What practical steps help us live as "alive to God"? Romans 6:11—The Foundational Declaration “So you too must count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Step 1: Embrace God’s Verdict • “Count” (logizomai) is an accounting term—record the fact, don’t wait for the feeling. • 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” • Begin each day by verbally affirming, “Because of Christ, I am dead to sin and alive to God.” Step 2: Refuse Sin’s Re-Entry • Romans 6:12: “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body…” • Identify habitual temptations; consciously shut the door before they knock. • Titus 2:11-12 shows grace teaches us “to say ‘No’ to ungodliness.” Step 3: Present Every Part to God • Romans 6:13 calls for offering ourselves “as instruments of righteousness.” • Practical daily surrender: – Eyes: what you allow in. – Tongue: words that build up. – Hands: serve, not grasp. – Time: schedule around God, not squeezing Him in. Step 4: Set Your Mind Upward • Colossians 3:1-2: “Set your hearts on things above…” • Replace mental clutter with Scripture memory, worship music, thankful reflection. • Philippians 4:8 supplies a checklist for wholesome thinking. Step 5: Feed the New Nature • 1 Peter 2:2: “like newborn infants, crave pure spiritual milk…” • Read systematically—start-to-finish books, not random verses. • Journal what God shows you; act on at least one truth the same day. Step 6: Walk by the Spirit • Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Pause before decisions: “Holy Spirit, lead me.” • Expect His inner checks and promptings; obey immediately. Step 7: Stay Linked with Believers • Hebrews 10:24-25: meet, encourage, stir up love and good works. • Choose companions who reinforce your “alive to God” identity (Proverbs 13:20). • Share victories and struggles; pray for one another. Step 8: Practice Obedience in the Ordinary • James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Turn teachings into habits—generosity, honesty, forgiveness, purity. • Small daily choices forge a lifestyle that shouts, “Alive to God!” Step 9: Celebrate Grace, Not Guilt • Romans 6:14: “For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.” • When you stumble, confess (1 John 1:9) and rise quickly—condemnation paralyzes, grace mobilizes. Living it Out—A Simple Daily Rhythm 1. Wake: Reckon yourself dead to sin, alive to God. 2. Word: Read, reflect, record one actionable truth. 3. Walk: Invite the Spirit’s guidance in tasks and conversations. 4. Watch: Guard inputs, resist sin’s reign. 5. Wrap-up: Thank God for every glimpse of His life flowing through you. The same power that raised Jesus now works in you (Ephesians 1:19-20). Keep reckoning, refusing, presenting, feeding, walking, and celebrating—and you will experience what it means to be truly alive to God. |
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