The New Creation

II Corinthians 5:16-21

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18  And all and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

I. NOTE – We are not known by our fleshly old self, but by our spiritual new self.

A. All condemnation has been removed – Romans 8:1

B. We need not live lives of regret and shame.

John 8:10-12 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

C. Jesus did not ask Peter to confess his sin, but instead asked him to confess his Love.

John 21:5-17 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

II. All the old desires have been replaced by the new ones.


A. We have a new attitude toward sin.
B. We have a new power to overcome sin.
C. God has provided even for sin that we still commit.


III. We have been reconciled – reclaimed by God!


A. We have a new family.
B. We have a new Father.
C. We have a new home.

IV. We now are His ambassadors.


A. We are to represent Jesus in all we do.
B. We are to gladly associate with Jesus (over 60 percent of confessed believers have never shared Jesus with anyone.)
C. Being ashamed is not an option.
D. We have been given His righteousness.

Philippians 3:7-14 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Transformation, not reformation!

Romans 12:1-2 – 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

TRANSFORM
1a: to change in composition or structure.
b: to change the outward form or appearance of
c: to change in character or condition : CONVERT

REFORM
1a: to put or change into an improved form or condition.
b: to amend or improve by change of form or removal of faults or abuses.
2: to put an end to (an evil) by enforcing or introducing a better method or course of action.
3: to induce or cause to abandon evil ways reform a drunkard.

TRANSFORMATION VS REFORMATION
Transformation – alters to appearance and form completely – permanent and can not return to former appearance.
Reformation – changes that do not alter the structure – can be temporary.

I. Requires a complete surrender – present yourselves.


A. You have been bought


B. You have no more freedom to do as you please – you have given up all rights – 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.


C. You are dead to personal desires – your desire is now to please another – Luke 9:23-26 – And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy

NOTE:

  1. JESUS DID NOT SAY I AM TO BEAR HIS CROSS, BUT I AM TO BEAR MY OWN CROSS
  2. I MUST DENY PERSONAL PEASURE FOR ETERNAL GAIN
  3. IN ORDER TO REALLY LIVE, I MUST FIRST FULLY DIE.
  4. I MUST TAKE A VISIBLE STAND FOR CHRIST AND WHAT HE STOOD FOR

II. Requires a cost – sacrifice.

I Corinthians 19:19-23 –  For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.20  And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21  To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23  And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

III. Requires an acceptance of a new normal – holiness.

1 Peter 1:15-16 –  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

IV.Requires a recognition that this is normal – reasonable

V. Requires a recognition that the old is corrupt – be not conformed.

II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

II Corinthians 6:14-17 –   Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

VI. Requires a renewal. Renew your mind

VII.Requires new input. The word of God

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way By taking heed thereto according to Thy word. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from. KJV.

VIII. Requires a desire to know and do the will of God.

Luke 22:42 

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Time to move forward in Christ!

We will begin a four-week series today leading up to the glorious resurrection Sunday when we will look at God’s new temple. Week one we will look at the old nature, things as they used to be. Then we will look at the difference between reformation and transformation. Reformation is not what God is looking for. He is looking to transform. Then we will look at the new creation we have been made into. Finally, we will look at God’s new temple.

Week One: The old nature I Corinthians 6:9-12

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

I. Signs of the old nature

A. Fornication – sexual conduct between unmarried
B. Idol worship – putting anything above God
C. Adultery marriage infidelity
D. Effeminate – men acting like women
E. Abusers of self – homosexual
F. Thieves – taking from someone else that which does not belong to you
G. Covetous – wanting things that belong to another
H. Revilers – angry troublemakers
I. Drunker – over 70 verses in Bible warn against alcohol
Consumption
J. Extortion – taking from others by deception
K. Being controlled by anything – food, fashion, drink, entertain

II. Remedy – John 3:6-7

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  

Romans 3:23  . For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:10  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us

Romans 3:23 . For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God

Romans 10:8-13 – 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

A. Conviction – must see yourself as a sinner in need of a saviour


Luke 18:11-14 – The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.


B. Rejection of the old life – Repentance

Luke 13:3 I tell
you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish.

Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye
shall all likewise perish.


C. Acceptance of the Gift of God –

John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:


John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.


John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.


John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.


John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.


D. Faith in Christ and Christ alone –

His death, His burial, His resurrection and His soon coming again.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:10-11 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

THE WIDOWS MITE

Luke 21:1-4

1   And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.2  And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.3  And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:4  For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

I. The common story – giving all you have!


A. She gave despite her great poverty.
B. Her giving acknowledged that all she had belonged to God.
C. There is no indication here or in Mark’s account that she had any reservations about giving it all.
D. All that you have belongs to God, what you keep is still His.
E. This passage is often used to encourage giving

II Corinthians 9:7-10

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;).

II. The story behind the story

Luke 19:39-47

Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said. 40 And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son?42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?45 Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;47 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation

A. False piety of the false spiritual leaders.
B. Put a false religion on display for all to see.
C. Pride ruled in their hearts.


D. Neglected ministry to those in need. Rather than minister to her, they looked down at her.

James 2:1-20

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?


E. The widow became a prey for their wealth.

Matthew 23:1-15

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

ECCLESIASTES – ch 12

More Advice to Young People

What happens to the spirit when one dies

The encouraging solution for us all

The final chapter begins with a continuation of advice directed to the young.  They are told to remember God in their youth before difficult days come in which there will be found little pleasure.  Solomon talks about the weakening of our body and mind as we get older.  Old age is a certainty for those who live a normal life span.

Again, we will see Solomon describes life as vanity without one important thing which we will see as we conclude the message.  He brings us to a great conclusion.  He gives us our whole purpose in living.  When one finds that truth, one’s life will radiate joy, peace, and contentment.  We will be led to understand that we are the creation of a majestic God who loves us and desires a close intimate relationship with us.  What a mighty God we indeed serve

I. One more time for the kids sake

(Ecclesiastes12:1-7)   Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; 2  While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: 3  In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 4  And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;5  Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: 6  Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7  Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

A. REMEMBER GOD IN YOUR YOUTH (vs. 1-2)


1. Difficult days will come.
2. Joy of youth will fade into the sorrow of old age.
3. Worries of life increase as you get older, stop, and enjoy today.
4. You will have memories of today, but you will not relive today.

B. Consider what is yet to come (vs. 3-7)


1. The day is coming in which:
a. The body weakens.
b. The mind begins to fail you.
c. Eyes begin to lose their brightness – sight is dimed.
d. Hearing betrays you.
e. Sleep fades quickly
f. The sound of the grinding is low (the mouth and speech
become unintelligible)
G. Fleshly desires fade away.
H. Death and eternity await. – The body goes to dust and the spirit goes to God.

1 Corinthians 6:20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

  1. Remember your Creator before:
    a. You leave the care of mother and father.
    b. Before the heartache of sin shatters your life.
    c. Before the body decays and there is not remembrance of Godly things.

II.  Conclusion (verses 12:8-14)

A. THE Truth restated (8-12) 8   Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.9  And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.10  The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.11  The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.12  And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

      1. The grand theme restated:  “Vanity of vanities, all is   vanity…”

      2. The Preacher’s ongoing work (because he was wise)

         a. He continued to teach others until his death.

         b. He imparted words of wisdom and truth to others, especially to the young

      3. The value of such words of truth         a. The words of the wise are sweeter than honey.