The Gospel Walk
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“How to Win Friends and Influence People” - Dale Carnegie
Text:
Main Idea: Receiving Christ is Just the Beginning
2. Then You Have Received Your Marching Orders! (vs. 6b-7)
2. Then You Have Received Your Marching Orders! (vs. 6b-7)
Attention (Why should they listen to you?)
“The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” - Stephen Covey
“Think and Grow Rich” - Napoleon Hill
Introduction
“The Power of Positive Thinking” - Norman Vincent Peale
Attention (Why should they listen to you?)
“Awake the Giant Within” - Tony Robbins
Each one of these books purport to have the secret of a successful life. Just do what they say, follow their secret formula and voila, instant success.
Millions upon millions of these books have been purchase and devoured by the public. Do they work? Perhaps. I’m sure for some.
As humans we are always looking for the secret, the silver bullet that will solve all of our problems.
Even for those of us who are followers of Christ, we are tempted with the beguiling idea that there is something more that we should know or do to make this life all that it can be. We are easily distracted by that which is shiny and readily exchange the substantial for fools gold.
What is the Hearer’s problem?
What is the Biblical Solution?
There is a simple message for each of us here this morning that I submit to you, will radically change your life. It won’t make your life easier, it won’t make you financially well off. It won’t make you popular or even liked in some cases.
What do the hearers need to know?
But what it will do is change you. It will grow you into someone you never thought you could be.
It is the simple message of the gospel that will radically alter your life in such a way that the desire for fame, fortune, notoriety will fade into obscurity and you will become content and thankful to serve God himself. And for those of us who are genuine believers here this morning, this is such a joyful and refreshing truth.
We have learned to take the simple message of the gospel and allowed it to wash over our thinking and transform us in to followers of Jesus.
There is no greater calling and this is what Paul is communicating in the passage we will study this morning.
The christians in Colossae were tempted by heretics to add to the simple, glorious message of the gospel. By adding greek philosophy, adherence to Jewish traditions and severity to the physical body, these heretics taught that the gospel was good, but there was more and they were able to let them in on the secret!
Of course, Paul spends a large part of this letter refuting this nonsense.
While it is true that the message of the Gospel should change your life, you cannot change your life to make yourself acceptable to a holy God.
Paul, in verses 6-7 makes a very clear case that the simple, plain message from God is all we need to have a life that is pleasing to Him. This after all is the highest calling, isn’t it?
To be like Christ is the highest goal of all!
The bottom line is this...
Main Idea: Your Life Should Reflect Your Lord!
In these two short verses, Paul packs a punch for his readers. No life should ever remain the same after the gospel infiltrates one’s cold, stoney, dead heart!
NO WAY!!! The Gospel doesn’t simply give life, it gives NEW LIFE. And when you see what the Apostle has to say in these verses you will realize that it is laughable to suggest that we could add too his gracious gift of salvation. However, because of this gracious gift, if truly received, your life will never be the same!
So I have structured this sermon into a cause and effect challenged based on what Paul has to say.
First, we must deal with a very important concept. The concept of receiving Christ Jesus as Lord.
Body (Satisfaction)
Second, we need to come to terms with what this means. How does receiving Christ change the very fabric of our lives.
So, If you have received Jesus, then the way you live will radically change.
Let’s start with the first point...
1. Have You Received Christ Jesus as Lord? (vs. 6a)
Lead in…If you remember from last week, even though Paul warned the Colossians about the impending heresy that was coming to town, he also commended them for their “good order” and “firmness in their faith in Christ.” So there is no question that Paul is ministering to believers here and so he says...
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
Text -
This isn’t just high praise, it is a beautiful reminder to this dear church. They, as do we, need to remember that we are FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST!
Paul’s first word in this verse is “Therefore.” And remember, we must always ask the question when we see this word, “What is the Therefore, Therefore?” It’s a good hermeneutical practice that helps us better understand the context so we can accurately interpret the text.
Well, in the preceeding verses Paul lets them know that he is truly struggling on their behalf even though they have never met personally! He is praying that their hearts will be encouraged and that they are knit together in love. But most importantly that they have full understanding of Christ!
His struggle wasn’t that they would know Christ it was that because they knew Christ they would grow in their understanding of Him.
