"A NEW CREATION IN CHRIST JESUS"

◄2 Corinthians 5:17►

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.


CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH BROADCAST

Come, be my guest at Immanuel Outreach Church Ministries!

Pastor Joe N. White Jr., and Lady Donna White

400 Rose Lane, N. L. R., AR 72117

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Evg. Subrina White 501-612-0271

for complete notes: missbooklady41@yahoo.com


INTRODUCTION


According to 2 Co 5:17, a great change takes place in the life of one who is a Christian. If you have put on Christ through baptism Galatians 3:27. Please do not deceive yourself like Satan deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden.  It does not matter if you are a pastor, a pastor wife, secretary, evangelist, pew warmer, it just does not matter. God means for everyone that means all to repent and come into the knowledge of who He is. Before you can be a new Creature in Christ you have to the New Birth this is what Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3-5. Jesus didn’t pull any punches; he was to the point and clear. As also in Acts 10:44 and Acts 19:5. 


Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.


2. But what does this change mean?

a. What position does this "new creation" hold in the eyes of God?

b. What type of life is he or she to lead?

c. How does this change affect his or her relationship to things pertaining to one's old way of life?


In Paul's epistle to the Ephesians, we find the answers to such questions.  Note first of all that a Christian is described as.


I. SITTING WITH CHRIST IN HEAVENLY PLACES  Ep 2:6


A. OUR FORMER CONDITION.

1. We were dead in sin Ep 2:1

2. We were quite active, walking and following after:

a. The world

b. Satan

c. The flesh  Ep 2:2-3


B. OUR CURRENT CONDITION.

1. Out of love, mercy and grace, we who were dead are now alive! Ep 2:4-5;  Ro 5:6-8

2. Now we are blessed to be:

a. Raised with Christ  Ep 2:6a; Col 2:12; 3:1

b. Seated with Him in "heavenly places"  Ep 2:6

3. Definition of "heavenly places"

a. Lit., "the heavenlies", found only in Ephesians  Ep 1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12, Ep 6:12, Ep 3:10Ep 1:20, Ep 2:6, Col 3:1-2


As "A New Creation," sitting with Christ in heavenly places ought to affect the way we think.  But also, the way we behave, for as "A New Creation" we are to be.


II. WALKING IN MANNER WORTHY OF OUR CALLING Ep 4:1


A. THE PURPOSE OF OUR CALLING.

1. To be holy and without blame  Ep 1:3-4

2. To be His beloved children through adoption  Ep 1:5


B. A WALK WORTHY OF OUR CALLING.

1. Is one in which we "walk in love" Ep 5:1-2

a. As beloved children, imitating their Father

b. Following Christ's own example of sacrifice

2. Is one in which we "walk as light"  Ep 5:3-14

a. Living lives holy and without blame

b. As light exposing the deeds of darkness by way of contrast

3. Is one in which we "walk as wise" Ep 5:15-17

a. Understanding that time is short

b. Understanding the will of the Lord


Walking in "love", as "light", as "wise", will not be without controversy in the midst of a dark, perverted world ( 2Ti 3:12). And so "A New Creation" is to be.


III. STANDING FIRM IN BATTLE - Ep 6:13


A. THE NATURE OF OUR BATTLE.

1. We are engaged in a spiritual warfare Ep 6:12

a. The battle is taking place in "heavenly places" (the spiritual realm)

b. Our foe:  the very things we had previously followed. Ep 2:2-3

2. Thus the need to be strong  Ep 6:10

a. To be strong in the Lord

b. To be strong in the power of His might


B. THE NATURE OF OUR ARMOR...

1. We are given the armor of God, which we must put on  Ep 6:11,13

2. This armor is adequate for a strong offensive battle  Ep 6:14-18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication. Note the lack of protection from behind; this implies that we must be committed in standing firm against the enemy, and that to retreat insures defeat!


CONCLUSION


1. When a person becomes "A New Creation", it affects how he or she sits, stands, and walks.

a. Sitting with Christ in heavenly places

b. Walking in a manner worthy of our calling

c. Standing firm in battle


2. Compare this to the wicked person who is not blessed by God as described in Ps 1:1-2.

a. Walking in the counsel of the wicked

b. Standing in the path of sinners

c. Sitting in the seat of scoffers


What a remarkable contrast!  Truly "old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."  Has this proved true in our lives?


Give careful thought to how and where you are sitting, walking, and standing, if you desire to be "A New Creation" in Christ!



You have been listening to Contending for the Faith Broadcast this has been your host Evg. Subrina White