For those who are in Christ, everything is new. The old man is dead and the new man is alive in Christ. When the old man was “buried,” his old nature, habits, tendencies, and attitudes were supposed to be buried with Him. The ‘old man’ represents our lives before Christ. We are now one with Christ: 1 Corinthians 6:17 says: “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”This is a very revealing truth. I say that because Proverbs 21:4 defines several aspects of the old nature that continue to live in the lives of many Christians: Proverbs 21:4: “Arrogance, superiority, and pride are the fruits of wickedness and the true definition of sin.” If we are born again, these aspects of the old nature must not be part us anymore. Pride destroyed the archangel lucifer. Pride, and arrogance will destroy our walk with God. Proverbs 16:18 (TPT) says: “Your boast becomes a prophecy of a future failure. The higher you lift up yourself in pride, the harder you’ll fall in disgrace.” Did you read that? Pride is like a prophesy guaranteeing future failure! If you are in Christ, reject pride, arrogance and superiority. It’s no longer part of your nature. Instead, allow the fruits of the Spirit to be seen in your life: love, joy peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galations 5:22,23). This way, everyone around you will see your new man (nature) and see “Christ in you!”
The King stands with you!
If you have read the Book of Joshua, you are familiar with the command: “Be strong and courageous.” That was not the only time that this imperative was articulated. King Hezekiah also shared that same command to the people when the king of Assyria threatened to invade them. 2 Chronicles 32: 7&8 “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” King Hezekiah knew that his strength and victory would not come from the arm of flesh. It would come from God Himself. He encouraged and strengthened the people with this revelation. Several things stand out about his encouragement: 1. When challenged, one must be strong and courageous. This is a choice, not an emotion. 2. There were actually more that were with God’s people than were with their enemies. We have the power and authority of God, and countless angels that are also with us. 3) The arm of flesh cannot defeat God. Flesh is as the grass of the field; here today, and gone tomorrow. 4) God helps His people to defeat the enemy. We are not alone, and we are not powerless. Greater is He that is with us! So God reminds you today; in the midst of your battle, Be strong and courageous. You have the DNA of the most powerful Warrior!
2 Chronicles 32: 7&8 “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.”
