A Life Renewed

​Ephesians 4:22-24 ~ “...to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
 
Let us close out this year with a reminder that there is a whole new life that belongs to every believer in Christ. The Salvation of the LORD has made us new, recreated us and given us a new heart and a new life. We are restored before the LORD, redeemed in Christ, and rescued from the ever-present darkness of this world. You might look back upon the past year with regrets, sorrowful for the sins that have kept you distant from the LORD and living in the grey twilight of darkness. But, beloved, in Christ a light has dawned—the light of hope and a life of renewal. Have you found yourself weak, you can still look upon the Savior and renew your strength.
 
Let us end this year by removing the old self. We read that we are to, “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.” Too many remain in the dungeon of their past, thinking that there is no escape from the prison of their fallen nature. Our former manner of life is corrupted with deceitful desires, promising pleasure and delivering sorrow. Those who linger in their former selves are like someone who has escaped the mirey bogs and refuse to remove the garments covered in the grime. Put it off, dear ones. Remove the old life from your heart as you would remove a filthy garment from your back. Cast it aside in repentance and be free. Romans 6:6 tells us, “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.” The promises of God are clear, if we confess our sins He will forgive and cleanse (see 1 John 1:9). What a way to end the year by removing the old corruptions that linger still.
 
Looking forward to the coming year, let us also be renewed in our thinking. Again, we go to our text for the day and read, “and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” To be in repentance is to have a new way of thinking—to have a Christ-centered mind concerning all things. You will think differently about sin, righteousness, life, judgment, hope, faith and all other issues that govern your life. How you comprehend the LORD, His word, and all this world will impact everything about you. You must be renewed in your thinking! Let God’s Word dwell in you and remake your life into that which is pleasing to God and glorious. We learn in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
 
And, finally, as we launch into the coming year, let us do so with our lives renewed in Christ’s righteousness. We are told from our text today, “to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” What is this “new self” but the new life we have in Christ. We are no longer under the curse and freed from the dominion of sin. We have been born again and have become new creations in Christ Jesus. Now, like clothing in the closet, is the righteousness and holiness that is given to us through His great mercy. Why would we remain in the filthy garments of this world and not put on the clothes of Christ? But what do these new garments look like? We find it in Colossians 3:12, “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” What a year it will be if this is the shining attire we dress in!
 
Our LORD entreats His people in Revelation 3:18, “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.” Let us take His counsel and receive from Him that which will purify and sanctify. Let us array ourselves with the finest of His righteous garments and walk through this world covered in His holiness.
 
Beloved, as you mark the end of this year and prepare to turn the page into another, take a moment and come before the LORD in prayer, with His word, and let Him clothe you with the garments of righteousness. Then enter the new year with joyful anticipation of walking in newness of life.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael 

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