" A NEW CREATION" Presented by Steven Schiller
INTRODUCTION
According to 2Co 5:17, a great change takes place in the life of one who is a Christian: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
But what does this change mean?
What position does this "new creation" hold in the eyes of God?
What type of life is he or she to lead?
How does this change affect his or her relationship to things pertaining to one's old way of life?
[In Paul's epistle to the Ephesians, we find the answers to such questions. Note first of all that a Christian is described as...]
SITTING WITH CHRIST IN HEAVENLY PLACES - Ep 2:6
OUR FORMER CONDITION...
We were dead in sin - Ep 2:1
We were quite active, walking and following after:
The world
Satan
The flesh - Ep 2:2-3
OUR CURRENT CONDITION...
Out of love, mercy and grace, we who were dead are now alive! - Ep 2:4-5; Ro 5:6,7-8
Now we are blessed to be:
Raised with Christ - Ep 2:6a; Col 2:12; 3:1
Seated with Him in "heavenly places" - Ep 2:6
Definition of "heavenly places"
Lit., "the heavenlies", found only in Ephesians - Ep 1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12
Various explanations often given: the church, heaven proper, the spiritual realm
The church is ruled out by Ep 3:10
Heaven proper is ruled out by Ep 6:12
Most likely refers to the "spiritual realm" as contrasted to the physical realm
In the spiritual realm, we enjoy blessings in Christ - Ep 1:3
In the spiritual realm, Christ rules at God's right hand - Ep 1:20
In the spiritual realm, we sit with Christ - Ep 2:6
In the spiritual realm, principalities and powers learn of God's wisdom by the church - Ep 3:10
In the spiritual realm, we wrestle against spiritual wickedness - Ep 6:12
Compare our position with Christ in the "heavenly places"
Christ is seated at God's right hand - Ep 1:20
We are seated together with Christ! - Ep 2:6
Our position with Christ certainly warrants a proper frame of mind - Col 3:1-2
We are to seek those things above
We are to set our minds on thing above
As "A New Creation," sitting with Christ in heavenly places ought to affect the way we think. But also the way we behave, for as "A New Creation" we are to be...
WALKING IN MANNER WORTHY OF OUR CALLING - Ep 4:1
THE PURPOSE OF OUR CALLING...
To be holy and without blame - Ep 1:3-4
To be His beloved children through adoption - Ep 1:5
A WALK WORTHY OF OUR CALLING...
Is one in which we "walk in love" - Ep 5:1-2
As beloved children, imitating their Father
Following Christ's own example of sacrifice
Is one in which we "walk as light" - Ep 5:3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12-14
Living lives holy and without blame
As light exposing the deeds of darkness by way of contrast
Is one in which we "walk as wise" - Ep 5:15,16-17
Understanding that time is short
Understanding the will of the Lord
[Walking in "love", as "light", as "wise", will not be without controversy in the midst of a dark, perverted world 2Ti 3:12 . And so "A New Creation" is to be...]
STANDING FIRM IN BATTLE - Ep 6:13
THE NATURE OF OUR BATTLE...
We are engaged in a spiritual warfare - Ep 6:12
The battle is taking place in "heavenly places" (the spiritual realm)
Our foe: the very things we had previously followed - Ep 2:2-3
Thus the need to be strong - Ep 6:10
To be strong in the Lord
To be strong in the power of His might
THE NATURE OF OUR ARMOR...
We are given the armor of God, which we must put on - Ep 6:11, 13
This armor is adequate for a strong offensive battle - Ep 6:14,15,16,17-18
Waist girded with truth
Breastplate of righteousness
Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace
Shield of faith to quency the fiery darts of the wicked one
Helmet of salvation
The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God
Praying always with all prayer and supplication
-- Note the lack of protection from behind; this implies that we must be committed in standing firm against the enemy, and that to retreat insures defeat!
CONCLUSION
When a person becomes "A New Creation", it affects how he or she sits, stands, and walks...
Sitting with Christ in heavenly places
Walking in a manner worthy of our calling
Standing firm in battle
Compare this to the wicked person who is not blessed by God as described in Ps 1:1-2...
Walking in the counsel of the wicked
Standing in the path of sinners
Sitting in the seat of scoffers
What a remarkable contrast! Truly "old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." Has this proved true in our lives?
Give careful thought to how and where you are siting, walking, and standing,if you desire to be "A New Creation" in Chrst!
There are some who call themselves Christians ,who continuely accuse others, and find fault. Depart from them, and recognize the liberty God has given for those washed in the blood of Jesus.
Hear
Believe
Repent
Confess
Be baptized
Live faithfully