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Tag Archives: holiness

Who Are We? Part 2

04 Apr
Who Are We? Part 2

As we go through 1 Peter, we’re now in chapter 2 looking at Peter’s description of the church. This is the legacy that we’re striving to live up to.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV

In my last post, I talked about believers as a chosen people and a royal priesthood. The next thing Peter calls us is a holy nation. This literally speaks of a holy, set apart, ethnic group.

The fact is that we have a new ethnicity, no matter where our families are from originally. We are a part of a new race of people.

We must come to the realization that we’re a holy race. A race has a particular set of customs and attributes. This usually includes their own language. A race of people have their own view of how the world works.

That should be the attitude of our life in the body of Christ. That’s why there’s no place for prejudice or bigotry in the church. We are a new group of people tied together in the bonds of the Spirit.

Peter goes on to call us a people belonging to God. This means that we’re a people group who were acquired into a particular time, place, or purpose.

Based on the context, this tells me that we’re a people acquired by God for a particular purpose. This verse is very clear as to what this purpose is. That purpose is to declare a particular message.

Like it or not, your main purpose is to declare the praises, valor, greatness, of the One who rescued us. Your purpose is not to amass as much money or toys that you can. It’s not to climb to the top of your chosen profession.

Our goal is to bring glory to the One who took us out of darkness and obscurity. We have now entered into His light. This place of light is wondered at, marveled at by all who perceive it.

This is who we are right now. I find that absolutely incredible! But there is a problem, however.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

1 Peter 2:11 NIV

The challenge is that we’re at war. But it’s not against the world or the devil. According to this verse, the longings of our flesh serves in a strategic military campaign against our soul – which is our mind.

Believe it or not, our flesh is very crafty. It does everything in its power to get us to think that we’re not select, kingly, holy or needed for a particular purpose.

Peter is inviting us, calling us to refrain from these desires. We need to fight against the thoughts that we’re the same as everyone else in the world. If we fulfill these longings, we reinforce the lie of the flesh.

We then look at ourselves incorrectly and say that we’re no different than anyone else. We need to remain strong in His Word about who we are. That’s what will keep us headed in the right, upward direction.

Question: How well are you winning this war in your mind?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on April 4, 2025 in Fellowship, Ministry, Relationships, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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Holiness Develops Love

17 Mar
Holiness Develops Love

We’re continuing our walk through Peter’s first letter to the church. He’s been talking about holiness and the fear of the Lord. Now the apostle goes a little deeper.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

1 Peter 1:22 NIV

Peter is desiring for us to develop love for one another. This is an important teaching for us to hear. That’s because this generation has a notable lack of love. We’ve become very self-centered.

Love is the choice to put others first. It includes the choice to truly fellowship. I’m not talking about simply meeting together for church.

We’re talking about the true love that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13. It’s the choice to participate positively in the lives of others.

The key to producing this true love is right here in these verses. If you look closely, before he ever deals with love Peter says, “Now that you have purified your soul in obeying the truth through the spirit…”

That’s the foundation of the love we share as believers. It’s the goal of purifying ourselves. It means we desire to be made holy, set apart to the Lord for His use.

Here is the key. The foundation of true love is holiness.

Remember what Jesus said when He was asked what was the greatest commandment.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew 22:37-39 NIV

The first step is loving God which leads to holiness. So, if you truly loved yourself you would walk in God’s way. That leads to the ability to love others

Peter had to enlarge this in his second letter.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV

Notice that verse 5 & 6 get you to godliness (holiness). Then it takes godliness in order to step over into brotherly love. This is the first love in 1 Peter 1:22. He calls it a sincere love for your brothers. That’s literally an unpretended brotherly love.

Please understand that brotherly love is the emotion of liking someone as a friend. Until you develop godliness, you must pretend to like others. Believe it or not, we must pretend to love until godliness is developed.

The problem in the church is that we don’t even pretend to like one another. But isn’t that hypocrisy? No – it’s obedience! That’s because we’re headed toward agape-love, which is choosing to love even when you don’t feel like it.

That’s what Peter is saying here. Now that you’ve developed godliness, you don’t have to pretend anymore.

“I don’t like these people.”

Well, that means you still need to mature some more. That’s because mature holiness causes you to like others. I’ve made the choice to love; then God starts to change my heart. I start to become like Him.

Question: How have you seen this love developing in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 17, 2025 in Fellowship, Ministry, Relationships, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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Set Free

14 Mar
Set Free

I’m currently in a series of posts about 1 Peter. He has shown us not only that God wants us to walk in holiness, but how to accomplish this. Now he goes on to show why this is way we’re to live.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV

The incredible truth is that we have been redeemed. That’s a big word. We need to understand all that his encompasses.

