In discussing the topic about the newness of a believer in Christ, one subject stands pivotal which sets the center stage for the consciousness of the believer in Christ, and his or her study of the Word into producing actionable steps that showcases God's character and validation, and this subject is SEPARATION.
There is a law of association which states that you become like those with whom you spend your time with. Jesus Christ exemplifies this law by telling His disciples, "if anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, pick up his cross and follow me."
Mathew 16:24 [AMP]:
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].
In order words, Jesus Christ was indirectly telling them that if anyone wanted Him to have influence over them in a way that they aligned into His likeness, they should come after Him not minding the consequences of their decision. This is why association is a very critical aspect of human living, because your behavior and life are determined by the company you keep and the people you follow.
Paul the Apostle also demonstrated this thought by asking the Corinthians to imitate or follow him as he imitates or follows Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1 [AMP]:
Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
The newness in Christ which is experienced by a believer, brings about two levels of separation which are;
1. Separation unto God.
2. Separation from the world.
Separation unto God is at the instance of God's calling, and the ability of the called to detect the voice of God and to respond to it accordingly, by running unto He who has called. There are many who have been called by God, and still being called today, but because actionable steps where not taken to run to the Master, they were not chosen.
Mathew 22:14 [AMP]:
For many are called (invited, summoned), but few are chosen.”
The chosen are those who He knew before the creation of the earth based on their response to His callings, and He separates them unto Himself that He might work in them and through them.
Romans 8:30 [AMP]:
And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity].
The callings of God is a separation of men unto Himself and their separation from the world. The new man in Christ lives in the world but does not carryout his activities as those who are of the world.
2 Corinthians 10:3 [AMP]:
For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man
The implication of this is that the life of Jesus Christ becomes our standard example, while we draw away from anything that does not match up to His standard. This might include dissociating ourselves from every lifestyle of the world, and associations that promote such lifestyle.
In so doing, we become more fashioned after the image of Christ because we have Him as our full focus.
THINGS TO NOTE:
1. Who you follow has a direct influence on your life and destiny.
2. The new man in Christ is a man called out of the world by God unto Himself.
3. Your association disciples you into becoming what they are, so in no distant time, you begin to look and act like your association.
.....TO BE CONTINUED.
Min. Awe Hilary
#TheMessenger
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