And so Paul says, “Therefore, as you have recieved Christ Jesus as Lord...”
Now, this is an interesting phrase that we do well to understand fully.
The Colossians had, in fact, recieved Christ Jesus...
The Colossians had, in fact, recieved Christ Jesus...
The word “recieved” “paralambano (παραλαμβάνω)” means… “to receive from another” (para, “from beside”), or “to take,” signifies “to receive” “to join to one’s self.”
Dr. Douglas Moo, a premier contemporary theologian helps us to understand what Paul means in regard to the idea of “Receiving Christ.”
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: Colossians and Philemon A. The Heart of the Matter: Remaining Centered on Christ (2:6–7)
To “receive Christ”—in this verse at least—is not only a matter of believing “in” his person; it also involves a commitment to the apostolic teaching about Christ and his significance. This tradition, which the Colossians have heard from the faithful Epaphras (1:7–8), stands in contrast to the “human tradition” of the false teachers (v. 8).
I hope you understand Dr. Moo’s point. God is incomprehensible! And the fact that we know anything about God is because He has chosen to reveal Himself to us.
In fact, He so revealed Himself to us, He put Himself in a human body by being born of a woman. He became one of us.
The Creator became, in a sense, the creation. He revealed himself to us! And what we know about Him has been recorded in His Holy Word and passed from generation to generation.
What we know about Jesus has been revealed to us in the Bible! And the New Testament, in particular, are the teachings of the Apostels about Jesus. And we do well to learn all we can about Jesus from them.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
So it is a package deal. You don’t just receive Jesus like He is a lucky rabbit’s foot. No! You must understand who He is and what He has done for you. Jesus requires faith, but not a blind faith.
No! An informed faith.
This is why I love using the “Seeking God and Finding Him” study. In 8 lessons you have a clear understanding of Jesus, His mission, and His ability to give you eternal life.
Now I want you to notice that there are three ways in which we are to receive the Second Person of the Trinity. And I think it is crucial that we understand the nuance of each one.
They RECEIVED HIM AS JESUS - This is the message we evangelicals preach! Trust Jesus Christ as your savior! And we should preach this. The name “Jesus” means, “God saves!” And He does and he does through Jesus. (Explain the gospel…)
paralambano (παραλαμβάνω,
But we must understand that Salvation comes with some built in caveats. Because when they Received HIM as Jesus...
They RECEIVED HIM AS CHRIST - “Christ” means, “anointed one”. It is the same word for the Old Testament word which means “King” or “anointed one.” Jesus Christ is our KING and we must never forget this! And just as a King is sovereign over His territory and His subjects and everything in His land is His, so it is with Jesus on a much larger, even infinite scale.
They RECEIVED HIM AS JESUS -
But not only King, there is a position that is even greater and we are to humble ourselves before Him. And as we humble ourselves,
They RECEIVED HIM AS LORD - Closley related to the concept of Jesus as King, is the idea of Him as Lord. When we receive Him as our savior we are also understanding Him to be our Lord. Let me explain.
According to Paul in this verse we do not just receive Him, but we receive Him as LORD!
LORD or κύριον in the manuscript - a personal title for God.
28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
This word, κύριον, is the same word used in the Old Testament Hebrew adonai, which in the public reading of Scripture replaced the more formal rendering of Yahweh. In other words, Lord means God!
When we receive Jesus as Savior it is with the understanding that Jesus Christ is God very God.
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made.
The point of this text, the point of the bible as a whole and even the point from the church Fathers is this!
JESUS CHRIST IS GOD!
If Jesus isn’t God, you cannot be saved!
He is our Savior! But is also KING OF KING AND LORD OF LORDS!!!
If Jesus isn’t God, you cannot be saved!
If Jesus isn’t God, you cannot be saved!
Preaching the Word: Colossians and Philemon—The Supremacy of Christ A Birth Walk (v. 6)
Billy Graham says in The Annals of America:
No man can be said to be truly converted to Christ who has not bent his will to Christ. He may give intellectual assent to the claims of Christ and may have had emotional religious experiences; however, he is not truly converted until he has surrendered his will to Christ as Lord, Savior and Master.