Normally, when you see the word redeemed in Scripture it means to buy back or purchase something. That’s not the case here. The word that Peter uses means to loosen or set free.

What has the Lord loosened us from? It was from the empty behavior that we inherited. It’s all the emotional and lifestyle baggage we grew up with. It’s the ongoing behavior we acted out with nothing to show for it in the end.

But, according to the apostle, the valuable blood of Jesus Christ rescued us from all of that. We no longer have to live a life that amounts to nothing in the end.

He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

1 Peter 1:20-21 NIV

We need to see that nothing takes God by surprise. God knew what was to happen even before the world was created. He didn’t have to call an emergency meeting with the Holy Spirit.

“Oh No! What are we going to do? They just killed the Messiah.”

Absolutely not! God had the plan for our redemption already in place before the world was formed.

This verse goes on to say that now, in these last days, this plan is made manifest – is revealed – in us. It’s our job to reveal Christ to the world. We are God’s voice, declaring His restoring power to all those around us.

Now, because of what God did in Christ, our faith and our expectation can firmly be focused on God. This is the foundation for the walk of holiness.

So that brings up some important questions we need to be asking. Is my faith focused on God’s Word and plan for my life? Do I truly expect what God says the results should be as He responds to my faith?

As we spend time in the Scripture and in relationship with the Holy Spirit, our faith and expectation toward the Lord should be growing. That’s the maturing process. It’s how I continue to grow in the body of Christ.

Only then can I lead others to experience the same walk of holiness and righteousness. I can’t simply teach it. I must exemplify it by walking it out in front of younger believers.

This is where the Lord is desiring to bring us all up to.

Question: How well are you growing and maturing in your walk with the Lord?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 14, 2025 in Faith, Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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The Fear of the Lord Part 1

10 Mar
The Fear of the Lord Part 1

We’re now going through a series of posts in the epistle of 1 Peter. He’s been talking about the importance of walking in holiness. In my last post, we left off talking about the fear of the Lord.

Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

1 Peter 1:17 NIV

In looking at this verse we took note of the word “since”. Peter is addressing a people who are calling on the Lord. If that’s the case, then we must get an accurate picture of God as the final Judge.

We saw that He judges our works impartially. He’s not impressed by what we do as much as the motivations for doing them. So, I want to take some time to go into the fear of the Lord a little deeper.

In my last post I talked about the fact that many times we water down the fear of the Lord. Many teach that it’s simply a healthy respect. We need to see that it really is a fear.

It’s not being afraid of God. But being afraid of harming the relationship that Christ paid such a high price for.

Too often we only zero in on what we can get from our relationship with the Lord.

“God wants you happy, healthy, rich, full, entertained, satisfied.”

We have to understand that our eternal rewards or lack thereof are based upon His decisions. Unfortunately, there are times when we become too familiar with worshiping the Lord.

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV

Again, the word reverence in this verse is the Greek word phobo – the literal word for fear. It should be clear from this and other Scriptures that the fear of God produces holiness.

Paul talked about the day of judgment that we will face as believers. It’s not about heaven or hell, but the quality of our rewards. We’ll be judged on how we built upon the spiritual foundation Christ laid down for us.

If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.

1 Corinthians 3:12-13 NIV

The fire is the final exam. But we’re clearly told that it’s not our works that will be tested. When you talk about building, anything listed in this verse can be used to build with. I’ve seen these structures around the world.

Even in the USA there are some pretty impressive houses made of wood. But that’s not what’s being judged. It’s the quality of the worked based upon how fire-resistant it is. God is looking for quality, not appearance.

When we look around the body of Christ these days, a question arises. Why don’t we live as we should for God the way they did in the early church? In many circles worship seems to be optional. We shy away from Bible study and prayer. I believe it all comes down to a lack of the fear of the Lord.

This is an important topic. So, I’m going to take one more post to talk about it.

Question: How much of the fear of the Lord do you see in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 10, 2025 in Faith, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Worship

 

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Be Holy

07 Mar
Be Holy

We’re continuing on our walk through 1 Peter. He’s bringing us along the path of holiness. After telling us how to prepare our thinking, Peter takes us to the bottom line.

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV

To be “holy” means to be “set apart.” It means that we see ourselves as reserved exclusively for God’s use. I’m no longer a part of a crowd, headed for destruction. Through Christ, I’ve been singled out to serve the Lord.

