17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
Yesterday we read that the Lord put a new song in David’s heart. He took a mess and gave David fresh purpose and joy. Today’s verse speaks of the most profound change He has done in us. At salvation, He made us completely new!
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 provides a great illustration of this. Paul gives a list that includes those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, those who are greedy, drunkards, slanderers, etc. Then he says to the church, “11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” (NKJV)
Praise God for His work in our lives! Looking back over your life, what are some ways that the Lord has changed you and given you purpose and joy? In what ways did He change you at the moment of your salvation?
Reflecting over ways God has worked in the past, often encourages us that He is able and willing to do the same again.
Reflecting over ways God has worked in the past, often encourages us that He is able and willing to do the same again. It is His work. The very next verse after verse 17 above says, “All this is from God…” (2 Cor. 5:18). We will look more at that verse tomorrow, but for today, remember that God made us new creations at salvation. We can be confident that “…He who began a good work in [us] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6, NIV)!
APPLICATION
– Praise God for His work of salvation in your life and for making you a new creation. Thank Him for continuing that work today. Commit to trusting Him with any new work He wants to do.
– Praise God for the mission He has given Liberty of changing lives, communities, and the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that the people of Hampton Roads would know the hope that Jesus gives and the change He can make in their lives. May many from our community be made new!
– One of the ways we believe God is leading Liberty to accomplish our God-given mission is through Connect Groups spread all around Hampton Roads. People take significant steps forward in their walk with God through meeting, praying, and studying the Word together. God often uses small groups to make people new creations! Grab a friend and make plans now to attend the #CircleUp connection event at your campus on Sunday. You can sign up for a group in your area at the event.