Preaching the Word: Colossians and Philemon—The Supremacy of Christ A Birth Walk (v. 6)
Spurgeon comments on this, saying:
It is interesting to notice that the Apostles preached the Lordship of Christ. The word Savior occurs only twice in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 5:31, 13:23). On the other hand it is amazing to notice the title “Lord” is mentioned 92 times; “Lord Jesus” 13 times; and “The Lord Jesus Christ” 6 times in the same book. The Gospel is: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
The NIV says it just a little different that I think is very helpful
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words Receive, Receiving
“to receive from another” (para, “from beside”), or “to take,” signifies “to receive,”
mean...
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,
How did they receive Christ as King, Savior and God?
BY FAITH!!!
And so they are to continue to live BY FAITH in CHRIST ALONE!
Look at the warnings!
4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
Paul’s exhortation is to NOT turn away from God’s authority for a mere human argument!
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
It is the self-righteous that see no real need for Jesus as God and King. They don’t mind the “Get out of Hell Free” card, but to submit to Jesus as King and God? Not so much.
One writer said it this way...
“If you think you can receive Jesus as you Savior and wait util later to consider receiving him as Lord, you may not have recieved Him at all!”
We must count the cost and understand that when we are saved by Jesus we are not saved that we might live for ourselves and our own desires. No, we have been given a new heart.
A heart that grows in its cravings for the things of God. Yes that can be dulled and stunted, but ultimately, God will, by the power of the Holy Spirit conform is to the image of the Son of God.
Receiving Jesus means we are embarking on a NEW life! A life that recognizes that I am no longer KING sitting on the THRONE of my heart, I am no longer LORD of my little WORLD!
No, I, by faith have relinquished sovereignty and now am resting in the sweet and loving arms of Jesus!
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Receiving Jesus means I will never be the same. Dr. Ken Wuest helps us well when he says,
“Paul is speaking of the doctrines regarding the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ…The exhortation therefore is that in the same manner as the Colossian saints received the instruction regarding Christ as to His Person and Work, they should also order their behavior. They are to keep to the doctrines pertaining to Him in Which they were first instructed by Paul.” - Wuest
11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,
So, Have you received Christ Jesus as Lord? Have you submitted yourself to Jesus not just as Savior, but as your KING and as your GOD!
I hope so!
Receiving is NOT a work any more than you taking a gift from someone is a work...
Because what you are saying when you become a follower of Christ is, yes I accept your gracious offer to save me. But you are also submitting your life to him that you will purposely and faithfully follow Jesus in all of your words and ways.
The real discussion here is this. Why is the world would receiving Christ even be a possibility? An option for someone like me?
Not only is there a salvific implication here but it is even richer than simply getting out of Hell by receiving Christ.
LORD or κύριον in the manuscript - a personal title for God.
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
κύριον
and Jesus Christ.
18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.
I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back...
Illustration -
Now perhaps some of you are thinking, “Wait a minute, I thought Salvation was free and now you are telling me there are stipulations to my salvation?”
First of all, dispel the notion that salvation is free. Salvation is not free! Salvation is costly! It has a price tag you and I could never afford! It cost Jesus His life! He willingly paid the price by sacrificing Himself for you on the cross. He paid a debt you could never pay! So, salvation is not free!
You can freely receive salvation by faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross, His burial and resurrection!
But remember what comes with this offer. You not only receive salvation, but you also receive a new and perfect King who will rule your life far better than you could ever hope to. And you receive personal relationship with the God of the universe.
Now, if you ask me, this is the package deal of the century!
The Colossians received Christ! And there are many here who have as well. But have you? If Paul were writing this letter about you would he be able to say, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus as Lord...”?
Review - Your Life Should Reflect Your Lord!
Have You Received Christ as Lord?
If you have, Awesome!
2. Then You Must Learn How to Walk! (vs. 6b-7)
Lead in…Like I said earlier, salvation isn’t simply a “Get out of hell free” card.
No, it is a reorientation of your life. Paul said it well in “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Christ Jesus!”
Salvation isn’t the end of the journey, it is just the begining. And so Paul writes these words in...
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Text -
These words are so amazing and beautiful! These words are the path all genuine believers must journey in their life of faith in Him.
