The Two Creations

Part 3

Pastor Vicky Moots

Kingman, Kansas

Yes, Jesus delivered Paul, but how do we claim the same victory that Paul experienced and make it a reality in our own lives? Paul explains this to us in Romans 6.  In v.6 he declares the facts concerning what Jesus accomplished for us through His death on the cross: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him [Jesus], …” This first fact is something that Paul wants to make sure that we know without a doubt because it is the basis of our victory over the flesh. We must accept this and believe it by faith to be true.

He then continues on in this verse to give us the purpose of knowing this fact: “…that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” The Amplified Version clarifies this portion of Scripture for us this way: “…that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin, might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin.” This means that instead of having to serve sin, we are free to serve Christ with our body.

Next, in v.7, Paul makes an obvious statement of fact: “For he that is dead is freed from sin.” When a person dies, his sinful nature no longer has power over him to cause him to sin.  Therefore, death frees us from continuing to live a life of sin.

But it doesn’t end there, because Christ rose from the dead, and so must we, as Paul states in v.8: “Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.”

If we believe these facts to be true, then we are admonished in v.11 to apply them to our own lives so that we may personally experience the victory over the old creation (our old man): “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

In this verse, Paul tells us that there are two things which we must “reckon.” The word “reckon” means “to count it to be so.” This word is actually an old bookkeeping term which referred to counting up both sides of the ledger and balancing, or reckoning, the books at the end of the day. You had to be very careful to add up all of the numbers correctly or your books would be off.  You wanted your count to be true.  Both sides of the ledger had to agree.  Spiritually, this means that we must be willing to count things the way God counts them and to agree with what He says in His Word.

The first thing which we must reckon is to agree with God that our “old man” was indeed crucified with Christ, and therefore, we are dead to sin and free from its power over us.

The second thing that we are to reckon is that we, as a new creation, have been resurrected with Christ and are alive unto God.

When we reckon these two things to be true, and allow them to become a reality in our daily lives, then we can shout the victory along with Paul, who declared in Gal. 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

It is the resurrected life of Christ in us who gives us the victory over sin.  Our “new man” is Christ Himself living His life through us as we yield to the Holy Spirit.  So, we can now say, “It is no longer I (the “old man”), but Christ (the “new man”) that lives in me.” The “old man”, who was crucified with Christ, no longer has any authority over our bodies, because we reckoned him to be dead.

As a result of this reckoning, our bodies are free to serve God instead of serving sin, as Paul tells us in Rom. 6:12-13: “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  Neither yield ye your members [of your body] as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

 Wise Counsel

Greg Gilliam 

Pastor,  Grace Christian Assembly, Kansas City, Missouri

“Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:33, 

“And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” Pharaoh was in need of wise counsel.  He first turned to the magicians of Egypt first. Not one of them could interpret the dreams of Pharaoh. Then we are brought back to the chief butler, one that Joseph had interpreted a dream for before and told him to remember him. He tells Pharaoh all about the account and introduces Pharaoh to Joseph. Joseph is immediately called for and he prepares himself.

As we study Joseph’s life we have glimpses of the Lord Jesus. We have one here in our text. Can we find such a one as this is? Who will help us know what God is about to do? The answer is yes. The Lord Jesus Christ is our counselor. The Prophet Isaiah gives us an introduction.  Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:  and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Price of Peace.”

He has been with God the Father since before the world was in existence. John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus holds all the characteristics of His Father.  John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”  

John gives us a record that the Spirit came upon Jesus.  John 1:32-34, “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not:  but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.  And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.”

The wisdom of God was on display in His earthly life.  Luke 2:40, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom:  and the grace of God was upon him.” Others marveled at the wisdom He had - remember, we behold God’s characteristics in Him. Mat. 13:54, “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?”

The Apostle Paul makes several statements about the wisdom and knowledge of God. These statements can be said of Jesus too.  Rom. 11:33, “O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” 1 Cor. 1:24, “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” Col. 2:3, “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

He will give us wisdom if we but ask Him. James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” 1 Cor. 1:30, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:”  Eph. 1:8, “Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” Eph. 1:17, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto the you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:” Eph. 3:10, “To the intent that now the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.”  Col. 1:9, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”

 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Jack Davis

“Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification” – Romans 4:25. Our hearts rejoice and we stand amazed as we consider all that Jesus was delivered unto, and as the result all that we’ve been delivered from and shall be delivered unto.

