Don't Let The Old Man In | Rich Wilkerson Jr. | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Don't Let The Old Man In

Rich Wilkerson Jr.

VOUS Church • Jan 20, 2025 • 54 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. teaches on what happens in a believer's life after being born again, emphasizing the ongoing process of sanctification. While salvation is received in an instant through faith, walking with Jesus requires daily putting off the old nature and refusing to carry past sin into our new identity. By developing new spiritual appetites, setting protective boundaries, and embracing divine momentum, believers learn to live openly in God's love and light.

Themes

Sanctification and Spiritual GrowthRenouncing the Old NatureWalking in the Light vs. DarknessIntentional Boundaries and AccountabilityGod's Transformative Love and Grace

Pastor's Points

1.

1. New Appetites

2.

2. New Boundaries

3.

3. New Momentum

Key Points

1.
When we are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, our old nature is crucified with Him, and we must leave our past buried.
2.
Sanctification is an ongoing daily process of putting off corrupted former habits and actively putting on the new self created in righteousness.
3.
What we choose to feed daily in our thoughts, media, and routines determines whether our spiritual nature or fleshly nature grows stronger.
4.
Stepping into the light requires honesty and vulnerability with God, bringing past sin into the open for healing and freedom.
5.
Born-again believers experience new appetites, finding that sinful habits lose their appeal while a hunger for God's Word and presence increases.
6.
Spiritual boundaries are designed for protection rather than restriction, keeping small compromises from giving the enemy a foothold in our lives.
7.
Active accountability with trusted believers creates guardrails that help us maintain spiritual health and preserve our calling.
8.
Consistently obeying God builds spiritual momentum, making His voice clearer and the old nature's grip progressively weaker over time.

Sermon Moments

“Clint Eastwood's resolve to 'not let the old man in,' illustrating how believers must mentally and spiritually resist returning to former ways.”

“The Roman practice of tying a corpse to a prisoner, illustrating how carrying dead habits on your back will decay and poison your new spiritual life.”

“The two dogs parable, demonstrating that whichever nature—good or evil—you feed through daily choices is the one that wins.”

“The 'Keto Flu' illustration, showing how the painful detox phase of spiritual transformation leads to long-term health and strength.”

“Ehud's double-edged sword in Judges 3, picturing how inserting God's Word into our hearts causes hidden sin and dirt to flow out.”

“The pet snake story, warning that keeping small compromises in your life will eventually result in temptation striking you.”

“England's 'Right to Light' law, reminding believers that they have a spiritual right to remove anything blocking Christ's light in their lives.”

“The Nextel walkie-talkie illustration, picturing how the Holy Spirit constantly speaks up to convict and protect us when we step toward darkness.”

This Week

Evaluate your daily media and entertainment consumption to ensure you are feeding your spiritual life rather than old sinful patterns.

Establish practical digital and environmental boundaries to cut off opportunities for recurring temptation.

Join a small group or crew to build authentic accountability with faith-filled believers who keep you walking in the light.

Commit to reading the Bible daily out of hunger for God's truth rather than out of guilt or religious duty.

Practice living in the light by confessing struggles and secret sins to God and a trusted Christian mentor.

Replace negative or corrupting entertainment with prayer, worship, and uplifting fellowship throughout your week.

Stand firm in your identity in Christ whenever past guilt or old habits surface, remembering that your old self was crucified with Jesus.

Remember This

Being born again is not just a one-time prayer, but a daily journey of leaving the old self buried, establishing protective boundaries, and allowing God's love to transform your life.

A Challenge for You

Put on your new nature, refuse to let the old man back in, and trust the Holy Spirit to transform your life as you step into the bright future God has for you.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.