“Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].” 2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP
One of the greatest promises of God is that when we submit our lives to Him we will become a new creation. While our minds and heart seemed to have hanged our flesh is constantly reminding us that it is still in control! If we take a closer look at the verse, we find some reassuring facts. The first word that Paul used to describe us is new. The Greek here is the word describing a state of existence. It might be translated “young, just starting, or that which has just appeared.” We might compare it to the moment a plant breaks through the dirt and begins its journey to maturity. From a dead seed comes new life! Everything that the plant needs to be what it was created to be is present, but growth and maturity needs to take place. Our walk with God is much the same! From the death of our lives came new life with all the potential to be what God has called us to be. The second word used here I the word creation. The Greek word here refers also to state of existence, “that which is at the beginning.” Before God called the world to existence there was darkness and chaos. Once God spoke the words of creative power, order and life came forth! We see the same with our lives. Out of darkness and chaos God has called a new order and life! The challenge for every believer is to see past the present weaknesses to a moment when we are truly free of sin of fleshly desires! The Apostle Paul wrote this to the church at Rome.
“But thank God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient with all your heart to the standard of teaching in which you were instructed and to which you were committed. 18And having been set free from sin, you have become the slaves of righteousness [of conformity to God’s will and purpose]. 19I am speaking in [familiar] human terms because of your natural limitations [your spiritual immaturity]. For just as you presented your bodily members as slaves to impurity and to [moral] lawlessness, leading to further lawlessness, so now offer your members [your abilities, your talents] as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification [that is, being set apart for God’s purpose]. Romans 6:17-19 AMP
Look at verse 19, the Apostle is reminding them that there are natural limitations in our journey. He encourages the new believer to “so now offer your members [your abilities, your talents] as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification [that is, being set apart for God’s purpose].” It is a reminder that we have lives so long under the power and control of the enemy it is hard for us to image walking in freedom! Peter reminds us of the same issue.
“[Live] as obedient children [of God]; do not be conformed to the evil desires which governed you in your ignorance [before you knew the requirements and transforming power of the good news regarding salvation].” 1 Peter 1:14 AMP
Do you see it? We must be aware of the “evil desires which governed you in your ignorance [before you knew the requirements and transforming power of the good news regarding salvation].” That means we must find a new identity within ourselves which is based upon what God has said and that which we have become. I chapter 2 of Peter’s first epistle we read these words of direction.
“like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment],”
Spending time in the Word of God is so important. It is the nourishment for our spiritual life! I pray that God will give you the grace to past who you were and int o the vision of who He sees you becoming! Pastor Ken