Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
God is the one who has prepared us for this change, and He gave us his Spirit as the guarantee of all that He has in store for us. -2 Corinthians 5:5 All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into His likeness in an ever greater degree of glory. 2 Cor. 3:18
Glory to God!
A New Life!
A New Beginning!
Newness of life in Christ Jesus!Oh how wonderful is His Word! God promises us in these verses that there will be an outward change...one that all will notice ...and an inner change...transforming us into His image... Praise God! We will never be the same once we give our lives to God, to Jesus!! He promises to give us a new heart, a new spirit... one that is able to hear and respond to the Lord... a heart and spirit that is open and sensitive to the ways of God. We no longer have to walk in our old ways... but in the newness of Christ...
Why does God give us this new heart and new spirit? As verse 20 states...so that we may walk in His Way, to become all that He has created us to be...no longer being bound by our past...by old thinking, old ways that are contrary to our new life in Christ. He changes us from glory to glory...helping us, guiding us, leading us into a life of His righteousness...right order...in harmony with His ways...
...a new creation...
"I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write It in their hearts" Jeremiah 31:33 Alleluia! God will put His Law in us...write it on our hearts!
When we... ...acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God... ...realize that we fall short of the Glory of God... ...realize we are in need of a Savior... ...admit that we are sinners and confess to God... ...ask for the forgiveness of our sins... ...invite Jesus Christ into our lives and hearts... Then we... ...are given a new life in Christ Jesus... ...are forgiven... ...enter into a personal relationship with Jesus... ...are given the gift of the Holy Spirit to live and dwell in us... ...have eternal life... ...reconciled to the Father thru the Blood of the Son... ...are sons and daughters of the Most High God...
Alleluia!! Thank You Jesus!!
Being born again, spiritually reborn thru Jesus, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, to live and dwell in us... The Holy Spirit...our Comforter and Counselor...our Teacher...now living in us...leads...prompts...and is able to direct us in our spiritual growth. How? By listening to and heeding that still small voice within...By allowing our spirit man to be in charge...not our fleshly selves, which tends to want to be in charge..that is..our mind, will and emotions. But consciously choosing to live in the spirit, being led and fed by the Holy Spirit within...so that He may do His work in us...
"Ye are…the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with The Spirit of The Living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart" 2nd Corinthians 3:3
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind (having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude), 24 And put on the new nature (the regenerated self) created in God's image, (Godlike) in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:23-24
Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conformed to the things of this world...meaning that although we live in this world and are subject to the laws and authorities that govern, ...we pay taxes...obey speed limits...etc... BUT...we DON'T have to have the same attitudes that our society does, we don't have to act like the rest of the world.... we don't have to accept (or give) labels or assignments, be influenced by the negative thinking...
We are in this world, but not of this world! We are children of the Most High God! Heirs to the Kingdom! We have been bought by the Blood of the Lamb! Called out before the Foundation of the world! Set apart for the purposes of God!
Being constantly renewed...what does it mean?? Well... to begin with...to change from old ways of thinking... How?...by getting in His Word..reading the bible... His truth!...it means consciously choosing to fill our minds with Godly thoughts.. positive thoughts...ridding our minds of thoughts that are negative...contrary to Him... We renew our minds thru reading His Word, praying, talking with our Lord...developing a personal relationship with Him...
God's nature is one of Love, Truth, Purity, Honesty, Integrity, Goodness...so we need to compare our thoughts to those of the nature of God... if they aren't in agreement or alignment with Him... then we need to replace them with thoughts that honor God...
~Who Can Become A New Creation In Christ Jesus?~ 15 It does not matter at all whether or not one is circumcised; what does matter is being a new creature. 16 As for those who follow this rule in their lives, may peace and mercy be with them— with them and with all of God's people! Galations 6:15-16
circumcision..or uncircumcision... At the time of Paul's letter to the Galations those circumsized signified the chosen of God..Israel... following the law and practice of Abraham... the uncircumsized...the Gentiles...not chosen ones... but in his letter, Paul explains that ALL are welcome into the family of God...whether Jews or Gentiles...
It means the same for us today ... it doesn't matter what nationality..color...race... religion...size..shape..ALL are welcome to come join the family of God...He created us all...He wants all to be saved...all to be brothers and sisters in Christ...at peace with each other...being merciful to one another...accepting one another..loving one another...loving and serving our Lord and Savior.
~What do I do to get rid of my "old self"?~ 
Again, the best answer I can give you on how to get rid of old ways of thinking is by immersing yourself in God, seeking His face and in God's Holy Word...
...The Holy Bible...
In it you will find answers for your every question, your every need...it's in there!
Praying to our Father, asking for wisdom and understanding of His Word when you read opens up the door for the Holy Spirit to lead and direct you in your reading...