My wife and I love to go on walks. We walk around our neighborhood. Sometimes we walk to get a bite to eat. We even pick our vacation destinations based on areas in which we can walk. Sometimes we walk fast other times slow. We love to see how many steps we can walk each day. (My wife does cheat in this as because here Fitbit claims piano playing is walking…) Be that as it may, walking is a big part of our life.
It is interesting the when Paul speaks of walking he means living. What kind of “walk” or “life” do you have?
And so I see three kinds of walks in the middle of verse 6-7. Take a look with me. The first kind of WALK is...
A Walk in Him (vs. 6b) - “…so walk in him...”
1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, SO WALK IN HIM...”
What does it mean to WALK IN HIM? And why is it significant for Paul to challenge the Colossians with this thought?
Because they were being tempted to add to the Gospel which then negates the true gospel and recreates a false Gospel! Paul will have nothing of that! And so he tells them to simply “so walk in him...”
Dr. Moo translated this phrase in this way...
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: Colossians and Philemon A. The Heart of the Matter: Remaining Centered on Christ (2:6–7)
Paul is telling them, in effect, to “remain where you are!” In him will have its usual “local” sense: “conduct your lives as incorporated in him,” setting the stage for the important use of this idea in the following passage (vv. 7, 9, 10, 11). The polemical context in which Paul writes (see v. 8) justifies our seeing in this language an exclusive emphasis typical of the letter as a whole: “Let Christ—and no other! for he is Lord—establish your values, guide your thinking, direct your conduct.”
Paul is telling them, in effect, to “remain where you are!” In him will have its usual “local” sense: “conduct your lives as incorporated in him,”...“Let Christ—and no other! for he is Lord—establish your values, guide your thinking, direct your conduct.” (PNTC - Moo)
As you go through your day run every thought, word and deed through the glorious, mysterious reality of chapter 1:27
“which is Christ in you, the hope of glory!”
27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
There are those who believe that this life is all there is and then we just don’t exist any longer.
There are those who believe in the Power of Positive thinking. If you set you mind to it, you can accomplish anything!
There are some who believe if you say it out loud the Universe will bring whatever you ask your way.
There are a lot of thoughts our there, but ladies and gentlemen, the most powerful, glorious and breathtaking thought that could ever be conceived is that the ALL POWERFUL, ETERNAL GOD OF THE UNIVERSE HAS CHOSEN TO TAKE UP RESIDENCE IN HIS CHILDREN!
And because Jesus is in you, you can live for Him! You can say no to sin! You can be victorious. You CAN WALK IN HIM!!!
A Walk in Faith (vs. 7a) - “…rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught...”
Paul uses some beautiful imagery here to capture the attention of his readers. And this imagery is given to show us how to have a fruitful and growing WALK IN FAITH.
ROOTED in Christ - The idea in the greek to be “firmly rooted” like a tree. ]
Did you know...
“Most tree roots…occupy an area two to four times the diameter of the crown.”
– Colorado State University Extension
“Roots may occupy an area four to seven times the surface area occupied by the crown of the tree.”
– Iowa State University Forestry Extension
The root system not only provides to necessary water and nutrients for the tree to flourish, but also the stability to weather fierce winds and harsh and damaging conditions.
What is the believer to be rooted in? The world? Philosophy, tradition, self? No! We are to be ROOTED IN CHRIST. For it is in Christ that we are provided the spiritual nutrients so that we may flourish and it is in Christ that we find our stability.
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1 1-3
Not only does Paul use the imagery of “rooted in Christ,” but also...
BUILT UP in Christ - Paul shifts quickly from an agrarian picture to one of construction. The believer is to be “built up” in Christ. What does this mean?
We are in the throes of a building program at ABC. There are plans and processes that must be followed in order for this building to be constructed.
You are being constructed. Being “built up in Christ” is a metaphor for our spiritual life. In the greek this phrase is a present participle speaking of continuous action, “being constantly built up.”
One day, Lord willing our church building will be complete.
But you will, in this life, never be complete. God will never be finished with you. He will constantly be building you up In Christ! Which results in being...
ESTABLISHED in the faith - Here again this phrase is a continuous action - it is an ongoing process that we are constantly being established in the faith (the belief system of biblical Christianity).
