I like the thought that the new life in Christ is not something we must live out by doing this and not doing that, even though properly understood there's truth in that thought. But it's something which more and more in Jesus, takes us over. This means more of what the Spirit puts in us, and less of our old selves.
I can see this in myself more and more in a growing love for God and for others, as well as a renewed desire to be more thankful. We still live in our unredeemed bodies, and God's good work in us in Jesus is not yet complete. Therefore I still struggle at times with anxiety, and at times still respond to people who I think are wrong, or have wronged me, in something less than love, even if that response is bottled up in me. And my wife can tell you and knows first hand, I've been known to look at as well as dwell on the dark side of things. Though usually every day now I don't live there for long, and even a good number of days it seems like that's gone, with maybe just remnants hanging on at times.
But it's good to be taken over by the resurrection life of Jesus even in this world. The new creation in Jesus breaking into the old. And anticipating in hope as well as actually realizing (see last verse of passage in its context) in some sort of way in all kinds of works done in God, the day when God makes all things new and all creation shares in that newness in Jesus.
What thoughts might you like to share here?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I love this idea as well Ted. Thank you so much for sharing this excellent post. I do believe that Jesus should take over our life in every aspect of our life. Christianity shouldn't be a grudgery or burden but a joy. I think we see Christianity as somthing we as something we have to do or do rituals without heart we truly miss out on the abundant life that Christ offers. As believers we must allow Jesus to take over our life and when we do I truely believe what you stat that our love grows more and more for God and are extremly thankful for what he has done in our life and continues to life. Thank you again for this fantastic post. I know I have been blessed. I hope you have a great week.
But it's good to be taken over by the resurrection life of Jesus even in this world. The new creation in Jesus breaking into the old. And anticipating in hope as well as actually realizing (see last verse of passage in its context) in some sort of way in all kinds of works done in God, the day when God makes all things new and all creation shares in that newness in Jesus.
What thoughts might you like to share here?
Since you’ve synthesized most of the New Testament’s teaching on having a hope-filled perspective here, all I can add is my “Amen!”
Brad
I think it is interesting that the first thing Paul calls himself in Romans is a slave to Christ Jesus. Not apostle or all around nice guy - slave. He goes on to call Christ Jesus "Lord" - read "master." I think that says a lot.
Kinney, Thanks much, and for adding your good thoughts here.
Brad, Thanks.
Matt, Amen. I agree, and rightly understood, this can be quite liberating for us, in Jesus. Thanks.
Post a Comment