Notice that it’s not about what we do. We’re not called to simply do holy things. We’re called to BE holy.

It’s not enough for me to look holy. I must have a lifestyle of holiness to the Lord.

The problem with the Pharisees of Jesus’ day was that they only wanted to appear holy in order to impress those around them.

That can’t be our way of living. This is Peter’s whole reason for writing. He continues.

Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

1 Peter 1:17 NIV

We need to look at this verse closely. First of all, Peter makes an assumption. He’s assuming that the people he’s addressing are calling out to God. So, he’s not talking to carnal Christians.

We serve God the Father. So, we need to understand His way of doing things. The literal translation of this verse tells us that the Father does not judge our work on face value or what it appears to be.

Like I said earlier, it’s not enough just to appear holy. You can do holy looking works, but God isn’t fooled by them. He knows whether or not your heart belongs to Him.

Knowing this should bring us to the next level in our Christian walk. That’s the fear of the Lord. According to Peter, knowing how the Father judges…in fear we should spend the rest of our time as strangers.

This is another thing we miss sometimes. There are many who try to soften God’s image. Even in this translation they say reverent fear. Some explain the fear of the Lord as a holy respect.

God is big enough that He doesn’t need your defense. You don’t need to tone down the words He uses.

The word for fear in this verse is the Greek word phobo. That’s where we get our word phobia. It literally means fear. But we do need to understand the object of the fear God is looking for.

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Hebrews 11:7 NIV

Noah is a good example of this. Because of his faith – he believed what God said – he was afraid of what would happen if he ignored God’s warning. He was not afraid of God. I’m sure he loved God for warning him of the future.

It’s like someone who buys a new, expensive sports car. He may drive slowly and carefully. But it’s not because he’s afraid to drive, but afraid he may lose what he has invested in because of recklessness.

That’s what it’s about for us. We’re not to be afraid of God. He’s not out to get us. But we need to be afraid of doing something to ruin the relationship we have with Him.

Question: How do you see the fear of the Lord working in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 7, 2025 in Legalism, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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The Path to Holiness

05 Mar
The Path to Holiness

As we’ve been going through Peter’s first letter, we see a clear path that leads us to the walk of holiness. He has taken us step by step through the process. It’s what I’ve talked about for the last few posts.

First, we needed start the renewal of our minds by the Word of God. Then, we must become spiritually sober. After that, we can take up an eternal perspective.

At this point we’re beginning to hear from the Holy Spirit. Now, the final piece is to do what we’re hearing from the Lord.

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

1 Peter 1:14 NIV

We need to understand that this word, obedient, literally means to hear attentively. So Peter is addressing people who want to see God at work in their lives. They are closely listening for the Lord’s instructions to them.

Also, don’t forget that he calls them children who hear attentively. At this stage in their spiritual development, they’re not quite mature yet. But they’re headed in the right direction.

Peter now gives an exhortation to those who want to grow spiritually. If you’re trying to hear and obey God’s voice, then you must stop conforming to your old lifestyle.

The word picture speaks of external conditions. It’s like the apostle is telling us to stop wearing the uniform of our old life before Christ. We need to stop running after the things we used to long for when we didn’t know what we know now. Basically, we must walk in what we know.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul talks about the world. How they’re operating in ignorance. They don’t understand that their longing will never be fulfilled.

The more they run after these things, the less they’re satisfied. That’s the effect of pursuing the temporary.

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.

Ephesians 4:20-21 NIV

We don’t serve Christ like the world lives. Paul says the same as Peter. The truth of God’s Word is the foundation.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

First we have to be taught by the Word. Then we can put off the old self. We can stop conforming to the old lifestyle.

He also tells us to renew our minds. That includes beginning to look to the eternal things and spiritual issues.

Then we can walk in the new self. That’s what will lead us to true holiness and righteousness. Which also means we are now acceptable for his service.

That’s the difference between simply being called versus being chosen for the Lord’s work.

Our goal is to be holy. It must be done the Lord’s way. Setting ourselves apart for His use. He’s done His part – it’s time for us to do ours.

Question: How far along the path to holiness do you see yourself?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 5, 2025 in Anointing, Leadership, Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Word of God

 

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Preparation for Holiness

26 Feb
Preparation for Holiness

We’re now going through the New Testament book of 1 Peter. In the last few posts we were talking about the salvation we share in Christ. The apostle now gets to the heart of the matter.

Peter begins the next section with the word, therefore. That means that everything he has said so far was the groundwork for this. He is about to start talking about holiness. That’s an important message for church leaders to understand.

