Power Point - March 14, 2005

But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

-Ephesians 4:20-24

Today, there are many articles in magazines, presentations in businesses, and self-help books containing information about how to succeed. But, true success is to know and do the will of God for your life. The Lord tells us how to dress spiritually for success in His Word. We are to take off the grave clothes of our past life without Christ, and put on the grace clothes of our present walk with Christ.

Perhaps the simplest illustration of this can be found in Scripture in the story of the resurrection of Lazarus. Lazarus had died and been in the tomb for three days. The process of decay had already set in, and yet Jesus spoke and said, “Lazarus, come forth.” The one who is the Resurrection and the Life gave new life to Lazarus.

But when he came out, he was in his grave clothes—looking almost mummified wrapped in cloth-like bandages. Jesus said to the servants who were there, “Loose him and let him go!” Jesus wanted Lazarus out of the grave clothes and clothed with a new life in Him.

That’s what God is calling every one of us to do. He wants us to take seriously the call to discipleship, to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ in the Christian life. And when God calls us, He calls us to be decidedly, definitively different for Him. We are to walk in true holiness.

OFF WITH THE OLD AND ON WITH THE NEW!

PUT ON THE NEW CLOTHES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IN CHRIST JESUS.