Walking in the Newness of Life
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
What is the Newness of Life?
When we begin our walk with Christ we come into a new life. Imagine an assassin has killed entire families and you are the sole living witness. You unknowingly had a small part to play in what the assassin did and are called on to testify against him. Because he is so well connected you have to go into the witness relocation program. You are given a new identity. You have to leave behind old friends and family and begin a new life. Well in fact the assassin name is satan.
We have seen the wake of destruction he has left destroying life after life. When we confess/testify about sin God gives us a new identity as a child of God. Because we have repented of sin we are no longer to live in it. Our new identity places us at odds with those who want to continue to assist satan accomplish his agenda. It can be difficult when the people are those we love most. Jesus promised to give us new relationships to more than replace those that have been forsaken for His sake (Matthew 19:29).
Benefits from the New Life
- Produces Righteousness
“That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth”. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
- Frees us from the Bondage of the Old Life
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin- because anyone who has died has been freed from sin” (Romans 6:5-7).
- Allows us to Live for God
“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God” (Gal 2:19-20).
- Gives Focus to our Lives
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3)
The Holy Spirits Role in the New Life
Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, And you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
To walk in the new life is to have Christ live His life through you (Galatians 2:20). This can only be accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit. Walking in the newness of life and walking in the Spirit are synonymous terms. Let us take a look as to what the scriptures say about the Holy Spirits role in the new life.
- The Spirit Secures the Benefits of the New Life
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession-to the praise of his glory (Eph 1:13-14)
- The Spirit Secures Spiritual Truth inside us
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (2 Tim 1:13-14)
- The Spirit Brings Fulfillment and Joy in the New life
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. (Luke 10:21)
- The Spirit Births and Renews us
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5)
Applying the New Birth to Your Life
Imagine that you were placed in suspended animation for 100 years. When you wake up you find the U.S. no longer exist. Technological advances have done away with most jobs and the laws have changed. A new world had emerged in which you will have to learn how to operate. When we come into the Kingdom of God we are entering into a new world which is governed by different principles. A problem arises when the believer tries to live in the Kingdom of God the same way as they did in the kingdom of darkness. Living in the new system as if you were in the old just does not work (Mark 2:21-22).
- Keep God First above all
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12)
- Rid Yourself of Hindrances
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:16-18)
- Taking Control of Your Thought Life
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh 🙁 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds 😉 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
- Maintain a Positive Praise
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; (Ephesians 5:18-20)
- Feed Your Spiritual Man
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. (Galatians 6:7-9)
