1 John 1:8 declares, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
James 3:2 declares, "For in many things we offend all" (or "all offend," N. Trans.).
Rom. 6:12 exhorts, "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."
2 Cor. 4:10,11 exhorts and declares, "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh."
These verses addressed to believers show that the old nature is still there. Our constant need is to "watch unto prayer," as we find in 1 Peter 4:7.
Col. 3:3 states the truth that "we are dead." It is the truth of Rom. 6 that we died in the death of Christ.
Rom. 6:11 exhorts us to reckon ourselves to be dead. That is how we are to begin our Christian life; then 2 Cor. 4:10 tells us to carry out this truth in our daily life.
2 Cor. 3:18 gives us the principle of victory through occupation with Christ.
"Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust." Psa. 16: 1.
O THOU whose mercies far exceed
All we can do or say,
As in Thy people Thou indeed
Dost daily more display;
Let, for our happiness, O God,
On us while here below.
By virtue of Christ's death and blood,
Thy richest blessings flow.
Preserve Thy flock most graciously,
Within Thy sheltering fold;
Move them from every harm away,
And in Thy safeguard hold;
Till Thou shalt fully have obtained
In us the fruits of grace,
And we, in joys that never end,
Shall see Thee face to face.
Do Thou, the very God of peace,
Us wholly sanctify,
And grant us such a rich increase
Of power from on high,
That spirit, soul, and body may,
Preserved free from stain.
Be blameless until that great day;
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!