Open Heaven 17 July
MEMORISE: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
BIBLE READING: Romans 7:18-25 (KJV)
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
Read yesterday’s Open Heaven Devotional here
Speaking about a new creature is an indication that there was an old one. A new life in Christ however, is the new way of thinking and doing things in accordance with the word of God. Galatians 2:20 says:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
This simply means that when a person accepts Jesus as his or her Lord and Saviour, such a person automatically becomes dead to the old life. Every link with the old life is cut off. The old password simply refuses to work because the username has changed. This marks the end of the old life and the beginning of the new one in Jesus, as seen in todays memory verse (2 Corinthians 5:17 ).Out of the blue, you suddenly have new standards, you begin to measure everything you do in line with the word of God. This new life in Christ comes with the assurance of abundant life here on earth and even in heaven. You have the assurance of answered prayers, confidence in His love and mercy. As you read His word, your faith grows and intensifies to the point where you know that He will never leave nor forsake you.God is faithful and dependable; as a new creature in Jesus Christ, you can count on Him. Ignore the devil whenever he comes to remind you of your past. The Bible describes him as the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10 ). Respond boldly by reminding him that old things are passed away and you are now a new creature in Christ.
ACTION POINT: Father, as a new creature in Christ, please help me to always live according to Your word, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 13:1-28 , Job 14:1-22
Thank you for studying today’s Open Heaven – New Creature in Christ – written by Pastor Enoch A.
Don’t forget to Follow Elanhub on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Open Heaven 17 July 2021
