A New Uniform

Ready:

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”  2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

Set:

There is nothing like the excitement of a new sports season. The feeling of suiting up in the locker room before the first game is hard to describe. Especially when you are wearing that new uniform for your new team, you feel fresh and ready!

Paul is writing to believers in Jesus that they, too, have the opportunity to wear a new spiritual uniform. The new life in Christ is completely different from the old, and it is full of wonder and excitement!

Second Corinthians 5:17 is a Bible verse I recommend memorizing. I believe that the power and implications of this verse are astounding when we stand back and consider the gravity of it. 

Where is the power in this verse? “In Christ.” Paul uses the term “in Christ” 73 times in his writings. What it speaks to is the position that we receive the moment we put our trust in Jesus. We are by definition “in Christ,” our lives are now intertwined with Him in it.

One of the reasons God can accept you and declare you righteous is because your rags and sin are covered by the blood of Jesus and His righteousness. So, when the Father looks at you, He sees Jesus.

You are hidden in Christ; that is your position. This tells us that the Kingdom of God, where God’s domain is, where the redeemed people operate and function, is completely different than how culture and society function on this planet. The message of grace and the Gospel does not teach that practice dictates position; that's "the old." "The new" teaches you that you are instantaneously transferred to the highest position on the planet. 

I don’t practice to earn a position; I embrace the position given to me by being in Christ. So now, position dictates practice. Now, I’m not practicing for position; I’m practicing from position.

Go:

• How is being a “new creation” in Christ like wearing a new jersey for your new team?
• What is the danger of “practicing for position” to earn God’s favor? 
• Can you come up with some practical ways to remind yourself of your position in Christ?

Weekly Challenges:

Memorize this verse this week so you can use it as a helpful reminder.

Reading Plan: 

Day 57 - 2 Corinthians 1-4

Day 58 - 2 Corinthians 5-7

Day 59 - 2 Corinthians 8-9

Day 60 - 2 Corinthians 10-11

Day 61 - 2 Corinthians 12-13

Day 62 - Colossians 1-2

Day 63 - Colossians 3-4