April 24, 2014 PUTTING ON THE NEW
Putting on the new self and walking in newness is not automatic but is a choice we make. When we were born again into the family of God, God made us a new creations and old things passed away. Having a choice in the matter of putting on the new self gives us the opportunity of learning to be overcomers. The new you is in sharp contrast to the old you. There is no blending of the two; at any given time we are walking in the new or we are walking in the old. Just because one may have a pleasant, gentle personality does not necessarily mean that he or she is walking in the new. Also, walking in the new person that we are does not mean that there will be no trials or adversity, but it does mean that we are overcomers in difficult circumstances. The Apostle Paul and other New Testament writers as well as Jesus Himself had their share of difficulties but they were not defeated by the difficulties they faced. The frightening truth is that we can adjust to living in the old and be content with it. We also may be tempted to rationalize living in the old by just saying “I was born that way”. Anyway, new is new! God has done a great work, Jesus has paid a great price to make us new creations. We must choose to walk in the truth, we must choose to put on the new self. It’s not about feelings, but about applying the truth of the scriptures. In the mundane of life, the washing of dirty dishes, going to work or going fishing, we have the privilege of experiencing this new life that God has made possible! If you by chance are not presently experiencing this newness, I challenge you to “practice” what you read in scripture; example, practice kindness, think the right thoughts, speak truth, express thankfulness, be encouraged, meditate on the scriptures and “draw close to God”. Practice these things regardless of how you feel at the moment and you will begin to experience the new you and yes, it will “feel” good as well.
Ephesians 4:20-24: “But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lust of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”
Romans 13:14: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and, make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lust.”
Romans 6:4: “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”
Thought: Coming to experience living in the New Covenant is not a process-we don’t earn it, it’s a gift.
Blessings,
Buddy
Putting on the new self and walking in newness is not automatic but is a choice we make. When we were born again into the family of God, God made us a new creations and old things passed away. Having a choice in the matter of putting on the new self gives us the opportunity of learning to be overcomers. The new you is in sharp contrast to the old you. There is no blending of the two; at any given time we are walking in the new or we are walking in the old. Just because one may have a pleasant, gentle personality does not necessarily mean that he or she is walking in the new. Also, walking in the new person that we are does not mean that there will be no trials or adversity, but it does mean that we are overcomers in difficult circumstances. The Apostle Paul and other New Testament writers as well as Jesus Himself had their share of difficulties but they were not defeated by the difficulties they faced. The frightening truth is that we can adjust to living in the old and be content with it. We also may be tempted to rationalize living in the old by just saying “I was born that way”. Anyway, new is new! God has done a great work, Jesus has paid a great price to make us new creations. We must choose to walk in the truth, we must choose to put on the new self. It’s not about feelings, but about applying the truth of the scriptures. In the mundane of life, the washing of dirty dishes, going to work or going fishing, we have the privilege of experiencing this new life that God has made possible! If you by chance are not presently experiencing this newness, I challenge you to “practice” what you read in scripture; example, practice kindness, think the right thoughts, speak truth, express thankfulness, be encouraged, meditate on the scriptures and “draw close to God”. Practice these things regardless of how you feel at the moment and you will begin to experience the new you and yes, it will “feel” good as well.
Ephesians 4:20-24: “But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lust of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”
Romans 13:14: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and, make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lust.”
Romans 6:4: “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”
Thought: Coming to experience living in the New Covenant is not a process-we don’t earn it, it’s a gift.
Blessings,
Buddy
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