“For Our Offenses:” before the foundation of the world, our dear Lord had a date with the cross. Several were involved on His path there. Humanity is so prone to pass the blame, but be it ever remembered that our offenses (misdeeds) put Him there. We read of Judas Iscariot, after seeing Jesus body anointed for burial with very precious ointment, going to the chief priests, and saying “What Will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?” And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus said shortly thereafter, “The Son of man goeth as it is written of Him, but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It had been good for that man if he had not been born” – Mt. 26:15,24. After Judas had betrayed Jesus with a kiss, and saw Him condemned to die, he tried to undo his dastardly deed by giving back the silver, but instead it was used to buy the field of blood.

Then there were the Jewish religious leaders, “the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor? – Mt. 27:1-2. This counsel of puny, fumbling, bungling men seem to have laid their plans, and carried them out without any problems. We read that Pilate “knew that for envy they had delivered him” – Mt. 27:18. Thank God, there was a higher counsel which far pre-dated this one. “Jesus…a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that he should be holden of it” – Acts 2:22-24.

Pilate also played a part. Jesus, allowing Himself into Pilate’s judgment hall, spoke not a word in self-defense. Pilate marveled, and asked Him if he knew that he had power to crucify or release him. Thank God that Jesus’ destiny was in the hand of a higher authority. Shortly thereafter Pilate sought to release Him, then “delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified” – John 19:16. We read in Acts 3:13-15, “God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus, whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead.” In Acts 4, we read about the kings and rulers, Herod, Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel being gathered against Jesus, “For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.”

It is stated most clearly in Romans 8:32, who really delivered our dear Lord to the cross, and why He did it. God didn’t spare Jesus any measure of the wrath of divine judgment against sin, that He might be able to spare, deliver, and enrich us. But delivering Jesus up to the cross on account of our sins, He is just, and the justifier of the ungodly who believe in Jesus Christ.

“Raised Again:” Our right standing with God is also related to Jesus’ deliverance from death and the tomb. The Apostle wrote, that if Christ be not raised, we are yet in our sins. Praise God, we need to longer live under the guilt, condemnation, or control of sin. “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” “…sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace” – I Cor. 15:56-67 and Rom. 6:14. Glory to  God for deliverance, body, soul and spirit, provided for us in the redemption and resurrection of our dear Lord.

“So Great a Death:” “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who deliver us from so great a death, and doth deliver,: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us” – II Cor. 1:9-10.

“Hath Delivered Us:” This is a result from the past. We, being justified by faith, have a new standing, a secure position, knowing deliverance in our spirit from the penalty of sin.

“Doth Deliver:” As we presently experience sanctification of the Spirit, our soul also, progressively enjoys deliverance from the power of sin. As our affections are being set on things above we enjoy an ascending state, a transforming condition. As we let Him work in us, we are not conforming to this world, but being transformed inwardly from glory to glory. When the Apostle Paul cried out, “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” he was dealing with the sin principle in the fallen human nature. We are now being delivered from selfishness, shamefulness, suffering and even shallowness and sickness. As we walk by faith and not by sight, in love, and in the light, we are also presently experiencing deliverance in our bodies because of the resurrection life of Christ and the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus Christ “Gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father, To whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen” – Gal. 1:4-5.

The present day conditions are evil because they are somewhat controlled by the god of this world, Satan. The course of this age seems to be going according to the prince and power of the air. But thank God, our deliverance is according to the will of God, and unto His eternal glory. Jesus, doing God’s will, came and gave Himself to ransom and rescue us from the present evil influence and tendencies which characterize this age. I believe that sanctification is the process by which he is now developing kings and priests unto  God.

“Will Yet Deliver:” Our future deliverance is glorification, when creation “shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” What a deliverance eternally from the presence of sin! We read of that eternal state, and rejoice that “There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” – Rev. 21:27. So now we await God’s “Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come: – I Thess. 1:10. God, that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all – that he might bring many sons unto Glory. We now, and shall forever give thinks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers, of the inheritance of the saints in light. Who hath believed us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son - Col. 1:12-13. He was able to do that because He that descended first into the lower parts of the earth, hath also ascended up on high and led captivity captive.

