PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS
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We all have areas of life, patterns of thought, habits, and addictions that we would like to leave behind or change. But try as we might to simply quit thinking those old thoughts or answering those old cravings, these old ways seem to have staying power. Quitting something that has taken years (or a lifetime) to take root in your life is extremely difficult, if not downright impossible.
In today’s devotion we look at what it might be like for us to shift our focus off of quitting as our goal, to focusing our attentions and energies on pursuing something better.
In the passage that follows we are reminded that any attempt at life change must originate from our identity given to us by Jesus Christ.
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
(Ephesians 4:20-23 NIV11)
Let’s work through this statement about our true identity as followers of Jesus:
When you heard the truth…
Think back. When and how did you learn about who Jesus Christ really was and is? Who taught you about the nature of Jesus as the promised savior and messiah? Who helped you understand the teachings of Jesus and who answered your questions when you encountered the challenges of the gospel?
It is important that we see that our relationship with Jesus had a beginning point. Maybe your parents taught you about Jesus from birth, but there was a time when you had to embrace the truths you had been taught. When was that? Who helped you meet the Lord?
We learned about the gift of God’s love and mercy as expressed through the work and person of Jesus Christ because someone invested in us. Give God thanks for those people today.
Who are you investing in? Surely you appreciate the fact that others have spent time and energy leading you to learn about and place your faith in Jesus Christ. So then, are you passing this blessing on to another? Are you teaching someone else in your life the gift of knowing Christ? If not, then there is no time like the present to begin asking the Lord to help you connect with someone who needs to know Jesus like you know Jesus.
Your former way of life…
Whether or not you are aware of it yet, your life has been divided into two sections, before Christ and after Christ. When you placed your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior of your soul and the Lord of your life, you changed. Your old sinful nature became your old master, your old life, your old flesh and your new life in Christ was born.
In John chapter 3, Jesus Christ told Nicodemus that everyone who is joined together with the Lord must experience a rebirth, a second birth. When we receive the new life of the Spirit and the eternal life of Christ, we are born anew.
Those parts of your old nature and flesh might still vie for your attention, but they are just visitors in your new life. They are not a part of your true nature as a follower of Jesus Christ.
(For more on your true nature see the devotional given on January 5th, 2025 – Click Here)
Your new self…
When you submitted your life to Jesus Christ, your old life of sin was nailed to the cross with Christ (Colossians 2:13-15) and you were reborn as you were joined with Jesus in his resurrection by the power of God’s Spirit.
As a new creation in Christ, you are free from your bondage to sin. Those old ways that tempt you and plague you today are part of your past, not part of your future. The more that we understand and embrace the way that being joined together with Jesus Christ makes sets us free to live as children of God rather than slaves to sin, the more that we will find our old ways diminished in their attractiveness and power.
Created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness…
Hear the Word of God. You were created to live in and experience God’s true righteousness and holiness. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you have been joined with the new life and full righteousness of Jesus Christ. As such, you are able to live in this life, free from those old sinful ways and habits.
If you are ready to step away from those old areas of struggle and shame, start by prayerfully asking the Lord to help you pursue his right ways as you begin this day.
If you fall and fail, this does not mean that you are not a true child of God, it simply means that you need to focus your eyes back on living as a child of God. That is who you are, not what you do. You are new in Christ.
In Christ,
Ryan Laden
PASTOR RYAN LADEN
Works at MTN. CHURCH
Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church
Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Studied at Baylor University
Studied at Texas Tech University
Went to Castle Hills First Baptist
Copyright © 2024 Ryan Laden – All Rights Reserved.
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