2 Corinthians 5:17
Introduction:
1. Having set forth the “steps” necessary to become part of His own special people, His church, we now turn our attention to the way of life that conversion demands.
2. In short, what does one do as one of His own special people?
3. We will break this down into two parts as we move forward, ethical and religious responsibilities, but today we ponder the total transformation expected.
Discussion:
I. The Old Has Passed Away
A. I am convinced failure to thrive as Christians comes from failure to grasp this truth.
B. We cannot “reform” ourselves; we must crucify ourselves that He may raise us to new life.
C. This is what the Bible says occurs when faith, repentance, and confession culminate in baptism (Romans 6:1-14; Colossians 2:12-14; Galatians 2:20; 5:24; 6:14).
D. In the beginning, we were created to bear God’s image (Genesis 1:26-28); in Christ, we are created anew for the same aim (2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Ephesians 4:24).
E. This expresses the same principle as new birth (John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:22-25), though in different terms.
II. New Purpose
A. Armed with this knowledge, we are prepared to approach life with a new purpose.
B. In the lead up to his statement of our re-creation in Christ, Paul stated some critical expectations.
C. The manner of life making salvation necessary was driven by selfish lusts (Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 6:1-2; James 1:13-15; 1 Peter 4:1-4).
D. But the love of Christ becomes the new driving force when we are converted (2 Corinthians 5:14).
E. Knowing He died for us, we no longer live for ourselves, rather we live for Him (2 Corinthians 5:15).
III. New Pursuits
A. Our purpose orients our pursuits.
B. Peter swiftly shifted from the glory of salvation to the pursuit it generates (1 Peter 1:13-19).
1. It begins with pursuing clear minds.
2. Progressing into obedience as children.
3. Which denies ignorant passions.
4. Prompting pursuit of, not merely “better” conduct, but His holiness (Leviticus 11:44; 19:2).
IV. New Practices
A. Dying to sin frees us to live to God (Romans 6:5-11).
B. Our new creation which creates a new purpose leading to new pursuits is manifest in new practices.
C. In the discussions to follow, we will get into more detail as to how all this works practically.
D. For now, we seek to emphasize that the principles above cannot remain only as concepts.
E. The death of our old selves and resurrection of our new selves must produce new practices.
F. A host of NT passages speak to this end:
1. The entire sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7).
2. Paul’s contrast of slavery to sin versus slavery to righteousness (Romans 6:1-18).
3. His description of the new man in Christ (Ephesians 4:20-6:9; Colossians 3:1-4:6).
4. His contrast of the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-26).
5. Peter’s contrasts of Christ’s opponents and His disciples (1 Peter 2:1-12; 4:1-6).
G. This list could go on and on, but we get the idea.
Conclusion:
1. This is what faith leading to repentance prompting confession culminating in genuine baptism into Christ implies.
2. This is why I said baptism is the only real “step” in the process as every other element of the plan must be practiced every day of our lives until the end thereof.
3. Lord willing, we will look in painful (the good healing kind of pain) detail at the expectations that we may ensure faithfulness to the Christ.
Further Food for Thought
1. Are you surprised that this all is inherent to biblical faith, repentance, baptism, etc.?
2. How thankful are you the Lord expects faithfulness rather than perfection in Christ?
3. How can we better facilitate continual growth in these things for you?