 Another Message on Occupying

E. J. Davis

We considered Jesus’ words  in the February issue – Lk. 19:13, “Occupy till I come.” In other words, our occupying should be in view of our Lord’s return, in awareness and  in anticipation. I am reminded of our Apostle Paul’s admonition to his son in the faith, Timothy found in I Tim. 4:13-16. We may take these words personally to our selves. For in one sense, our salvation came to us through the message of God’s grace given to Paul. We find seven sayings in these verses that should be our chief occupation.

I Tim. 4:13-16, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

“Give attendance to reading” (of the Scriptures of course) to the exhortation or encouragement, and to the doctrine or teaching; because of their great importance. The word Exhortation literally means to call to one’s side for instruction and comfort. Jesus said, “Search the scriptures…for they are they which testify of me” – Jn. 5:39. May we not neglect reading the Word of God. It is so valuable for our growth in Christ. II Tim. 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished (or perfected) unto all good works.”

II Tim. 3:15, says, “the holy scriptures are able to  make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” It is not enough to know the letter of the word. “For the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life” – II Cor. 3:6. It is the Holy Spirit who enlightens us as we receive and believe God’s Word. The Holy Spirit makes the truth of God’s Word alive to us. I Cor. 2:9-12, God has revealed unto us the deep things of God by His Holy Spirit and it is Spirit that makes us to understand them. The Spirit only can make known the things of God, for He only knows the things of God. The purposes, execution and operations are wholly Divine. Read I Cor. 2:13-16, with spiritual discernment, we compare scripture with scripture. As Christ is our life, so also is  He our mind, our reliable strength.

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee.” Timothy no doubt received a special gift when he was set apart to the ministry (II Tim. 1:6-8). Paul says stir into flame your gift, for Timothy had been tempted with fear since his spiritual father was in prison.  Each of us need to fully exercise ourselves in the particular gift given unto us, that God may be glorified to the utmost.

“Meditate upon these things.” To Ponder with solemn reflection, thinking deeply, as a devotional act of thoughts, chew the cud like the cows. Then the Word will become a vital part of us.

“Give thyself wholly to them,” With entire consecration. Why? That thy profiting may appear to all.” Not only will we profit, but we will glorify God and others will see it.

“Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine.” Walk in the spirit according to the Word of the Lord – Gal. 5:16,25. Doctrine means teaching, the teaching of God is what is means here. II Peter 1:19, “ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn…” Walking as an example.

“Continue in them” Be faithful, Don’t hide your faith or forsake it, stay true to your conviction, to your calling, and in doing so, the Lord rewards faithfulness- Col. 1:23. Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men, knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

“For in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.” Jesus spoke of service and rewards in Mt. 16:24, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Others also can be saved by our faithful service, not only to enjoy eternal life, but share in the honors and glories with Christ. A feting reward for faithful service and self denial. 

Let us press on until our Lord comes.

 He Is Coming For Me

Do you know why I’m longing for the coming of the Lord, And watching His glory to see?

‘Tis because He’s my Bridegroom, beloved, and adored,

And I know He is coming for me.

Do you know why no longer I can call the world my home, My heart from its fetters is free? 

‘Tis because I am waiting my Bridegroom to come, 

And I know He is coming for me.

Do you know why He’s robed me in garments of white,

And bidden me ready to be….

With oil in my vessel, and my lamp trimmed and bright?

‘Tis because He is coming for me.

Do you know why I’m sending the tidings to all,

And warning from judgment to flee?….

He has sent me His guests to the wedding to call,

For He’s coming, and coming for me.

OH! He’s coming after me, Like Him I shall ever be.

I’m so glad that He is coming after me.

He is coming after me, And His glory I shall see,

I’m so gad He is coming for me.

– A. B. Simpson

 The Encouraging Word

“Lord, turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16

“Hear, O Lord, have mercy and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper! Psalm 30:10

“Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8

“Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (Amp)

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.” Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

“Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him, and patiently stay yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.” Psalm 37:7

“The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (Spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering or responsibility). Habakkuk 3:19

Martha Wainright

 “Thy Word”

Jack Davis

Priceless Publication

“Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee,” Psa. 119:11. There is no measuring its far reaching value, for it is beyond all comparison of anything else ever written. There is nothing else quite like it. Its special value is in its expressing and revealing the very heart of God. God’s Word is  indeed an unquestionable, undeniable proclamation of His great love. 

