Make the Wise Choice
ICS Daily Devotions
| Old man | Result | New Man | Result |
| Futility of mind | Grow corrupt | Renewed mind | Abundant life |
| Understanding darkened | No moral bearing | Created in true righteousness and holiness | Able to walk justly and righteously |
| Blindness of the heart | Deceived by the devil | The gospel shines light into our lives | Walk in the light |
| Speak lie | Distrust | Speak Truth | Earn Trust |
| Lewdness, uncleanness and greediness | Grow in corruption | Hard working | Appreciated by others for being a person of integrity |
| Anger issue | Break relationship | Able to manage anger | Grow in maturity and build strong relationships |
| Unbridled Tongue that brings destruction | Hurt others | Able to speak word of edification that impart grace | Others are blessed to be around you |
| Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, malice and evil speaking | Self-harm and create toxicity | Gracious, kind, tender-hearted and forgiving | Healthy in our soul |
The above table is derived from Ephesians 4:17-24, where the Apostle Paul compared the “old man” and “new man” ’s lifestyles. He advocated for a complete lifestyle change that can only be found in Christ and encouraged us not to continue in our old ways. The significant contrast should make us pause and evaluate whether we are living in the “old man” or “new man” and what kind of life we want.
Jesus came to give us an abundant life on earth. One of the greatest gifts we can give to everyone around us, especially our family members, is to be transformed, living out Christ’s image and reflecting God’s nature as a living being.
Many couples and individuals have told the pastor, counsellors and therapists that nothing has worked, not realising that the problem lies in themselves. Although God is all-powerful, He has given us self-will. Therefore, He “cannot” do much unless we choose to live in the “new man”. Otherwise, we will reap the results when we continue to live in the “old man”.
Galatians 6:7-8 (NKJV) “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows in the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life”.
We must have faith that God will work through the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, to enable us to live out the “new man” in our daily lives and in what the Word of God says we can do through the “new man.” Nonetheless, God has given us the freedom of choice in our lives. Therefore, it is up to us to choose whether to live in the “new man” through the new creation realities and to submit and yield to the Spirit of God. It would be wise to begin living in these realities when we are single instead of waiting until we are married. Our marriage will be blessed when both parties practice living in these realities by faith.
Sermon Series: Faith in the New Creation Realities