Let me review some of the things I’ve already taught about holiness. Holiness is one of those concepts that we have trouble grasping. A little while ago we looked at 1 Corinthians.

To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ – their Lord and ours…

1 Corinthians 1:2 NIV

The word sanctified in this verse literally means made holy. It’s something that’s already been accomplished. However, Paul also says that we’re called to be holy. That’s looking toward the future.

The fact is that there are two parts of holiness. Part 1 is something only God can do. He makes you holy. When you put your trust in Him for your salvation, He sets you apart for His use. That’s Him making you holy.

But part 2 is something only you can do. You must make yourself holy. This means that you set yourself apart for God’s use. The truth is that you cannot do part 2 unless God has done part 1.

If you’re saved, then He has set you apart. But He cannot use you until you set yourself apart. In today’s post, we’ll start to look at how to do that.

Please note that Peter doesn’t use the word holy until verse 19, but we’re starting in verse 13.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:13 NIV

The literal translation of the first part of this verse is to gird up the loins of your mind. That’s an interesting statement. But it goes right along with what Paul said in regard to our spiritual armor.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place…

Ephesians 6:14 NIV

This verse literally tells us to stand firm with our loins girded all around with truth. The two apostles are obviously talking about the same thing. But the big question is; how do we gird our minds with the belt of truth?

Jesus answered that question in His prayer for us right after the Last Supper.

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

John 17:17 NIV

Jesus prayed for us in this verse. He asked God the Father to make us holy by the truth. What is that truth? It’s the truth of God’s Word. It all has to start with the Word.

That’s why God’s Word is so important. It changes my attitudes of how I see myself. I’m not my own. I have been bought with a very great price.

Make sure you start your faith journey with the Word of God. It’s the foundation for everything.

Question: How have you seen the Word of God change the way you think?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 26, 2025 in Leadership, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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Your New Look

19 Jan
Your New Look

We’re going through Paul’s letter to the Colossians. In my last post, we saw that we needed to clothe ourselves in the new man. In today’s, I want to show what these new “clothes” look like. But it will take me a couple of posts to get there.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12 NIV

But, before he shows us what these clothes look like, Paul tells us who we are. That’s important, because it explains who these clothes are fitted to. Paul explains three aspects of who we are in Christ.

First, he calls us God’s chosen people. I think that too often we overlook what this means. This says that I’m God’s special selection.

Sometimes, the problem is our church language. We say, “I accepted Christ.” or “When did you accept Christ?” While there’s nothing wrong with saying these things, there’s a chance that we miss the point.

Yes, I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. But, at the same time, He accepted – selected – me for His own, treasured possession. Never lose sight of that. God wants you to be a part of His family.

Next, he says that we’re holy. We need to constantly be reminded of this. Holiness has a two-part meaning with us. At the start, it means that God has set us apart for His use. He has taken me out of the world and placed me in His kingdom.

My purpose has been transformed. I used to live for myself. Now, I’m set apart for the Lord’s will to be accomplished in me.

Then there’s the second part of this holiness. God took me out of the world, but some of that junk is still clinging to me. So, the Holy Spirit has an ongoing work of cleaning me to make me ready to fulfill the purpose for which God has chosen me.

So, I am holy, but I’m also being made holy. You will find both of those descriptions throughout Scripture. It’s up to us to participate with this process.

Finally, we’re called dearly loved. God loves us. We say that all the time, but do we really understand it?

This word for love is the Greek word, agape. I’ve talked about it before, but it bears repeating. This type of love has no emotion associated with it. It’s not about God feeling good about us.

This is a choice that God made. If you look at the Scriptures that use this word, you come to a conclusion. This type of love is a choice that’s made to actively participate in someone’s life for their good.

When I bowed my knee to Christ, God took it upon Himself to begin actively participating in my life. Whether I see it or not, God is working things out for my good.

From my perspective, I question it sometimes. Of course, I don’t see the whole picture the way the Lord does. However, when I look back, I can only say that God is faithful. His way is the best way.

This is who we are in Christ. It’s a work God has done and is doing in us. That’s the only reason I can fit in His new clothes for me. In my next post I’ll begin talking about these clothes in detail.

Question: How do you see yourself in Christ?

© 2024 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on January 19, 2024 in Encouragement, Power of God, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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Spiritual Relationships

29 May
Spiritual Relationships

Life as a believer should be very different from that of the world. Unfortunately, with so many people it’s hard to see the difference. Paul continues in Ephesians, talking about how we should act around one another.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

Ephesians 5:3 NIV

Here the apostle reminds us that we are God’s set apart people. We’re called according to His purpose.

