How can we reflect the "heavenly man" in our daily actions? The Heavenly Man and Our New Identity • 1 Corinthians 15:48 declares, “As was the earthly man, so also are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven.” • In Christ, believers have literally moved from the lineage of Adam to the lineage of the risen Lord. • Romans 8:29 affirms that God predestined us “to be conformed to the image of His Son,” so reflecting the heavenly Man is not an optional upgrade but the very purpose of redemption. Letting Heaven Shape Our Earthly Attitudes • Colossians 3:1-3 directs us to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things,” grounding thoughts in eternal realities rather than temporary pressures. • Philippians 2:5 instructs, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” calling for the same humble, obedient mindset the Savior displayed. • As the Spirit renews our thinking, our speech, reactions, and priorities begin to mirror the character of the One seated at the right hand of God. Putting on the New Self: Practical Habits • Start each day by reading a portion of Scripture, asking the Spirit to align desires with the heavenly Man. • Memorize key identity verses (e.g., 2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 3:3-4) to counter earthly impulses with truth. • Choose obedience in small decisions: honesty in conversation, purity in entertainment, generosity with resources. • Speak blessing instead of criticism, echoing the Lord who “did not repay insult with insult” (1 Peter 2:23). • Practice quick repentance; confess and turn the moment the old nature surfaces, trusting 1 John 1:9. • Engage weekly with other believers; fellowship sharpens and encourages the new life (Hebrews 10:24-25). Fruit That Looks Like Jesus Galatians 5:22-23 lists the traits the Spirit produces, traits that matched the earthly walk of the heavenly Man. • Love: self-giving commitment to another’s good • Joy: settled delight in God’s unchanging grace • Peace: wholeness that steadies the heart amid turmoil • Patience: endurance without complaint • Kindness: gentle helpfulness in word and deed • Goodness: moral integrity that blesses others • Faithfulness: reliability shaped by covenant loyalty • Gentleness: strength under control • Self-control: Spirit-enabled mastery over desires Cultivating these qualities broadcasts the presence of Christ more loudly than any argument. Fuel for Perseverance • 2 Corinthians 3:18 assures that “we… are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory,” emphasizing steady progress, not instant perfection. • 1 John 2:6 states, “Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked,” tying assurance of salvation to a growing resemblance to Christ. • 2 Peter 1:3-4 reminds us that His divine power “has given us everything we need for life and godliness,” so no believer lacks the resources to live heavenly. Summary: Live What You Are God has already placed believers in the sphere of the heavenly Man; daily choices simply unveil that reality. As minds stay fixed above, as the old self is put off and the new self put on, and as Spirit-grown fruit ripens, the world receives a clear preview of the coming kingdom and the glory of its King. |
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