Articles
Life Of A Christian
I think something Christians need to be very concerned about is our need to be sure our behavior and lives show Christ living in us. Life as a Christian as found in God's Word progresses through a series of changes -- the "new life" replaces the "old one". Upon learning what Jesus teaches we conform to His Ways, and put away those of the "old man". Please consider Colossians chapter 3 with me.
AS HIS CHURCH WE ARE IN THE WORLD, BUT THE WORLD MUST NOT BE IN THE CHURCH.
"Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is on account of these things that the wrath of God will come, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside; anger wrath, malice, slander , and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you said aside the old self with its evil practices, and HAVE PUT ON THE NEW SELF WHO IS BEING RENEWED TO A TRUE KNOWLEDGE ACCORDING TO THE IMAGE OF THE ONE WHO CREATED HIM., " (Colossians 3:5-10)
The things mentioned in that chapter by the inspired writer tell us many things that the world teaches and lives by. When we obey the Lord and His Gospel, we commit to a new way of life -- one which is the opposite to that of the world and those standards of life. It's a life of conforming to His teachings, making changes as we go. Please go with me to a passage in the book of James, where the writer discusses some changes that need to be made.
"You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (James 4:4)
"Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one WHO DOES THE WILL OF GOD ABIDES FOREVER." (1 John 2:15-17)
As Christians we live in the world; but we are not TO BE OF THE WORLD -- we are to be of God, seeking His righteousness, living lives that are as much like His Son as possible. (Matthew 6: 33) The Apostle John tells us, "WE ARE SANCTIFIED BY THE TRUTH", HIs Word. (John 17:17). This tells us to be set apart for the Masters use, apart from the world we used to follow. Notice the words of Paul in the Roman letter.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YO MAY PROVE WHAT THE WILL OF GOD IS, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
The life of a Christian is one of learning and making changes when necessary. The process never stops. Whether we are one who has been a Christian for only a few months or years, or one who became one so many years ago, the need to learn and change continues. I think that's the FAITH the Apostle Peter talks about in his first letter.
"..to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God THROUGH FAITH FOR A SALVATION READY TO BE REVEALED IN THE LAST TIME." (1 Peter 1:4-5)
I trust this will be a reminder for us all how important it is to remain true in our FAITH, and to continue growing and learning how to be better in our service to Him. Thanks for listening.
Ross