God Has Spoken

He is still speaking, consider I Peter 1:16-21. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…(unto)…perfection, II Tim. 3:16-17. What other publication has the right to such claims? God’s Word is its own best commentary and illustrator. Read I Cor. 10:1-11. It was written for our admonition even at this end of the Age. Nothing else ever written stays so up-to-date. It was written for our learning, to renew and rekindle our hope, Rom. 15:4. God’s Word is the recording of His true and faithful sayings (expressions), Rev. 22:6-7. These are worthy of all acceptation, I Tim. 1:15. Believing humanity is so highly favored to have, and richly blessed in keeping God’s faithful sayings.

To Be Heard

Jesus said, “Let these sayings sink down into your ears,” Lk. 9:43-44. “He that hath an ear, let him hear,” Rev. 2 & 3. Faith cometh by hearing the word, Rom. 10:17.

We Are To Heed It

“Wherewith all shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word,” Psa. 119:9. We are wise to pay close attention to all our Father has spoken. In Psalm 45:10 we read, “Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear…” Peter wrote that we do well to take heed. Paul said, “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” The good seed of God’s Word should be given ample lodging in pliable soil. His Word will check us with spiritual reminders, correct our course, cleanse our way, and affect our walk and talk.

To Be Hid

It is so important to hear and heed, and good to search and read, but especially let us hide it in our hearts. Let it be laid up, valued, treasured. One translation says, “I have treasured what thou hast said.”

Permanent Placement

“Have I hid, in my heart,” we count it wise to take  God’s Word in our hand, to hold fast and hold forth the “Word of Life.” When we reach out and draw it to ourselves, embrace it to our bosom, it becomes a rod and staff to comfort us. It also becomes a sword with which we may by the Spirit’s power and guidance advance upon our enemy.  Hallelujah! “It is written” as a lamp held before us we focus our vision, following His wise guidance. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” “Order my steps in thy word: and let not iniquity have dominion over me,” Psa. 119:133.

It is fine to get the Word by repetition, meditation, and consideration into our head, but don’t stop there. It is important as we search the scripture to seek God’s wisdom as for hidden treasure. “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. The entrance of thy words giveth  light, it giveth understanding to the simple,” Psa. 119:15-16,130.

The Word in the hand and in the head are but precious preparation for divine placement. Only God in reality is able to put it into our hearts. When He does, by Holy Spirit revelation, that Word becomes engrafted, and we begin to realize its depth of meaning, blessed benefits, heights possible, and riches unfathomable.

“In my heart,” a sacred place, the center of ones’ being, out of which are the issues of life. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” It is a secret place, “only God looketh upon the heart.” His Word discerns the thoughts and intents thereof.

God’s Word becomes hidden in our hearts when it is invited, invested, and ingested. When we begin to recognize its importance, we will give it the honored place, we make room by being open and receptive. It is indeed a great privilege to acknowledge its authority, submit to its precepts, and give full attention to what He has said. The Word was not sent for wearing it on the surface, holding for show, or displayed by quotation. But rather by being assimilated into the depths of our being, becoming an important part of us.

Knowing God’s will by digesting His thoughts, we become fully aware of that which pleases Him. Col. 1:9-11. By letting God’s Word dwell in us richly (in all its wealth), His will and pleasure is made ours. Col. 3:16-17.

Preserving Purpose

“That I might not sin against thee.” Only by His Word hidden in our hearts are we able to stay in complete harmony with God’s will. This is food for the inner man. The ingesting of spiritual nourishment is indeed a bitter-sweet experience. “How sweet are thy words to my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding therefore I hate every false way,” Psa. 119:103-104.

Enjoyed and  Employed

“And I went to the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, “Take it, and eat it up, and it shall make thy betty bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey,” Rev. 10:9. 

We enjoy some of the sweetest times when feeding on God’s Word, but when it is fulfilled or made practical, it is hard on the flesh in its bitterness. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of Host,” Jer. 15:16. “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food,” Job. 23:12. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received rhe word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe,” I Thess. 2:13. Also read Heb. 4:12.

We, like Paul delight in the law (will) of God after the inward man as He writes His Word and will in our hearts. Thank God He does this by the precious Holy Spirit, for Jew and Gentile alike, II Cor. 3:3; Heb. 8:10 and 10:16.