Maybe you’re like me and you like systems AMY,—do this and you will get that, follow these instructions and you’ll have this result. As one who likes systems, that’s often the first place I look when I’m trying to conquer any sin trying to enter my heart. A step-by-step method with promised results of a holier life. “With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do…Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have CLOSED THEIR MINDS and hardened their hearts against Him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. But that ISN’T WHAT YOU LEARNED about Christ. 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.” (Eph. 4:17-24 NLT)
Our Christian walk is not about doing everything right AMY, the very first time but what we’ve learned, and what the apostle Paul wrote about in (Rom. 7), is that the Christian life is not a straight line ascending upward to perfection. Rather, it’s a constant battle with stumbling, retracing our steps, and taking steps forward. Every “put off” is always accompanied by a “put on.” The old self is our sinful nature, so the new self is the new creation God has worked in us immediately when we are saved. When we were saved, God gave us a new heart and took out our heart of stone. (Ezek. 36:25-27) says, “I will give you a NEW HEART, and I will put a NEW SPIRIT in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a TENDER, RESPONSIVE HEART. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.”
-Bill Stockham