APR 17

Romans 6:8-13
Memorise 2 Corinthians 5:15
“dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Christ Jesus our Lord”

Following the idea that our old self has died, it is only logical that a new life begins. Just as our old self died together with Christ on the cross, we are now raised together ‘in the likeness of his resurrection’ to ‘walk in the newness of life’ (Romans 6:4-5). Simply put, as a believer, we now have a new life in Christ, and it is a life that we must live for God and not for sin.

This is a transformation that every believer has gone through. It began when we recognised that we were sinners who were lost and destined for hell. We then repented of our sins and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. From that moment on, our entire perspective on life was changed by God, for we were made a new creature. Our goal in life was no longer to live for ourselves, but to live for God, and for the Christ who died for us and rose again for our sakes (2 Corinthians 5:15).

This then is the new life that we have in Christ. It is a wonderful life that will be evidenced by our works and a life committed to serving the Lord. Everything about us has changed, from the inside out. We have new desires, new affections, new ideals, new motivations and new ambitions. We now know that there is a loving Father in heaven who created us, and a loving Saviour who died for our sins. We now know that eternity in heaven awaits us, along with fellowship with God. We now also have a renewed perspective towards sin, knowing the seriousness of rebellion against God, and the judgment of hell awaits it. As such, our life’s direction has also completely shifted, as we now move away from the sins and attractions of the world, towards a life lived for God.

Dear teen, is this the change that you have experienced? Do you realise that as a believer, you are dead unto sin, and alive unto God? If this is the transformation that we have seen in our lives, God’s Word to us is that we must no longer yield our members to become instruments or tools of unrighteousness unto sin, but that we must yield ourselves to God, and wholly dedicate our lives to become instruments of righteousness unto God!

Thought: Will I waste this new life that I have?
Prayer: Lord, may my life be used as an instrument of righteousness for Thee.