*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*JESUS IS A LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT (9)*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Gal 2:20 *I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.*
*Insight and Highlight.*
When Jesus asks you to embrace a New Life, He is not saying your life is old but is saying it is not worth living or worthy to be called life without the New Life.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
The old man or the old self, or old life is another expression of our former way *"....which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;*. Paul says that we put them off, Eph 4:22.
The New Life or the new man is described as the new identity in Christ, 2 Cor 5:17, 1 Pet 1:3.
Some rebels say they do not need the new life Jesus offers because the life they live now is not old or not yet old.
Paul tells us that there must be a point in one's life that one would realize that there is a difference between the life he lives now and the one he once lived, Gal 2:20.
Jesus tells us about the New Life in John 3.
Jesus' statement to be born-again is a must. It is a command.
John 3:7 *Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.*
It is a dangerous development to resist the command to be born again.
While most, if not all, people will not refuse the recommended dose or medication from their doctors for their ailments, people refuse the command from the Most-High to have a new life.
With due respect to all doctors/physicians, we treat their recommended medication as command while we treat Christ's command to be born again as an option.
We observe in-take of food before we take their recommended medication, but we disregard the abstinence from food before we could move mountains, ref Matt 17:21-23.
The doctors' prescribed medication is compulsory, but Christ's command is treated as a prescription, and the worst still is that it is wished obsolete, unmodern, and proscribed. Some Christians even see it as a putoff and would not have any dealing with anyone who says he is one.
Truly, some have made the new life identity a putoff, but come what may, we must uphold with absolute reverence.
John the Baptist and Jesus tell us three things , among others, that would help us to know who is born again.
First is Matt 3:8: *Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.*
The lifestyle of a person in a new life will be reflected in the life he lives. Whatever flows out of you will be reflected by what comes from the life of God within you.
John is saying that this is the first proof that a person is willing to change to a new life, and once he changes, he will not go back to sin, ref 2 Cor 7:10.
Second, Jesus says in Matthew 7:16-20: "
*Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?* *Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.*
*A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.*
*Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.*
*Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.*
Third, in Lk 7:35, Jesus says *But wisdom is justified of all her children.*
Proof of a new life or that one is born again is in the life of the one who follows Jesus.
The Life-Giving Spirit tells you that the life He gave you at birth has been made hell bound by Satan.
He now commands, not by choice, that for you to have the life that was intended for you at the beginning, you must be restored and transformed. It must begin here on earth for you to have eternal rest with Him.
John 3:3 *Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.*
The benefits of the
born again life are water baptism and the baptism by fire.
He says in John 3:5 *Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.*
God loves old age. He takes care of you from the moment of conception, Job 10:10-12, Isaiah 49:15, to infancy, Matt 19:14,
and old age: Isaiah 46:4: *Even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save*.
However, there is nothing pleasant in an old age that lacks the new life.
Those who are old in life may not always be wise nor may those who are elders, Job 32:9.
The Ancient of Days knows the essence of age more than you do.
You are not too old to have a new life.
Old age means abundant life, but a new life at any age means life more abundantly.
*Remorse corner.*
It is the new life experience that truly determines if one has truly lived.
*Call to Word action.*
You may resist saying you do not need the new life because the life you are living is not yet old.
Paul tells us that the life you live in the flesh must be lived *"......by the faith of the Son of God,......."* who loves you, and gave himself for you, Gal 2:20
If this is not true concerning you, the life you live is old needing the new life!
*The Christian clarion duty.*
Are you old or too old? Your present age can be defined as abundant life, but you will lack life abundantly if you lack the new life.
*Prayer.*
Lord, l thank you for the New Life l live. Let it be permanent to the end.
Help those who do not have the New Life to accept and appreciate it. Let them put off the old life they presently live in Jesus name.
Good morning all, and have a blessed day.
God bless you.
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