Since I have committed my life to Jesus, I'm not the same person I used to be. Praise to the Lord, I'm no longer conformed to this world's desires, lusts and envy. He has transformed my very being so I now long to "prove what is good and acceptable perfect will of the Father," applied to my life, Romans 12:2.
So lets look at this process called "transformation." The Apostle Paul describes this as becoming a "new creature." So what does this mean? First realize this "transformation" starts in your mind. I'm concerned many Christians do not understand this most important step in their walk with Jesus Christ. It is the process of being "born again." This is a most important reality that must take place in your life before you become that new creature.
Read Colossians 3:1-3 to help you understand immensely this change that occurs. Using the New King James Version: "If you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God the Father." This next verse is where many Christians fail miserably. "Set your mind on things above not on things on the earth."
The next verse Paul tells us that we are dead as far as our past life is concerned. "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in His Father." This, brethren, is the time of your transformation, for you now possess the Holy Spirit from God the Father through Jesus Christ as a believer. His Spirit has called you, convicted you and cleansed you of all your past. From now on, you will be guided by the Holy Spirit, which is Christ living in you.
So how can we be sure this has happened in our lives? In II Corinthians 13:5, Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are already disqualified. I trust you are not disqualified, but need a better understanding of who and what you are in Christ Jesus.
Turning back to Colossians 3 verses 4-6, "When Christ who is our life, shall appear, then you shall also appear with Him in glory." This can only happen if we have been changed into a new person, transformed. If we are to appear with Him, then we need to be prepared to be taken up when the time comes. How? By His Holy Spirit residing in you, giving you the strength to stand and make the right decisions in your life.
Therefore, put to death your bad habits, which is of this earth (worldly ways which destroy the soul), like fornication, uncleanness, passions, evil desires and covetousness which is idolatry. Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons and daughters of disobedience. Notice Paul states the above bad habits are in direct disobedience to God's Laws. So if you are practicing any of the above sins, please stop and ask God the Father to help you overcome these negative traits that drive you away from Him. We all sin from time to time, this is true, but when you willfully plan to practice sin, as a confessing Christian, you are walking on thin ice.
We must become a new creature in Christ, "For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins," Hebrews 10:26. Brethren, find out where you stand, how do you measure up? Are you with Jesus Christ or are you still of the world? Remember Colossians 1:22-23, speaking of Jesus, "In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and above reproach in His sight: If you continue in the faith-grounded and steadfast." Think about it, will you be coming back with the Lord when He sets up His new kingdom on earth? It's time to take your calling more seriously. Time is running out, remember, we are finite.
Read what the Apostle Paul wrote by the Holy Spirit concerning the "new man" in Ephesians 4:17-24. Are you doubtful you can become a changed person through Christ? Sincere prayer and study His Word, He will come and live in and through you by His Spirit. His Spirit will give you the strength to overcome any obstacle. Trust Him and live that new life.
Craig Joyner has worked and served in the Hot Springs area for more than 20 years. He has a passion for studying the Word of God and sharing with others his findings. His objective is for believers to draw closer to the Lord, cleaving to the truth of the Word and not be deceived during these end-times.
Religion on 06/09/2018