ephesians 4:22–24).

This isn’t about behavior modification, it's about a heart transformation. God wants to take our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh (see Ezekiel 36:26).

Once we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, He changes our desires. Things we once loved, we now avoid. Things we once ignored, we now care deeply about. Christ aligns us with what is good, honorable, and pure (see Philippians 4:8). We can’t go back to the old way of living, because the Spirit of God within us convicts and transforms us day by day.

This is why Philippians 4:6–7 encourages us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Anxiety, fear, and despair are not from God, they are tools of the enemy who wants to steal, kill, and destroy (see John 10:10). But God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

When trials come, James 1:2–4 tells us to “consider it pure joy” because our struggles produce perseverance and maturity. It’s not that the fire isn’t real or the pain isn’t hard, but we can rejoice knowing God is with us in the fire (see Daniel 3:25). He is working all things together for our good (see Romans 8:28).

I’m reminded of the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8:43–48. For twelve years she tried everything, but nothing worked. Then, with faith, she reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and instantly, she was healed. Her story reminds us that when we reach out to Jesus, everything changes.

Friend, you don’t have to carry the dead weight of your past anymore. Jesus already carried it to the cross. Today, you can lay it down. You can choose freedom over fear, peace over anxiety, and joy over despair. Nothing is impossible for God (see Luke 1:37). He promises never to leave you nor forsake you (see Hebrews 13:5), and His promises are always “Yes” and “Amen” (see 2 Corinthians 1:20).

So rise up today and walk in the newness of life. Call on the name of Jesus – the only name that saves (see Acts 4:12) – and live free.

Three Action Points

1. Lay It Down – Ask God to reveal any old burdens you're still carrying and surrender them to Him in prayer (Hebrews 12:1).

2. Renew Your Mind – Spend time daily in God’s Word so your thoughts and desires align with His truth (Romans 12:2).

3. Walk in Faith – Just like the woman who touched Jesus’ garment, take a step of faith today. Believe that He is able to heal, restore, and set you free (Mark 5:34).