1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
In essence, Paul is telling the Colossians, don’t listen to these heretical fools that want to change the Faith, instead be rooted, built up and established in the faith that you were taught by Epaphras!
Psalm 1 1-3
You don’t need anything outside of the faith. You simply need to grow in Christ.
Are you rooted? Are you being built up in Christ? Are you continuously being established in the Faith?
Growth in these areas is a sign of life. No growth means no life!
If you want life, call out to Christ who will lovingly and gloriously save you!
And the last leg of the journey? It’s kinda surprising to me...
A Walk in Thankfulness (vs. 7b) - “…abounding in thanksgiving.”
Preaching the Word: Colossians and Philemon—The Supremacy of Christ A Walk in Thankfulness (v. 7c)
Two men were walking through a field when suddenly an angry bull chased them. They headed for the fence as fast as they could move. “Say a prayer,” cried the one to the other. “I don’t know any,” answered his huffing and puffing companion. “You’ve got to,” said the first, “that bull is getting closer.” “O.K.,” shouted his friend, “I’ll pray the only one I know.” As the horns of the bull came within striking range, the running man offered, “For what we are about to receive, the Lord make us truly grateful!” Paul is not talking about mindless piety, but praise deep in the soul.
It is our great duty to give thanks. And not just be thankful, but Abounding in Thanksgiving!
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Thanksgiving? Really? Do you have any idea what kind of a year, month, week, day I’ve had?
Do you have any idea who is in my life? How hard they make everything?
How in the world does God expect me to be thankful when I’ve had to deal with all that I have had to deal with?
The best way! Really, the only way? By being rooted and built up in Christ and by being established in the faith. Then and only then will you be able to see and have a reasonable semblance of understanding as to what God is up to! In other words by being rooted, built up and established in the faith you will be able to see far more clearly what God is doing not just in your life but around the world.
And when you do, you will be learning how to truly “walk in Him!”
Illustration -
Most all of us here this morning learned how to walk. It was a process and I believe is why God makes babies short - so they don’t have to fall so far! If I feel like they do, I’d bel laid out for a week!
Argumentation -
How is your spiritual walk going? Your Walk in Him?
If He is your Savior, King and God, then He is at work in you! Are you resisting that work or are you taking Him by the hand and learning to Walk in the same way he does?
I’ve found the more I spend time with someone the more I think and act like them. And I think this is abundantly true for Jesus. How much time do you spend with the Lord? The more you do the more you will “Walk like Him!”
Review - Your Life Should Reflect Your Lord!
Have You Received Christ Jesus as Lord?
Then You Must Learn How to Walk!
Conclusion
Lead in...
Text -
Explanation -
Illustration -
Argumentation -
Application -
Review -
Conclusion (Visualization)
Review opening illustration (if appropriate)
Trust Christ as you only hope for eternal life.
Walk/live like Him and you will reflect Him in all that you do!
In 1897 Thomas Chisholm penned this beautiful hymn...
Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
Refrain:
Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
Is this your prayer? It is mine! And perhaps, by His grace, you and I will be more like Him sooner than we think!
Connection Group Reflection Questions
What encourages you from this text of Scripture?
Receiving Jesus is crucial to salvation. Discuss what you believe this process to be like?
Receiving Jesus as savior is extremely important. However, just as important is understanding that He is King and God. Why?
What does it mean to “walk in him?”
Why do you suppose Paul uses the words “rooted” and “built up” in Him? What can we learn from these terms?
How is one “established in the faith?”
Paul admonishes the Colossians to “abound in thanksgiving.” Why should believers not just be thankful but to abound in thanksgiving?
Truth for Today June 9: A Renewed Mind
When you become a Christian, God gives you a new mind—but you must fill it with new thoughts. A baby is born with a fresh, new mind, and then impressions are made in the baby’s mind that determine the course of his or her life. The same thing is true of a Christian. When you enter into God’s kingdom, you’re given a fresh, new mind. You then need to build the right thoughts into your new mind. That’s why Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” We have a renewed mind, not a reprobate mind.
Instead of having a reprobate, vile, lascivious, greedy, unclean mind, we have a mind filled with righteousness and holiness. And that should naturally characterize the way we live.