Taking Off the Old Self

In understanding spiritual warfare, we know that the truth is an essential element in our defense against Satan as outlined in Ephesians 6:10-12 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Remember that one of the parts of God’s armor was the “sword of truth” as outlined in Ephesians 6:14 – Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Later in Revelations 12:10-11, it is written that, Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.  They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

Since sexual immorality is a sin against the body, confessing this can be a strong step towards gaining more power in Christ.

Paul outlines the need for killing our earthly nature that results from our past sins in Colossians 3:5-10 – 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… Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

Sometimes when someone has multiple soul tie issues, this process can be complicated. It is at this point where individual work may be recommended.

Accountability is also recommended to ensure that new soul ties aren’t being developed in the future. I have one friend who still struggles with being faithful to her husband. Whenever she’s tempted, she is free to talk to me about it and receive my encouragement and advice. I promise unconditional love to her no matter what. Just knowing that she would have to tell me the truth should she stray is enough to help her remain faithful.

The result of breaking my sexual soul ties meant that sensory triggers (i.e., aftershave, favorite beverages, music, etc.) could not cause me to remember my past sexual sins. While it will be hard to completely remove the consequences of my sexual immorality, I know that God doesn’t remember them anymore. I understand that my husband knows me and loves me despite the past. It was almost like my virginity was restored!

While there are consequences of this sexual past that could affect the rest of my life, the spiritual side has put on a new self that is constantly being renewed through Jesus.