1 John 3:16
December 11, 2024
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 11 DECEMBER
December 11, 2024
THE 11th OF DECEMBER
IN CHRIST, WE ARE MADE NEW
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
To be united with Christ and become a new creation, one must be born again through the Holy Spirit by faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. But does this mean the entire being is instantly transformed? No—only the spirit, referred to as the “inward man” by Paul, is renewed. The old sinful nature in our spirit is replaced by God’s righteous nature, making our spirit new, perfect, and free from sin.
However, our minds must also undergo transformation. This involves rejecting worldly ways of thinking and adopting God’s perspective by studying, understanding, and applying His Word. This process takes time, but as we grow, our desires to sin diminish, we develop greater patience, and we learn to love and forgive more easily. Gradually, we reflect more of Christ’s character and align ourselves with the person God originally created us to be. Through the Holy Spirit, the new life within us can shine outwardly in the way we think, speak, and act.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for making me a new creation in Christ. You have given me new life by removing the sinful nature from my spirit and replacing it with Your righteousness. Help me renew my mind through Your Word and rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance daily. Teach me to crucify my old nature so I may live as a living sacrifice, pleasing and glorifying You in all I do. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen
