Before
Christ came into our life, our natural man had no comprehension of the meaning
of spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14). Believers were foreign to us, and we
made fun of them. How could we respect a person who believed in an unseen God?
Human nature and Satanic lies controlled us before
we surrendered our life to Jesus Christ. We
were slaves to sin and death. However, when we came to Christ, He gave us
victory over Satan and destruction (Romans 6:2-6). Now God’s love always
surrounds us, fills us and lifts us.
Our
former, carnal self died in Christ and we are now hidden in Christ with God
(Colossians 3:3). Although we still live on this earth, it has no more power
over us. We are justified, as if we had never sinned, and God’s Spirit is
sanctifying us from one stage of glory to the next (2 Corinthians 3:18).
We
live by the faith of Christ, who loves us and gave Himself over to a cruel
death for our sake (Galatians 2:20). This free gift is not the result of our
goodness or any works, which we perform (Ephesians 2:8-9). It comes from Jesus,
through whom we are crucified to the world and the world to us (Galatians
6:14).
The
world and the lusts of it have no power over, or attraction for us anymore. The
nature to sin is replaced by the divine nature of Christ (Ephesians 2:1-3; 2
Peter 1:4). We live in the Spirit now, rather than in the flesh (Romans 8:8-9).
As
a new creation, our life is transformed from sin and deprivation to
righteousness, peace and joy through the Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans
14:17). We rest in God’s love and stand firm in His power, devoting our self to
His Kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Prayer:
Father
God, knowing that Christ crucified our flesh on Calvary’s cross helps us to
choose to live in holiness rather than in disobedience to You. Your Spirit
provides us with Jesus’ divine power to live a Godly life, and He accomplishes
Your victorious life in and through us (2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 2:10).
Remind
us that once we are Born Again, we only sin when we fail to acknowledge You and to seek Your plans for our day (Proverbs 3:5-6). Thank You for directing our feet
on the paths of life; and for protecting, guarding, directing and loving us
with Your amazing grace and love.
Thought
for the Day:
When
we choose to sin, we act out of character with our new nature and new identity
in Christ; we open the door to more devastation and demonic influences;
however, when we walk in the Spirit, we no longer desire to walk in sin.
-
Galatians 5:15-25
