Being Renewed: Embracing a New Life in Christ

Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a cycle of the same mistakes, unable to break free from old habits? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with finding a fresh start and living a life of purpose. But what if I told you that renewal is not just a concept, but a promise from God? In our recent sermon series on Romans, we explored how to embrace a new life in Christ and live in the freedom He offers.

Understanding Renewal

Renewal is more than just a fresh coat of paint or a new year’s resolution. It’s a complete transformation from the inside out. The Bible describes it as moving from death to life, from old to new. In Romans 6:1-14, Paul explains that when we are united with Christ in His death, we are also united with Him in His resurrection. This means that our old, sinful selves are crucified with Christ, and we are raised to live a new life.

Paul emphasizes this in Romans 6:2, saying, “We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” This powerful truth reminds us that our old ways are buried, and we are no longer slaves to sin. Instead, we are free to live the abundant life Jesus promised in John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Living in Freedom

So, what does it mean to live this new life? It means we are no longer slaves to sin. We are free to pursue righteousness and live the abundant life Jesus promised. But this freedom doesn’t mean we can do whatever we want. It means we have the power to choose what is right and good, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s message in Romans 6:3-4 is clear: “…all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” This new life is characterized by a change of heart and a change of direction, turning away from sin and towards righteousness.

Practical Steps to Renewal

1. Study: Dive into God’s Word daily. The Bible is our guidebook for living a righteous life. Start with the Gospels to understand Jesus’ teachings and then explore the letters of Paul for practical advice on Christian living. As Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
2. Share: Don’t keep your faith to yourself. Share the hope you have in Jesus with others. This could be through conversations, social media, or even inviting someone to church. Sharing your faith not only strengthens your own beliefs but also spreads the message of Christ’s love and redemption.
3. Serve: Get involved in your community. Serving others is a tangible way to live out your faith and make a positive impact. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, helping a neighbor, or participating in church activities, serving others reflects the love of Christ.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

You don’t have to do this alone. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to help us. The Holy Spirit empowers, guides, and encourages us in our journey of faith. Galatians 5:22-25 lists the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the qualities that should be evident in our lives as we walk with the Spirit.

John 16:7 reminds us of Jesus’ promise: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” The Holy Spirit, our Helper, is here to empower, enable, guide, and help us in our journey of faith.

Conclusion

The pursuit of righteous living is not a sprint but a marathon. It takes time to rewire our old ways of thinking, acting, and speaking. But with the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can live the abundant life Jesus promised. So, what will you do this week to embrace your new life in Christ? Will you study, share, and serve? Will you seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily decisions?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of renewal through Jesus Christ. Help us to embrace our new life in Him and live in the freedom You offer. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit to study Your Word, share our faith, and serve others. May our lives reflect the fruits of the Spirit and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

By embracing these steps and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can truly experience the renewal that God promises. Let’s commit to living a life of purpose, freedom, and righteousness, knowing that we are not alone in this journey.