Sorry I've been gone awhile. I have been through several transitions in my life and am still going through them. Despite my circumstances, I am here for you as always. Okay, let's jump right into it today.
Despite our circumstances, our problems, our difficulties, our victories, or our defeats, Paul gives us a way to live everyday. He tells us how to face what we have to face in this life. He tells us in Ephesians.
Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV
[22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.4.22-24.NIV
Stay focused, do this everyday.
"Put off your old self." Mentally put away who you used to be before you came to Christ. That's not who we are anymore. We are "in Christ" now and forever. So think about who you are now. You have to do this everyday because Satan will try to make you revert to your old self. We are not those who "shrink back" like Hebrews says, but are those who move forward in step with what God wants to do in our lives in the future.
"Be made new in the attitude of your mind." Everyday renew your attitude as to who you are in Christ. You are God's child. You are adopted into His family, the kingdom of God. You are seated in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. Your name is written in heaven. Your citizenship is in heaven. You belong to Jesus Christ. You are a member of the body of Christ, the Church. You are born again. You are saved by God's grace. You are justified by the finished work of Jesus. You will never be condemned. You are going to heaven. You have eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. You will never perish. Nothing can separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. You are forgiven of all sin. You are made perfect and holy once and for all by the finished work of Jesus Christ. No one can snatch you out of Jesus's hands. No one can snatch you out of the Father's hands. Your are forever sealed with the Holy Spirit inside you, the deposit which guarantees our inheritance which is to come. Our inheritance is kept in heaven for us and will never perish, spoil, or fade. This is our position. This is who we are in Christ. Renew your mind to these truths everyday because Satan will try to steal these truths from you. (I can provide scripture for all these truths, upon request.)
"Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Be your "new self" in Christ. Live as children of God.
How?
Ephesians 4:25-32 and 5:1-21 gives specifics:
Ephesians 4:25-32 NIV
[25] Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. [26] “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold. [28] Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. [29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.4.25-32.NIV
Ephesians 5:1-21 NIV
[1] Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. [3] But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. [5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them. [8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord. [11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. [12] It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. [13] But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. [14] This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” [15] Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. [18] Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [21] Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.5.1-21.NIV
Paul emphasizes ways to be good now because we all represent Jesus now. Love God, love all mankind, and be good. That's the easiest way to explain all these specifics which are riddled all across the New Testament.
So, put off old self. Renew mind everyday to who we are now, and live like it because we represent Jesus now.
Love you all,
JeffreyPost
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