My suggestion would be to first read the book of John...it tells all about the birth, life, ministry, death and resurection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus also addresses salvation and our need for a Savior through this wonderful book.
Ephesians also would be an excellent book to read, as it tells us of who we are in Christ, as members of the family of God. Here are a few scriptures from Ephesians to get you started...
Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. Ephesians 4:2
22 So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to— the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires.
23 Your hearts and minds must be made completely new,
24 and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.
25 No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ.
26 If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. Ephesians 4:22-26
This speaks for itself...seek the truth... God is truth...be truthful and honest with others... with yourself...when someone or something causes you to feel anger...seek the Lord before you react in anger...not an easy task...for we tend to let our emotions rule...seek the Lord and He will show you how to handle the situation in a Godly way...
27 Don't give the Devil a chance. Eph.4:27
satan..the enemy...the destroyer... would love for us to react in anger...he'll do anything he can to draw us away from God...we need to learn to recognize the enemy and his attempts at destroying our peace...
28 If you used to rob, you must stop robbing and start working, in order to earn an honest living for yourself and to be able to help the poor.
29 Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. Ephesians 4:28-29
Seems that wherever you turn there are words that degrade, belittle, and curse. This is not only a problem in the "world" but in the christian community as well.
Shocked? Don't be. Christians are human too. We ALL fall short of the glory of God. While there may not be "foul language" in christian circles, there is much worthless talk that can hinder the spiritual progress of others. So whether you are born again or have yet to give your life to Jesus Christ...All need to carefully consider the words that come from our mouths.
Some scripture to ponder concerning the words of our mouths:
Psalms 19:12-14 None of us can see our own errors; deliver me, Lord, from hidden faults!13 Keep me safe, also, from willful sins; don't let them rule over me. Then I shall be perfect and free from the evil of sin.14 May my words and my thoughts be acceptable to you, O Lord, my refuge and my redeemer!
Proverbs 15:23 What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion!
2 Timothy 2:14 Remind your people of this, and give them a solemn warning in God's presence not to fight over words. It does no good, but only ruins the people who listen.
Lord, thank you for working in us...changing us from glory to glory...help us to tame our tongues and be conscious of the things we say to one another. May we glorify You in our speech. Lead us in our thoughts, our words and our actions. In Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.
I'd like to share the 3rd chapter of Colossians with you, another letter written by Paul to the believers in Colosse. It also speaks of our new lives in Christ... Colossians 3:1-17 3:1 You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. 2 Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 Your real life is Christ and when He appears, then you too will appear with Him and share His glory! Alleluia! Raised to LIFE with CHRIST!!! That statement alone speaks volumes! 5 You must put to death, then, the earthly desires at work in you, such as sexual immorality, indecency, lust, evil passions, and greed (for greed is a form of idolatry). 6 Because of such things God's anger will come upon those who do not obey Him.7 At one time you yourselves used to live according to such desires, when your life was dominated by them. 8 But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips. 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have put off the old self with its habits,
Putting to death, overcoming areas of sin in our life, is God's plan and desire for us. Some things He delivers us from immediately and it is never an issue again in our lives. Some things He walks us through...helping us to be overcomers, to be victorious in a habit or way we walked before we were born again.
I truly BELIEVE Philippians 4:13.... I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.
God knows the areas in our lives that we struggle with, there is nothing hidden from Him. Psalm 139 is a beautiful example of God's knowledge of us and His Love for us. The first five verses here, just begin to tell it...
1 Lord, You have examined me and You know me.
2 You know everything I do; from far away You understand all my thoughts.
3 You see me, whether I am working or resting; You know all my actions.
4 Even before I speak, you already know what I will say.
5 You are all around me on every side; You protect me with Your power. Psalm 139:1-5
Knowing that God is aware of all that we think, feel and do, what a wonderful opportunity to consciously invite Him to help us with our battles! As Jahaziel the son of Zechariah said to King Jehoshephat, as they prepared for battle against their enemy in 2 Chronicles 20:15,17 15b -Thus says the Lord to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.
17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you."
Well, the result of that battle was victory for King Jehoshaphat! His position, was on his face before God, worshipping Him. He and his army stood on God's Word...Praising, singing to the Lord!!
So take your position, stand in faith that God will deliver you, He will enable you to be a conqueror!! Alleluia!!
10 and have put on the new self. This is the new being which God,its Creator, is constantly renewing in his own image, in order to bring you to a full knowledge of Himself.
11 As a result, there is no longer any distinction between Gentiles and Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarians, savages, slaves, and free, but Christ is all, Christ is in all. 12 You are the people of God; He loved you and chose you for His own.
So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14 And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. 15 The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. 17 Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through Him to God the Father. 
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