New Life in Christ2 Cor. 5:17

Charles Lin7/13/2014

BOLGPC

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

Ingrafted

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5). If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and

now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root (Rom. 11:17).

In Christ

• We have a close, intimate, and real relationship with Jesus, and the “old has passed away.”

• Our old selves died with Christ at the cross, and the new lives resurrected with Christ.

• Our desire becomes the accomplishment of God’s will rather than the realization of our will.

• We have ushered in the new lives in the ages to come.

New Creation

Paul uses the Greek word ktisis(ktisiß) for “new creation.” – Two meanings of ktisis:

1.the creative act, the act of creation 2.the creation

We are changed by Jesus’ “ktisis” and become His “ktisis.”

Old vs. New Life Old Life  New Life Under law Under grace ( Rom. 6:14) Slaves to sin (Rom. 6:11). Earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry (Col. 3:5)

Alive/Born again. Alive to God in Christ Jesus (Rom 6:11). Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3).

Corrupted by its deceitful desires ( Eph. 4:22)

True righteousness and holiness ( Eph. 4:24 )

Fall short of the glory of God ( Rom. 3:23 )

Are His workmanship (Eph, 2:10)

Enemies of God (Rom. 5:10) Reconciled to God through the death of His Son ( Rom. 5:10)

Sons of disobedience (Eph. 2:2) Are Christ’s ambassadors ( Eph. 5:20)

Separated from life of God (Eph 4:18)

Has abundant life ( John 10:10)

How Do We Become And Remain Recipients Of The New Life?

1. Admit We All Sinned

• We can never be perfect and sinless by our own ways.

• We can never be good enough in the sight of God.• No amount of change can truly improve our

physical, emotional and spiritual lives permanently.• No amount of education and efforts/methods can

correct our sinful nature and give us a good life. We need a change of heart instead.

2. Ask Jesus To Come Into Our Lives

• We can admit we’re wrong, that we’re sinners, but until we ask Jesus Christ to come into our lives and restore the relationship with God, which was severed by sins, we will never truly be changed and set free from the bondages of sins.

• Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Rev. 3:20).

3. Trust God In Everything

• Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding ( Prov. 3:5 )

• And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose ( Rom. 8:28 )

4. Be Ambassadors of Christ

• Knows the heart of Christ • Stays in constant communication with Christ• Keeps his heart set on Christ’s interests alone• Represents Christ well • Is ready to be sent whenever he is called to

wherever he is needed.

5. Fellow Workers With Christ

• God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Cor. 1:9 )

• As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain (2 Cor. 6: 1 )

New Life

1. Admit We All Sinned 2. Ask Jesus To Come Into Our Lives3. Trust God In Everything4. Be Ambassadors of Christ5. Fellow Workers With Christ