New You

A New You

Dr. Mike 2025 , , ,

“ Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Colossians 3:9-10

Recently in our small group the topic of Christ making us a new creation came up. (2 Corinthians 5:17). After the discussion, it dawned on me that many of us may not have a clear understanding of what it means.

Some of the men believed that following the Christian faith is just about improving one self. Others that one day we will all be spiritual beings in heaven. And then others elaborated it only means our position with God has changed. There were other comments, but these we most emphasized.

So now I have the opportunity to summarize the matter with greater clarity.

Yes, all the above comments are a byproduct of being a new creation. But the core of a new creation is what Jesus did and is now doing and what HE will do in the future.

Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven transformed the human race. God became man so man could become eternal sharing life with the Triune God. Jesus redeemed humanity. Humanity through Adam and Eve divorced God. Jesus restored humanity’s relationship with God. Humanity now has direct access to the Creator through Jesus Christ. Humanity was made in the image of God to represent HIM on this planet. Now under the new creation, humanity is better able to reflect what it means to be fully human.

When one surrenders to Jesus and HIS Kingdom, their human spirit is joined with the Holy Spirit. God begins to live HIS life in you and me. The more you lean on the Triune God, the more HIS Spirit influences your soul. Your emotions, mind, and willpower begin to align with God’s character. Yet, there is still a constant internal battle being fought. Our carnal nature still wants to rebel against God’s goodness. So, the soul is now being bombarded from the pulls and desires of the old-self along with God’s goodness. The old-self and the new-self are at war with each other.

But as we focus on growing in Godly knowledge, we learn to live a grace-paced life. We are nurturing the new-self. As we pray, fellowship, and worship God, we allow the Holy Spirit to have HIS way with us.

This is what baptism pictures. When Divinity died in the flesh and was resurrected, we also died with Jesus. One day we will also be resurrected with HIM. When we surrendered to Jesus, we put to death the old-self. We are then allowing God to put HIS Spirit in us as a deposit for the new-self. Life then focuses on becoming more like Jesus. Allowing HIS Spirit to influence us. Allowing HIS character to rub off on us. HE allows us to join HIS macro-purpose. He joins us in our micro-purposes. We begin to share life together. We learn to live life together.

The new creation is mankind’s human potential. To become partakers in God’s family. Life’s journey is an adventure and battle between the old-self and the new-self. The quicker we deny and surrender the old-self, the quicker we will enjoy the riches of the new-self. It does not happen overnight. For many of us, it may take our entire life to totally surrender our idols and strongholds. Yet, God’s grace and mercy supersede whatever challenges and obstacles we face. This is the adventure God has given us to pursue. To prepare us for eternity with HIM.

The sooner you realize you are a new creation in Christ, your focus changes. And as the old adage states, life becomes what you focus on.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Renewal

Dr. Mike 2021, Kingdom Paradigms, Shaped By The WORD , , ,

Titus 3:5

…he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Yes, when you allow the Holy Spirit full access into your inner chamber of your thoughts, values, and possessions, only then real transparent, quality living begins.

And this new you being morphed isn’t because you earned more bonus karma points with all the good actions you have performed through life, but simply because our Triune God loves you and me.

When we accept Jesus Christ as our savior and Lord, HE introduces us to Father God and Holy Spirit. As we accept HIS authority in our daily life, all Three move into your inner neighborhood. The weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:16-17) is God living in you and me. 

I remember a time in my early twenties when I found myself exercising patience. Though at that time the naturally inclination was to be overly active and wait for no one, but this time I found myself at peace and contented. Totally out of character. This was the first time I realize God was creating something new in me that wasn’t there before.

Over time, the fruit of HIS SPIRIT became more and more naturally inclusive within my everyday life. I didn’t’ discipline myself to behave this way. It wasn’t my prime focus. But slowly over time, God’s presence in my life became more and more visible through the actions being expressed with the people and situation I found myself around.

As I invested more time with other brothers and sisters in the Lord, they also shared their experiences which mimic mine. God is creating a new human which Jesus Christ was the first fruit. He paved the way and equips us with the same Spirit. He continues to share truths of life and more importantly the reassurance of HIS Father’s love for us.

As Christ-followers, we are HIS students. The work being performed within us isn’t for our glory, but God’s. We are being renewed for the opportunity to do good work now for His Kingdom by serving others as He also prepares us for greater work in the world tomorrow.    

We marvel at the work the Holy Spirit conducts in the lives of people. While many of us delusionally pat our own backs as if we are the cause of the change, HE continues to shape, counsel, and comfort us through the daily routine of life. Over time though, most likely when we are older and look back, we have to admit most of life’s best changes came about without our direct influence – God in HIS loving way keeps birthing HIS character into our inner chambers.

Thank you, Father-Son-Spirit; continue your work in us, and help us to continue doing good work serving others for your glory and Kingdom.

   

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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