Below are some snippets from Romans 6. To read the whole chapter click here
Romans 6:
3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
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6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
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11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
If, indeed, I've been given NEW LIFE..
.Ephesians 2:8: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
How should I live it?...In other words, "how should I spend it?"
When someone gives such a good gift, it shouldn't be shelved...right?
As a child, when I was given a toy, I played with it. And I didn't just play with it for a few minutes... If it was a good one, I'm certain that I played the mess out of that toy!
As an adult, if I'm given a gift of cash, say for a birthday or Christmas, I never just hide the money in an old pair of jeans' pocket, thinking maybe it might just come in handy someday and I'll possibly stumble upon it. No, I make a plan for it. With diligence, I either save it or spend it. I budget it in. I appreciate it and use it for its worth. I realize its value and I try to do something about it...make use.
As a student, if I am "given" knowledge, through teaching, my hope is application. I am not eager to merely sit on the knowledge that I'm given...my goal is to apply it and then progress in an area.
So, as Christian, if I have truly been given new life...what am I to do with it? ...
Now, listen, this should be pondered on and prayed over for understanding because I believe that IT HOLDS IMMENSE VALUE...
I am to give my life BACK into the hands of the giver.
I am to offer my life to Him. Entrust life in His hands. Every part... that He may find in me- an available instrument of righteousness.
That's it.
God gives. We give it back. But when we give it back, then we really start living!
What does this, "giving self away," look like- practically?
... Could it mean coming to God, in prayer, before making a important decision?...
Could it be bringing mere "feelings" to God, in prayer, before allowing them to dictate actions.
Could it mean, being willing to change?
Letting go?
...Doing what you know is right no matter what- whether you prefer or not?
Could it be giving up Lordship to God.
Is this where I am? Am I surrendered? Am I available?
God, what are you saying?... What are your desires?... What do you want to do- today...?
Grace
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