God wants his people to live a holy life, a ‘set apart’ life, for him (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7). Paul teaches the Roman Christians that the people they were before they became Christians has ‘died’, and that as Christians, they live a new life (Romans 6:1-4). This ‘death’ and new life means change in the way Christians live (Romans 6:11-14); not conforming any longer to the pattern of society, but being transformed (Romans 12:1-3).
How are Christians changed from what they were before they put their faith in Jesus? The change is the work of the Holy Spirit, who lives in all Christians (Romans 8:12-14, Galatians 5:16-26).
Also, this change is a work which God begins in us, and which Christians co-operate with, out of reverence for God (2 Corinthians 7:1, Philippians 3:10-14, Hebrews 12:14).
The discipline of a life that lives in line with God’s teaching is motivated out of desire, and not obligation. Christians want to maintain a lifestyle that is in line with God, and want a disciplined life of prayer, worship, church and purity.
So, is there a difference in a life geared towards God and one that is not?
That’s what I’ve been thinking about. What do you think?
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