Prosper in Your Relationships
ICS Daily Devotions
Ephesians 4:22-24 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
In Ephesians Chapter 4, the Apostle Paul compares the lifestyles of the “old man” and the “new man.” He advocates a complete lifestyle change and encourages us to abandon our old ways. God expects us to live through our new identity in Him, and to prosper in our souls through having good interpersonal relationships.
One manifestation of the “old man” ’s behaviour is taking offence easily, which is rooted in our insecurity. Keeping good relationships is challenging for such people. Because they measure our self-worth based on merits and constantly look for validation from people, they are over-sensitive to what people say, think, and behave toward them and take offence over small matters. They are easily angered and vent their anger through verbal abuse, telling people off on social media, and being vindictive in their ways. Their emotional baggage becomes an ugly sight for all to see.
Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.
The moment we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour, we become new creations who have been born again spiritually. However, we need to walk in the realities of this new creation. Our new identity, or the “new man,” is how God has chosen to see us. He did this by blessing us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, which we can apply and embrace as we live our lives on earth.
These are some of the new creation realities:
• He sent Jesus to die for me because I am worthy and priceless. (John 3:16)
• I will not perish but have eternal life. (John 5:24, John 3:15)
• I am a child of God. (John 1:12, Galatians 3:28)
• I am justified by faith and have peace with God. (Romans 5:1)
• I am accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:6)
• I am an heir of God, joint heir with Christ and will be glorified with Him. (Romans 8:17)
• I am strong in the grace of God. (2 Timothy 2:1)
• I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
• In Christ, I am His workmanship. Therefore, He has a good plan for me. (Ephesians 2:10)
• God shall supply all my needs according to His glorious riches. (Philippians 4:19)
• I am confident that He hears my prayer when I do anything according to His will for my life. (1 John 5:14)
Allowing these truths to renew our minds that this is the new identity given to us in Christ will give us the security and emotional stability that we need. As we live to please God rather than men, we will be unconcerned and affected by what people think or value us because we are affirmed by God.
Sermon Series: Faith in the New Creation Realities
