"New Man in Christ"

The New Man:
Since we have been learning in our Bible Study Lessons how the Jewish people under the "Old Covenant" were required to observe the law, (including some of the things they were required to do in order to enter heaven), it seemed to be a good thing to take a look at the Christian life under the "New Covenant", and the requirements and benefits it brings.

Upon Jesus death and resurrection, the New Covenant was established. We now enter Heaven by our faith in Jesus, (not by how good we are, or on how many good things/works we do).

As Paul said, "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)

According to the above Scripture, we then become new creatures, (new man). Our lifestyle and faithfulness become indicators of our love, commitment, and faith in Christ.

The scripture in (Col. 3) gives a glimpse into the heavenly realms and includes heavenly values the new man is to seek, also the sins and pitfalls to avoid.


COL 3:1 "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

If you've ever wondered exactly where Jesus is, this is the answer to that question? Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God the Father.

VERSE 2"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."

The New Man's attention should be on the things of God. When we become new creatures in Christ the things of the world are to take second place.

VERSE 5 "5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."

Here Paul tells us that what one does with one's body does matter. These are all sins, but we have to remember that being tempted is, within itself, not a sin. Satan tempted Christ, and he will tempt us, and we are to follow His example in not allowing sin to gain a foothold in our lives.

We are held accountable to God, but when we pray He will help us resist. Remember in the Lords Prayer? "Lead me not into temptation," or ("keep me from temptation,") so we should always pray!

On personal level, the best way to handle temptation and resist sin, is to stay away from it. Don't go to the places or allow yourself to remain in situations that can lead to sin.

Most of us know that alcoholics should not go into a bar, and so it is with other situations. As Christians we should treat these areas as a hot embers from the fire that will burn, not might, but will!

In verse 8 Paul, still talking about sin, changes direction slightly:

VERSE 8-9 "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another,since you have put off the old man with his deeds"

Most Christians know not to blaspheme meaning to speak against the things of God. And as Christians we surely know about malice, and not to do harm to our brothers in any way.

But what about anger and wrath? There is a righteous anger and possibly a righteous wrath, which can only come either by or through God. But this scripture is talking about a worldly anger and wrath, and we are told not let it get out of control.

What about filthy language? While the new man is not to be so pious as to leave the appearance of looking down on the rest of the world we are clearly told not to use "Filthy Language."As Paul said in verse five, we are to allow those things to be "dead" in our lives, (to no longer exist.)

In verse 12, He moves on into the Heavenly/Spiritual characteristics of the new life in Christ. Notice the Spiritual differences in these scriptures and in those we just read.

VERSES 12-17 "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Blessings,

Samuel Mills

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The New Man in Christ