The fact is that there are many single men and women who think that the purpose of the church is find them dates. Their highest goal is to meet others for romantic connections.

Yes, I’m aware that many people have found their mates while attending church. However, that’s not the main reason for attending. We’re in the body to encourage and strengthen one another.

Along with that, he talks about greed. We need to understand that the church was not established just to give you prospects for your multi-level marketing schemes. Again, it might be that the Lord brings together some divine connections, but it should be orchestrated by the Holy Spirit.

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Ephesians 5:4 NIV

This deals with how we interact with each other. We have to be careful with our joking. Sexual jokes or references shouldn’t be a part of our normal conversations. Neither should there be any colorful interjections based upon bodily functions.

I believe that all of those things are a part of foolish talk – the talk of fools. Foolishness is acting as if God is not a part of everything that we do (Psalm 53:1). How would you talk if you were speaking to Jesus Christ, Himself?

The phrase, coarse joking, seems to include sharp sarcasm. I say that, knowing that my humor can be very sarcastic at times. I’ve had to learn to let the Holy Spirit temper that to the extent that it’s no longer hurtful to those around me.

In the church, we have to be careful to keep our relationships pure before the Lord who searches our hearts.

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a man is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

Ephesians 5:5-7 NIV

This verse clearly warns us not to act as the world does. It’s not saying that you’ll lose your salvation over it. However, your inheritance – the rewards and blessings of sonship – will be affected by your actions.

When we act and talk like the world, we’re behaving like those who are going to be judged. Our goal should be to please God. I don’t want to constantly be asking forgiveness. I want God to look upon me with joy for how His Holy Spirit is transforming me.

Allow the Spirit of Christ to make a difference in you. Walk in the purity that befits a child of God.

Question: How different is your life now than when you first came to Christ?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on May 29, 2023 in Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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Putting On the New Man

17 May
Putting On the New Man

We’re continuing to go through the Book of Ephesians. I’ve been posting about the foundational teachings that Paul referred to in this letter.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

So far, I’ve talked about the putting off of the old self and the renewal of the mind. The final piece that these early believers were taught was how to put on the new man that was created to be like God.

This process can take place slowly or quickly, depending upon our obedience and understanding. In looking at the modern church, it seems like this is the step that we know the least about. We definitely have very little experience with it.

But, before I get into the “how” of putting on the new man, I need to warn you. What I found in Scripture, as I studied it, totally changed my perception of how God works in us. As I got deeper and deeper into the Word, I found that my definition of the words I was reading was inadequate and, in some cases, inaccurate.

As we go along, I will have to redefine some words that the church has watered down over time. It wasn’t done maliciously, but it’s had a negative effect on us none the less. Please keep an open mind as you prayerfully take in what the Word of God teaches us.

Keep in mind that this is what the early believers were taught, at least under Paul’s ministry. Through prayer in the spirit, they overcame and put off the old man. They won the war against the flesh and its misdeeds.

Also, through prayer in the spirit they were able to grasp and retain the mind of the Lord. It caused their minds to be renewed in the process. They no longer thought the way they used to.

Now there’s a need to put on the new man. The old is gone, but we must replace it with something better. God wants to give us a new nature that’s been manufactured, fabricated, to be like God.

What’s the sign of this transformation? According to the Scripture, it’s true righteousness and holiness in the lives of those who accept it. I’m not talking about positional righteousness and holiness. As important as these are, they don’t always manifest in the lives of believers. They must be laid hold of by faith.

I’m talking about the actual, physical walk of righteousness. It’s living out the holiness that God has for us. When this happens, the world sees something different in us.

Unfortunately, based upon this definition of the new man, much of modern Christianity has missed it. What we have is a church that can’t get out of its own way. God’s people are too busy chasing after the world and its pleasures. All the while we’re confessing Scripture and believing for the blessing of God. Any talk of commitment or devotion to God is seen as condemnation and we avoid it.

The simple truth is that we’ll never be like Jesus until we put on this new man. The phrase put on literally means to sink into like a robe. We must be immersed in it.

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Romans 13:12 NIV

It’s clear from this verse, and many others, that putting on the new man is a matter of our choice. It’s not automatic. Why would we be exhorted over and over again to do it if it would just happen by itself? It’s another step in our Christian growth.

In my next post, I’ll finish talking about this important truth.

Question: How does the modern church compare to the life that Jesus Christ exemplified for us?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on May 17, 2023 in Prayer in the Spirit, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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