HALLELUYAH! HALLELUYAH!! HALLELUYAH!!!
Topic: The New Man in Christ
WEEK 44: (Nov 17th – Nov 23rd)
Release Date: November 18th
WEEKLY BIBLE READING:
2 Corinthians 5:16-17
[16]Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
[17]Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
INTERPRETATION
The concept of the “new man in Christ” is a profound transformation that occurs when an individual accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This transformation is not merely a change in behavior but a complete renewal of the inner self, aligning with the image of Christ. The foundation of the new man in Christ is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here!” This verse encapsulates the essence of the transformation. The old self, characterized by sin and separation from God, is replaced by a new self that is reconciled with God through Christ.
The new man is also described as being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the Creator. Colossians 3:10 states, “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” This renewal is an ongoing process, involving a deepening understanding of God’s will and character, which shapes the believer’s thoughts and actions.
Ephesians 4:24 provides further insight into the nature of the new man: “and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” The new man is created to reflect God’s righteousness and holiness. This means living a life that is set apart for God’s purposes, characterized by moral integrity and purity.
The new man in Christ is also marked by a transformation in character. Colossians 3:12-14 exhorts believers to “put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” These virtues are the hallmarks of the new man, reflecting the character of Christ in interpersonal relationships.
Romans 6:6 emphasizes the freedom from sin that the new man experiences: “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” The new man is no longer under the dominion of sin but is empowered to live a life of righteousness through the Holy Spirit.
Finally, the new man lives by the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 encourages believers, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” This means being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of life, allowing Him to guide and empower us to live out our new identity in Christ.
The portrait of the new man in Christ is one of profound transformation and renewal. It is a life marked by righteousness, holiness, compassion, and unity, empowered by the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to embrace this new identity, continually growing in our knowledge of God and reflecting His character in our lives. Let us strive to live as the new man in Christ, bringing glory to God in all that we do.
PRAYER
Jehovah, Jesus Christ, Holy Michael.
Dear Father, we appreciate you for the gift of redemption by which we are renewed. We receive grace to live daily in the consciousness of the newness of Life in Christ Jesus and to daily conform to the nature of the Divine Life in Jesus’ name. Amen.