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A New Way of Being Human
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

  • Christians have a new heart.
  • Christians have new desires.

You've been given everything you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), so

  • Stop trying and start training.

God executes massive changes in the believer's life at the moment of salvation. Our salvation is such a radical transformation that Jesus refers to it as being "born again." Many of the changes at salvation are unseen and relate to our standing and position before God. But many of the changes have real street-level relevance. Let me list the first ten immediate changes that come to my mind:

  • God begins to work all things for your good.
  • When you die, you will be immediately ushered into God's presence and be fully accepted.
  • God responds to your prayers.
  • God loves you unconditionally.
  • God doesn't bring up your past sins and hold them against you.
  • You are placed into the body of Christ (the universal church).
  • You have a new attitude toward sin.
  • You now have the desire to do His will.
  • He gives you the power to do His will.
  • God provides you comfort in your trials.

All glory to God for His wonderful salvation! Thank God right now for this gift too wonderful for words (2 Corinthians 9:15)! 

But our sanctification/transformation into Christlikeness doesn't happen immediately at salvation. It is a life-long process that will only be complete when we see Jesus face-to-face. It's critical to remember that God both initiates and empowers this transformation to Christlikeness. But unlike justification, transformation requires our efforts. Kevin DeYoung says it this way, "Sanctification is from God and by faith, but unlike justification, it is not by faith alone."

So if sanctification/transformation requires effort and work but we should stop "trying," what are we to do?

Ken Boa's insights are helpful here. He writes, "Righteousness requires training, not trying. It may take months—even years—to form good habits, but every moment matters. The Christian walk is one of ongoing habituation. It involves redeeming the time, doing temporal tasks for the glory of God."

Trying focuses upon my efforts, my willpower, my sin, and my attempts to produce the fruit of the Spirit. Trying is often an emotional reaction tied to spiritual frustration.

Training is about the Spirit-empowered journey towards knowing Jesus more and more. It's about knowing the Father's heart. It's about being led by the Spirit.

Consider incorporating these five broad categories in your training program:

  1. Thinking: Revisit the reality of our justification every day throughout the day.
  2. Growing: Read, study, memorize, and obey God's Word.
  3. Communicating: Pray always, but also set aside dedicated time to pray.
  4. Fellowshipping: Meet regularly in intentionally intrusive, accountable relationships.
  5. Worshiping: Sing, praise, and love God in public and in private.

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