Welcome to “Going Deeper with the Word.” In this segment, we welcome people of all backgrounds, religious or not, to review the Word of God. The Word of God provides guidance, direction, and instructions for living our lives and walking with God.
We just talked about stepping into renewal. Now, I want us to go deeper into the Word of God together.
Let’s review examples from God’s Word that can lead and guide our steps and back up the principles we learned in today’s message. I will read scripture today from the Amplified Bible.
And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be ]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Romans 12:2
In this verse, the Apostle Paul explains plainly that for us to be spiritually mature and focused on godliness, we must not be conformed to the world. The ways of the world are not the ways of God.
The ways of the world often involve seeking out immediate gratification for the desires of our minds and flesh, whereas the ways of God place value on trusting God’s will for our lives.
It is challenging to navigate through the norms of today’s world and society and walk in a path that you know is pleasing to God. What stands out among the challenges you face day to day? “Let us know in the comments”
Let’s have a look at another place in the Bible that speaks to this.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].
2nd Corinthians 5:17
In this verse, the Apostle Paul continues, sharing that anyone who is in Christ is entirely new by the renewal from the Holy Spirit. In Christ, we can know that our old self, the self that chased the world and worldly things, has passed away.
I can relate to this, and I can confess to this truth as I walk in Christ today. There are parts of me and my personality that have absolutely ceased to exist – for the better. When we renew our lives in Christ, we literally begin an entirely new existence.
Can you name at least one thing from your past that you know for certain has passed away and is no longer your heart’s desire due to who you are in Christ? “Let us know in the comments”
Let’s look at one last passage.
He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Titus 3:5
In this passage, we are reminded that we are not saved because of our own works of righteousness that we have set out to do, but because of God’s mercy and the cleansing that comes from renewal by the Holy Spirit.
I cannot overstate how much I relate to this. It is only because of the Holy Spirit that I am able to bring this message to you. Every message I write, I truly believe, is God-breathed; aside from my testimonies, this message does not come from my own intelligence or wisdom. I accept, embrace, and am privileged and honored to be a vessel for the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit has cleansed my heart and mind in a way that I am living an entirely new life—one where I have a sense of purpose and a sense of the plans that God has prepared for me.
Can you think of at least one way that the Holy Spirit has an impact on your day to day decisions and quality of life? “Let us know in the comments”
As we wrap up the series, The Invitation, I want to thank you for joining me throughout this journey as we learn of all the ways that God presents to us opportunities to get to know Him deeply and intimately.
We live in a world that is full of distractions and trains our minds to seek immediate gratification and pleasure. What I have learned in my walk with God and my walk of faith is that our relationship with God can offer so much more than the world provides. What the world provides is fleeting, but what God provides is everlasting.
Accept the invitation to get to know God and His love in an entirely new way.
Have an amazing week, and we will catch you next time.
Bless you.
