“We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” - Romans 6:6 ESV
What happens when we are born again? We don’t just become better people. Paul explained the change this way: Our “old self was crucified.” It was put to death. Through Jesus, we have become new creatures.
This truth can be hard to understand. We still think in old ways sometimes. These are reasons Paul stressed the analogy of death for the transformation to be complete: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death.” This is necessary that we “might walk in newness of life” (v. 4). In fact, we are new creatures in Christ.
The Bible encourages us to approach life in new ways, to realize why God gave us the Holy Spirit, to help us think in new ways, and to have power we don’t have in ourselves.
I’m from the Islands and when it have Fete, Carnival or J’ouvert…I was front and center. Anywhere a pan knock especially Jam Band, I had to be there. I didn’t care how I look or who say what! Every Carnival, I was ready. I spent hundreds of dollars on my troop costume for the adult parade. But when the Lord got a whole of me, the war within began. I was saved (accepted Christ as Savior), but the Pan Man was still ruling in my soul. Going to jam; out tramping in the street and going to church. I just didn’t have the power to stay away…when I hear “ping deh deh pong”, it’s as if Pan Man was calling my name! One day the Spirit of God came on the inside (Born Again) and kick Pan Man out. I made Christ Lord of my life and I embraced the Holy Spirit’s help. No matter how I try to go back, I couldn’t. The conviction was too strong. Now, I have no desire or interest...that was just a phase on my journey. I know some of you Islanders (if you’re honest) can relate.
The “old self” thinks about the things of this world…our reputations and pleasures, our feelings and interests. But everything changes when we realize that we “died to this life, and [our] real life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3 NLT).
Therefore, we are to give our hearts “to the things of heaven, not the things of earth” (Colossians 3:2 NLT). We are to set our minds on the things above.
So tell me, what does walking in the newness of life mean for you practically. Today, ask God to give you a deeper revelation of this new life. Truly walk in the Spirit, and don’t be controlled by your old self.
Prayer: Father, I desire to walk in the newness of life. Help me embrace the complete change that has taken place because of Jesus. In His Name, Amen.
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