Your Past May Explain You, But It Does Not Excuse You - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Series

Your Past May Explain You, But It Does Not Excuse You - 2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) – “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

Introduction

As we gather today, we must confront a powerful truth about our pasts. Each one of us carries a story shaped by experiences, choices, and circumstances that often explain who we are. However, while our past may provide context, it cannot serve as an excuse for how we live today. The transformative power of Jesus Christ calls us to rise above our past, to embrace our identity as new creations, and to step into the fullness of life that God offers us.

As we explore this truth, we will see how understanding our past can lead to healing, but it must be coupled with the responsibility to live in the newness of life that Christ grants us. Let’s dive into this important topic, guided by Scripture, to discover how our past can inform us but not define us.

1. Understanding Our Past: The Context of Our Story

First, let us acknowledge that our past experiences shape us. They provide context and explanation for our behaviours and reactions. In Romans 3:23 (NLT), we read: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” The Greek word for “sinned” is ?µa?t??? (hamartáno), which means to miss the mark. This passage reminds us that sin is a universal human condition, and our pasts may be littered with mistakes and failures.

However, while our past explains our behaviour, it does not absolve us of responsibility. The apostle Paul himself acknowledges his past in 1 Timothy 1:15 (NLT): “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—and I am the worst of them all.” Paul’s past of persecuting Christians did not excuse his actions but instead magnified the grace he received through Jesus.

It is vital to reflect on our past to learn from it. We must acknowledge our mistakes and the influences that shaped us, but we should not remain trapped in a victim mentality. As John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” We are called to rise above our pasts and find our satisfaction in Christ alone.

2. The Transformative Power of Christ

The truth is, when we accept Christ, we are given a new identity. As stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT), “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” The Greek word for “new” here is ?a???? (kainós), indicating a new kind, different from the old. This transformation is not merely superficial; it is a complete renewal of our nature.

When we grasp this truth, we understand that our past no longer has the power to define our future. In Colossians 3:2 (NLT), Paul urges us: “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” This is a call to shift our focus from our past mistakes to our present identity in Christ.

Imagine a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. The caterpillar may have once crawled on the ground, but after undergoing a metamorphosis, it emerges as a beautiful butterfly, capable of soaring to new heights. Similarly, in Christ, we are transformed into new creations, leaving behind our old selves.

To truly embrace our new identity, we must renew our minds. Romans 12:2 (NLT) encourages us: “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” By filling our minds with God’s Word and truth, we can break free from the chains of our past.

3. Taking Responsibility: No Excuses

While our past may explain us, it cannot excuse us from taking responsibility for our lives today. Galatians 6:5 (NLT) says, “For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” The Greek word for “responsible” is f??t??? (fortion), which refers to the burden of accountability we carry. We cannot shift the blame onto our past or the circumstances that shaped us.

Consider the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 (NLT). When the son squanders his inheritance and finds himself in a dire situation, he does not make excuses for his actions; rather, he acknowledges his mistakes and returns to his father. His past does not define his future; instead, it becomes the backdrop for a powerful redemption story.

As Tony Evans states, “Your past may explain you, but it does not excuse you. Don’t let where you’ve been keep you from where you’re going.” We must rise up and take ownership of our lives, trusting that God has a plan for our future.