The New Creature

 
The bible says “therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Cor 5:17)” Some other versions says “those who become Christians become new persons…"(NLT), “If any person is (ingrafted) in Christ (the messiah), he is a new creature…"(Amp). 
Sometimes, when temptations comes around, especially if it had been one of our former weakness before we came to Christ, or probably new ones that we’ve not experience before. Most times, we feel like we are the only one facing those challenges, and sometimes we assume others are doing fine with God. In fact, some later give up, thinking they can never be free. 
If you have this kind of thoughts, just wait as we look at Christ himself.
The New Adam in You.
Mat 4:1-11 EasyEnglish
God’s Spirit led Jesus into the desert. Here the devil tried to cause Jesus to do wrong things. Jesus did not eat anything for 40 days and 40 nights (*fasting*). He was very hungry at the end of this time. Then the devil came to Jesus and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, you can talk to these stones. Tell the stones that they must become bread.’  But Jesus answered the devil, ‘Moses wrote this in God’s book. “People need more than bread to really live. They need to hear every word that God speaks. Then they can really live.” ’ Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem…
    This version made it very explicit by saying, “here the devil tried to cause Jesus to do wrong things”. Which is to tell you that the devil can not or does not have power to force anybody to SIN. The bible says,"...a man is tempted when he is drawn by his own lust..." (James 1:14). All the devil can do is just to bring suggestions into your heart, trying to create lust in your heart, so that you fall into his trap (sin) just like Adam and Eve. Here, we see another Adam (Jesus) who could not just be held by Satan’s deceit but also overcame him (devil) with the word of God.
    I’ve come across people – including myself (sometimes ago) – when we hear about Jesus overcoming sin. We'd just say, “well, that’s Jesus, he's like God, am not Jesus!” but, we’ve forgotten that he actually came in human form, born of a woman (matt 1:25). He was tempted just like we are, yet he did not sin (Heb 4:15). He took all our sins upon himself alone, he was thoroughly wounded, bruised, chastised... just to deliver us from sin and it’s consequences. Who then went through a lot If not actually Jesus? But, rejoice!, because we are no more servants to sin, but sons of the living God.
    How then can we walk victoriously? How can we also...
Walk in that light?
1John 1:6-7 KJV; 
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
David (the psalmist) said “thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105)". Hence, to have a consistent fellowship with God, and daily victory over sin, we have to make the word of God our daily guard. How?
You have to…
    1. Know Who You Are in Christ
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Cor 5:17 KJV).
Meaning that, immediately you gave your life to Christ, you are no longer that former person (that probably masturbate, smoke, get drunk, commit immorality etc.) but, you are now totally like a new born baby with no sin, because Christ has forgiven you of all your trespasses.  
    2. Know What You Are in Christ
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Gal 2:20 KJV).
This means that, you are no longer alive, but Christ is now the one living through you. So you have the strength of Christ, you can do things the way he does. Therefore, his will should be your will, and your life is to glorify Him. For example, when the devil now tempt you to lie, you quiet him by making him know that that person is dead and this new person is Christ, who cannot lie (Col 3:3).
    3. Know Where You Are in Christ
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Eph 2: 5-6 KJV)
That is, even if the temptation is as great as to either deny your faith or be killed, just know that you are actually not of this world and where you are seated is far above all principalities and powers where no harm can get near to (Eph 1:21).
    4. Be At Watch
Be vigilant, don’t loose guard. Jesus told His disciple to 
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt 26:41 KJV).
What he's trying to say is that, we should give no room for lukewarmness, because the devil never sleeps, he is always running about seeking whom to devour. Your location does not matter to him (desert or city), neither does your title (Apostle, prophet etc.) intimidate him. Hence, with continuous prayer and bible study let us keep our altar burning.
    5. Abstain from All Appearance of Evil
All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus' life as a model for our own (1 John 3:3 MSG).
The fact that you have been saved by grace does not give any room for you to sin or play with sin. Grace has only been made available for you to be able to live up to the fullness of Christ while on earth. Hence, flee from sin and resist the devil, don’t do otherwise, so that you will not be caught unaware. 
Lastly
Are you getting tired of your circumstances? Probably because it looks like it's not changing, just do this;
Heb.4.16 (Amp);
"Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God 's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]."
Note: Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to Him (God's word) is much better than offering the fat of rams (1 Sam 15:22). What makes you unmovable by any strong wind of temptation is your faith and obedience to God's word.
Before You Go!
Are you saved? Have you received Christ as your lord and savior? Is your name in the lambs book of life? If not, then, receive Him today by confessing your sins, tell Jesus to forgive you and wash you with His precious blood, and ask for grace for continuity. Remember Jesus loves you!
Thanks a lot for your time. I do appreciate that. I expect to see you next time. Please share it, also, comments and/or ideas are welcome.





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