A New Creation: Transformed By Truth 2 Corinthians 5:17 Series

A New Creation: Transformed by Truth

Introduction:

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT), the Apostle Paul declares, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" Join me in exploring the transformative power of truth encapsulated in this verse, unraveling the profound implications for our lives.

Point 1: The Reality of Transformation

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

The Greek word for "new" (kainos) implies not just a renovation but a radical transformation. Belonging to Christ initiates a complete metamorphosis, a spiritual rebirth. The truth is that in Christ, we are not merely reformed; we are entirely new creations.

C.S. Lewis captures the essence of this transformation, stating, "You can make anything by writing."

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT) "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."

In this passage from the letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul provides practical guidance on Christian living, emphasising the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

"Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life." Paul urges believers to actively discard their old selves, marked by sin and corrupted by wrongful desires and deceit. This is a call to repentance and a decisive turning away from the patterns of life that oppose God's righteousness.

"Which is corrupted by lust and deception." The apostle specifies the nature of the old self, identifying corruption caused by sinful desires (lust) and deception. The old self is characterised by a distorted view of reality and a pursuit of worldly passions.

"Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes." The transformative process begins with surrender to the Holy Spirit. The term "renew" implies a continual, inward renovation. The Spirit works within believers, reshaping their minds and attitudes to align with God's truth and righteousness.

"Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." Paul introduces the positive aspect of transformation. Believers are not left empty-handed; they are given a new nature. This new self is a divine creation, mirroring the righteousness and holiness of God. It signifies a radical shift towards a life that reflects God's character.

Reflecting on this transformation, C.S. Lewis notes, "Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently, He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of—throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace."

Ephesians 4:22-24 calls believers to an active and ongoing engagement with the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. It encourages a conscious rejection of sinful patterns, an openness to the Spirit's renewing power, and a deliberate embrace of the new nature fashioned after God.

As a response to Ephesians 4:22-24, let us engage in daily self-examination, identifying and surrendering areas of our lives that align with the old, sinful nature. Simultaneously, let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to continually renew our thoughts and attitudes. Finally, let us actively embrace and live out our new nature, reflecting God's righteousness and holiness in every aspect of our lives.

May the transformative journey outlined in Ephesians 4:22-24 inspire us to live as the new creations we are in Christ.

Point 2: Embracing Identity in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

Belonging to Christ not only transforms our nature but also redefines our identity. The old life, marked by sin and brokenness, is replaced by a new identity grounded in righteousness. This truth empowers us to live in the freedom and victory that Christ provides.

Brennan Manning reflects on our identity in Christ, saying, "Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self."

Galatians 2:20 (NLT) "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

In this profound verse from the letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul encapsulates the essence of Christian identity and living in Christ.