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RENEW: PART 2

“…to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” – Ephesians 4:22-24

When God gives you a new heart, He also gives you a new purpose and, through His Holy Spirit, new power to walk out that purpose with boldness, confidence and conviction. You can do anything God calls you to do, but you can’t do it alone!

New Purpose

After Jesus was raised from the dead, He spent the next 40 days teaching the disciples and preparing them for the future. In what we now call “The Great Commission,” Jesus plainly laid out this new purpose for the believers:

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20a)

As an athlete, your new purpose might be to use your sport as a way to reflect how Christ as changed your life or to share the gospel with teammates, coaches, and others within your sphere of influence.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” -- (Matthew 5:16)

New Power

Many athletic goals require an increase in power and strength. That might require a few things such as: a plan, a trainer, proper gear and equipment, a training facility, internal drive, will power, commitment and a certain measure of physical ability and health.

As Jesus was about to return to Heaven, the disciples also needed an increase in power and strength. They were unsure of how they would be able to fulfill the new purpose Jesus had just given them, but before He left, He promised that the help of the Holy Spirit was on the way (Acts 1:8).

Less than two weeks later, the disciples were gathered in a place we now call “The Upper Room” where they were waiting and praying during a Jewish festival known as Pentecost. Found in Acts 2:1-13, an incredible miracle took place:

“Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”-- (vv. 2-4)

The people outside represented many languages, but they could all understand what the disciples were saying. Peter then addressed the crowd with a bold, powerful message (Acts 2:14-41) that served as a testament to this new power from the Holy Spirit working in the lives of the disciples.

You too have access to the Holy Spirit, but it’s up to you to receive and use that power for your new purpose and for God’s glory.

• What do you think having a new purpose might look like in your life?
• How can you use this new power from the Holy Spirit to live our your new purpose?

As you are renewed in Christ, you have a new heart, which creates a new identity in Him. Here are two key areas where you can expect your life to change for the better:

• New purpose: You are now called to spread the gospel and life your life for Jesus, which is greater than anything else you can accomplish in this world.– 2 Timothy 1:9
• New power: You have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, and it will give you the strength and courage to do what He has called you to do.– Exodus 9:16

What might God’s new purpose for your life look like in your sport, your school, your family, your friendships, and your community?