How does 2 Corinthians 5:17 encourage us to live out our faith? Our New Creation Identity “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) • “In Christ” is not a figure of speech; God literally unites believers with the risen Lord (Romans 6:3–5). • “New creation” means an entirely new spiritual species—reborn from above (John 3:3) with a new heart and Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26–27). • “The old has passed away” points to sin’s ruling power being broken (Romans 6:6). • “The new has come” declares a present reality, not a future hope (Galatians 2:20). The Old Has Passed Away What is gone? - Guilt and condemnation (Romans 8:1). - Alienation from God (Ephesians 2:12–13). - Identity shaped by sin, shame, or human labels (Colossians 3:11). Living Out the New - Renew the mind daily with Scripture (Romans 12:2). - Put off former habits and put on Christ-like attitudes (Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:9–10). - Walk by the Spirit so the flesh loses influence (Galatians 5:16). - Cultivate fellowship; new creations thrive in community (Hebrews 10:24–25). - Serve others; we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). Motivated by Christ’s Love “For Christ’s love compels us… that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:14–15). - Love, not legalism, fuels obedience. - Every choice becomes a grateful response to His sacrificial rescue. Hope When We Fall Short - Confess quickly—He is “faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). - Trust His ongoing work: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it” (Philippians 1:6). - Remember: stumbling does not revoke new-creation status; it reminds us to rely on grace. Quick Review Checklist □ I embrace my new identity in Christ. □ I reject the lies of my past. □ I renew my mind with truth. □ I walk in step with the Spirit. □ I let Christ’s love guide my actions. |
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