Dead or Alive

We spent Sunday in Romans 6, looking at how our identity in Christ becomes our nature. The key verse: “Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

Three movements carried us through.

First, who you are is what you will do. The Greek word logizomai means to deem, determine, decide. Lasting change starts with identity, not effort. We change from the inside out, not the outside in. Consider yourself a new person in Christ. Then prove it with the small decisions.

Second, put the old self in the past. Apotithemi. Lay it aside. Cast it off. The old habits, the old patterns, the old nature. They belong to a former life. Throw them in the trash. You do not need them. You do not want them. You were once dead in sin. Now you are dead to sin.

Third, put on the new you. Endyo. Get into it. The new self looks like Jesus: compassionate, kind, humble, patient, forgiving. Then put on the armor of God and stand firm. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word.

Dead or alive, your identity becomes your nature. Choose life. Choose Jesus.

Something to sit with this week:

Where are you still trying to change from the outside in instead of the inside out?