Newness in Christ
II Corinthian 5:17
Intro. When a person comes to Christ, he changes.
-It is God who changes us.
-We are changed in such a dramatic way that the Bible
says we are a “new creation” (creature)
-1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Illustrates this change.
-As believers in Christ there are a number of ways that we are made new.
I. We are a new creature. (creation)
A. Old things are passed away.
-Jesus Christ miraculously changes us.
--Some want to change before they are saved.
--We must allow Christ to change us.
-His change is eternal, ours is temporary.
-We are not the same person we used to be.
-Ephesians 4:17-32
B. All things are become new.
-God gives us a new start.
-New life
-New Hope (purpose)
-New Home
II. In Christ we are also a new child.
-We are born into the family of God.
--1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him
that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
--John 1:12
-We become the child of God.
--This does not make us “little gods”
--We then can call God “our Father”
---He cares for us
---He sees that our needs are met.
-We have all the rights as a child.
--As children then we must grow in Christ.
--We do not remain babes.
--1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere
milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
---As babes we desire milk.
---As we get older we what meat! (solid food)
-We grow into maturity.
--It takes time.
---We grow on Spiritual food (the Bible)
---We grow through experience.
-Hebrews 5:12 – Paul fussed at the Christian who should be mature, but we still wanting the milk.
--Can you imagine a gown up in a restaurant requesting a bottle
--We grow into mature believers, with mature actions and responsibilities.
III. In Christ we are a new citizen.
-We are no longer citizens of this world.
-Philippians 3:20-21 (conversation – citizenship)
-Our citizenship is in Heaven.
-We all rights of that citizenship.
--A right to enter freely.
--A right to a heavenly home.
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
--A right to approach the very Throne of God.
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Conclusion: In Christ
-You are a new creation
-You are His child
-You have a new citizenship.
