GROWING IN CHRIST "Absorbed or Transformed" Psalm 106:43 “Many - TopicsExpress

GROWING IN CHRIST "Absorbed or Transformed" Psalm 106:43 “Many times He delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin.” (NIV) Most Christians read this passage believing they are not involved in any overt sin on a regular basis. This verse gives a clue as to why many Christians know Jesus as their Savior, love Him, and desire to follow Him, yet feel disconnected from a personal relationship with Jesus and lack the abundance promised in John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Even though your desires may be fine, you are often subtly absorbed into sin through your old nature and the culture in which you live. Paul saw this temptation and said in Romans 12:2 – “Adapt yourselves no longer to the pattern of this present world.” Paul realized the fine line that a follower of Christ walks by not being absorbed into his culture, but allowing Christ to be Lord of his life. Relenting to the world’s ways shows that you prefer the things of the world more than Christ. This is why Jesus said to put all things second to Him in Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Most Christians desire to have life in its fullness while unaware of how their lives are “wasted away in their sin.” You cannot fight your way to an abundant Christian life, but you can draw into Christ and allow His life to be your life. Walk with Christ daily by trusting Him with every aspect of your life. Yield your life to Christ and allow His life to flourish in your life. Paul describes this lifestyle in Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Because of sin’s deceptiveness, it is important to daily bathe your life in prayer and the Word of God. Fill your life with God’s Truth – not the illusionary truths of this world. Philippians 3:18-19 describes the effects of sin, “For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.” Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (NIV)