What practical steps can prevent us from turning back to old ways? The Danger of Drifting Back Galatians 4:9—“But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you want to be enslaved by them all over again?” Remembering Your New Identity • 2 Corinthians 5:17—“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” • Rehearse identity verses aloud each morning. • Keep them visible on mirrors, dashboards, phone lock screens. Renewing the Mind Daily • Romans 12:2—“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • Prioritize Scripture before screens. • Memorize key passages; Psalm 119:9-11 shows memory’s power. Cultivating Protective Relationships • Hebrews 12:1—“Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…” • Meet weekly with honest believers. • Invite accountability for specific temptations. Building Holy Habits • Ephesians 4:22-24—“Put off…be renewed…put on.” – Replace idle scrolling with intercessory prayer. – Substitute gossip lunches with acts of service. – Exchange provocative media for worship. • Track victories; thank God for progress. Staying in Step with the Spirit • Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Start each day surrendering control. • Obey promptings immediately. Fixing Your Eyes on the Finish Line • Hebrews 12:2—“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” • Visualize future glory; Colossians 3:1-3 anchors the mind above. Realistic Confidence • 1 Corinthians 10:12-13—“So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall…But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape.” • Look for God’s “escape routes.” • If you fall, confess (1 John 1:9) and move forward quickly. Choosing to remember, renew, relate, replace, rely, and refocus keeps us free from the old chains and joyful in Christ’s liberty. |
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