How can the control of the old Adamic nature be broken?
Only the power of God can break sin's control over the old Adamic nature; human effort cannot. Adam must die and be crucified. This happens through crucifixion with Christ: the old self is put to death, and Christ lives in the believer, producing new life.
Les explains that the control of the old Adamic nature has to be totally broken, and no human endeavor can do it; only the power of God can break it. Good parents and a godly home can teach a certain amount of inhibitions, but even the best person will still give in to the control of old Adam. The only way out from under that control is for Adam to die, to be crucified. Les points to Scripture: God in a substitutionary manner died our death in our place. Paul makes it plain in Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Les notes this does not mean actual Roman crucifixion, but it is crucifixion with Christ, and the person is alive. This is the new life, the new creation spoken of in 2 Corinthians chapter 5.