new year, new determination: live victoriously for christ jesus in 2014 and beyond!
In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul wrote:
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24.
Paul explained that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, should not live as sinners live who have not accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. Rather, we must pull off our old, sinful way of living and put on the new life in Christ Jesus. Our old, sinful life was full of dishonesty, selfishness, lust, greed, hatred and many other negative characteristics (also called “lusts of the flesh”). These characteristics are all contrary to our new life in Christ. Our new life should reflect Christ’s character of love, joy, peace, faith, and kindness (also called “fruits of the Spirit”). In order for our life to reflect Christ, we must renew our mind. (For more information about cultivating Godly characteristics, see the Bible Study “Cultivate the Fruits of the Spirit, Eradicate the Lusts of the Flesh” on the Bible Studies page).
How do we renew our mind? We can renew our mind by choosing to read and meditate on God’s Word. Frequent Bible study along with self-examination will help us to make the right choices and choose Jesus in everything we do and say. Spending time in prayer and fasting regularly will also draw us closer to Him. These things will result in the spiritual renewal of our mind that Paul is talking about. The goal is to live a life that is in line with God’s will for us. When we live in accordance with God’s will for us, we will live victoriously!
How can we convince others to choose Jesus if we have not renewed our mind and fully forsaken our former way of life? Others must see something different about us that causes them to ask about salvation. An important part of living victoriously for Christ is being a witness of the Gospel – not only with our words, but also with our actions.
As we enter a new year, 2014, we need to make a firm commitment to forsake everything that robs us of a victorious life in Christ. It’s time to pull off our old life and put on a new mind. As Paul explained, let the Holy Spirit help you to renew your mind. Pray and ask Jesus to give you a fresh anointing and new determination so that negative things from 2013 will not be carried into the New Year and rob you of a victorious life in Christ Jesus. Choose Jesus today!
For help getting started with daily Bible study and prayer, visit the Daily Bible Reading Schedule page and the Daily Prayer Guide and Requests page.
Download a copy of this Bible Study: Live Victoriously in 2014! (Adobe Reader needed)
God bless!