Eph.4:22-24 – that, in reference to your former way of life, you are to rid yourselves of the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
It’s easy to identify problems in our lives and even easier to see shortcomings in others; fixing these things is a whole different story. Far too often we just come to some conclusion that that is the way I am, or the way God made me. That is the way I am supposed to be and God is good with that. Not a good conclusion. Here is how Owen Strachan describes this dilemma.
“IN RECENT YEARS, Christians have begun to debate the role of human identity. A culture engulfed in sexual sin and narcissism has created many problems for the church. Some believers hear talk about “orientation” and wonder whether there is any part of themselves that is unchangeable. We’re all tempted in some way to cling to our sinful past; we want there to be room for us to be a jealous Christian, a proud Christian, a lustful Christian, a gay Christian, a gluttonous Christian, an alcoholic Christian. But part of the fight against sin is knowing that we are acting against our “new nature”. To call ourselves any kind of modified Christian weakens our fight against sin, because it tricks us into thinking we still have our old identity when the Bible says we don’t.”
So what is the answer? It is right there in today’s scripture passage; “be renewed in the spirit of your minds”. Here is Eph.4:24 from the Passion Bible, “And to be transformed as you embrace the glorious Christ-within as your new life and live in union with him! For God has re-created you all over again in his perfect righteousness”. So here is the solution, we have been forgiven, Christ has come to live in us; now we need to experience spiritual renewal on a continual basis. How do I do that? It is quite easy and even enjoyable. Pray in the Spirit, sing songs of worship to the Lord, and wash your mind in the Bible consistently. I would suggest reading the Psalms daily and singing in the Spirit; this is how you strengthen that new person you have become.
1 thought on “BRAND NEW PERSON”
“To call ourselves any kind of modified Christian weakens our fight against sin, because it tricks us into thinking we still have our old identity when the Bible says we don’t.” I would call this hitting the bulls eye and it applies to not only new Christians but also idle Christians. “Weakens our fight against sin” like a wounded animal, predator’s salivate over.