Spiritual Renewal
“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:17-24).
We have a saying here at TTR: “Our ultimate goal is not sobriety. We focus on building a gospel foundation so that men and women can experience new life through Jesus Christ, then sobriety will naturally follow.” This positions our minds not to focus on the worldly symptoms but on receiving truth in Christ, which brings renewal and transformation.
Change is not good unless Christ is the imperative. God created mankind with an internal yearning that He alone is able to satisfy. We cannot receive renewal until we draw near to God in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. As our relationship is strengthened in Christ, we will receive renewal.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33).
Jesus offers newness that cannot be confined within the old forms. When one is stuck in their addiction they become so enslaved to the thoughts of drinking and drugging that their mind is wrapped up in themselves as a sinner, idolater, or drunkard. But when we have been made alive in Christ, we are to set our minds on him.
Because of Jesus, we can be free from this bondage! “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed!” (John 8:36). We have hope through Christ and His compassion. We can be free and share this power through others who help bring freedom to the poor, brokenhearted, and captive people. We will bring the light of the gospel to the darkness of addiction.
We have power in the name of Jesus that is working in us and through us as sons of the highest God. We walk in the light of Christ through His way, His truth, and His life, transformed to eternal life in Christ.
If you are a believer in repentance and born again, you have received the utmost power that is working through your life. The eyes of our understanding have been enlightened and we now hold all wisdom, knowledge, and understanding through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Walk in obedience, abiding in Christ, and He shall shine the light of grace and mercy on you, receiving His peace, not the peace of this world, but the peace of Christ. Acquiring the Spirit of truth in our lives which is the Holy Spirit bringing to us the power of God which raised Jesus Christ from the grave receiving true sobriety of eternal life. That, my friends, is what it means to walk in a renewed life!
John Carlson