Spirit and Life Devotional is a daily publication by Pastor Chinaemerem Ibezim, senior pastor of Able Ministers Chapel, a church based in Calabar, Cross River State.
[pull_quote_center]“So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.” – 1 Peter 2:1[/pull_quote_center]
Being saved and a new creature does not make you a perfect person; you’ve got to understand that. God did not replace your mind after salvation, that’s why you did not forget everything you learned in school over the years: there was no loss of memory when you got born again.
You still have your flesh which you must deal with, not alone, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. Don’t let anyone deceive you: being a Christian will not stop you from having sinful and evil desires and thoughts; but being a Christian, those desires and thoughts no longer have power or control over you, because sin has no power over the new creation. The new creation is never forced to sin; he chooses to sin.
We have a role to play in living right before God. It begins with the renewing of our minds, and then taking conscious steps to get rid of old behaviours and habits. Ephesians 4:21-24 says, “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.”
May we become who we should be in Christ, and continue to grow in Him until Christ is fully formed in us. Amen.
Prophetic Declaration
I am a new creation in Christ Jesus, and every day I am growing to be like Jesus. I am throwing off my old sinful nature and former way of life, my thoughts and attitutdes are being renewed by the Spirit of God, and I am putting on my new nature, which is righteous and holy. Amen.
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