6.9.25 Grain & Embers

Have you ever felt trapped by your past, unable to break free from old habits and patterns? The good news is that through Christ, we have the power to live a new life - one that's no longer enslaved to sin, but instead thrives in the freedom and righteousness of God.

This profound truth is beautifully illustrated in the imagery of baptism. Just as we are lowered into the water, we symbolically die with Christ. And as we emerge, we rise with Him into newness of life. This isn't merely a symbolic act; it represents a radical transformation of our very being.

But what does this new life really mean for us? It's not about minor tweaks or self-improvement. God isn't interested in making slight adjustments to our character. Instead, He offers us complete resurrection - a brand new life, free from the chains of our past.

The apostle Paul, writing to the Christians in Rome, emphasizes this revolutionary concept. He explains that our "old self" - that part of us bound to sin - was crucified with Christ. This means we are no longer obligated to obey the demands of sin. Just as a freed slave can look into the eyes of their former master and ignore their commands, we too can look at temptation and declare, "I don't serve you anymore. I serve One greater than you."

However, this doesn't mean we'll never face temptation or struggle with sin again. Our capacity and potential to sin remain, but the key difference is that we are no longer enslaved to it. We have been set free, given the power to choose righteousness over sin.

This freedom is not something we've earned, but a gracious gift from God. As Paul writes, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). We couldn't save ourselves, but God, in His infinite love and mercy, provided the way through Jesus Christ.

Now, you might be wondering, "If we're under grace and not law, does that mean we can just keep sinning?" Paul anticipates this question and responds with a resounding "By no means!" Our new life in Christ isn't a license to sin; it's an invitation to live in a completely new way, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

This new life is characterized by presenting ourselves to God as "instruments of righteousness." Instead of giving in to our old sinful nature, we're called to offer every part of ourselves - our minds, hearts, bodies - to God for His purposes. It's a daily choice to align ourselves with God's will rather than our own selfish desires.

But here's the challenging part: this transformation doesn't happen overnight. It's a process called sanctification - the gradual molding of our character to become more like Christ. This process can be uncomfortable at times, involving crushing, stretching, and breaking down of our old ways. Yet, it's through this very process that God's anointing and power are released in our lives.

Consider how grapes are crushed to produce fine wine, or how olives are pressed to yield precious oil. In the same way, God allows us to go through difficult seasons to produce something beautiful and valuable in us. He doesn't fast-track anyone; instead, He patiently works in us, shaping us into the image of His Son.

This process of sanctification requires our active participation. It's not enough to simply desire God's will for our lives; we must be willing to obey what He has already revealed to us. Many of us long to know God's grand plan for our future, but are we faithfully following His guidance in our daily lives? As Jesus taught, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much" (Luke 16:10).

The path of obedience and sanctification isn't always easy. In fact, Jesus described it as a narrow gate and a hard way that leads to life. It goes against our natural inclinations and the messages of our culture. While the world promotes self-indulgence and pride, Christ calls us to die to ourselves so that we might truly live.

But here's the beautiful paradox: in dying to our old selves, we find true freedom and life. We exchange our slavery to sin for becoming "slaves of God" - but this is no oppressive bondage. Instead, it's a liberating relationship with a loving Master who desires our highest good.

As we embrace this new life, we begin to see a stark contrast between the fruit of sin and the fruit of righteousness. Sin may promise temporary pleasure, but it ultimately leads to shame, emptiness, and death. On the other hand, a life submitted to God produces the fruit of holiness, joy, and eternal life.

So, dear reader, where do you find yourself today? Are you still struggling under the weight of your past, feeling enslaved to old patterns and sins? Or have you embraced the new life Christ offers, but find yourself slipping back into old ways?

Remember, you have a choice. You can continue to look at the "menu of the devil" and give in to temptation, or you can stand firm in your identity in Christ and declare, "I am no longer a slave to sin. I belong to Christ forevermore!"

This week, I challenge you to actively choose righteousness. When temptation comes (and it will), look it in the eye and assert your freedom in Christ. Present every part of yourself to God as an instrument of righteousness. Be faithful with what God has already revealed to you, trusting that as you obey, He will guide you into more of His will for your life.

Above all, seek the Gardener, not just the fruit. As you cultivate a deepening relationship with God, you'll find yourself naturally growing in holiness and experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised. Your past doesn't define you - in Christ, you are a new creation, with the power to live a transformed life that glorifies God and impacts the world around you.

Embrace your new identity. Walk in freedom. Live the resurrected life!

stay salty. be bright.
Pastor Luke