We’ve all heard them… Statements of encouragement, aspiration, resolve and determination… “Be all you can be! Be a better, kinder, loving person! Let others experience the ‘real’ you!”
What’s the secret? What is the “real” you – a “better” you? Will that “person” materialize out of sheer will power and determination?
What does the Bible have to say? (I just read a passage this morning that gives God’s answer through something called the “gospel!” – Colossians 3;1-17 (a worthy read in your Bible!)
First of all, the “old self” (the “sinful self”) has to die! Jesus already died for our sin! We must identify with Him – with His death! Here’s how Apostle Paul put it in verses 5-9:
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness… On account of these things the wrath of God is coming! In these you once walked… But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices!
Hey it’s called “repentance of sin” – death to “self” – full, complete, identification with Christ’s death on the cross for our sin!
But what about the change… the transformation… the “new you?” Apostle Paul gives us the secret of that in verses 3, 10-17:
“You (your “old self”) has died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God! … PUT ON THE NEW SELF WHICH IS BEING RENEWED in knowledge after the image of its Creator! … Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bear with one another … forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you… And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts! … Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… and whatever you do it word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him!”
The secret? It’s found in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus on our behalf! The secret is pictured in “water baptism” – Our “old self” dies and is buried with Christ! But He rose again on our behalf! His resurrection provides the power and dynamic through the power of the Holy Spirit for our transformation!
The secret is NOT personal resolve and will-power for a “better you” – instead it is full, complete (and continual) identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection! That is what provides the dynamic for transformation,,, Not simply a “better you” – a “transformed you” – a “CHRISTLIKE YOU!”
Coffee With The Lord 