New Life, New Community
For Meditation
Our church vision states that we are “called together for the renewal of all things.” At the center of this phrase is the word “new.” New-ness is at the heart of the Christian message. God has done something entirely new. Into an old, broken-down world lurching under the weight of sin and death, God has entered in through the person of Jesus. And just when everyone thought Jesus was cut down by the same pattern of death, he rose from the dead, breaking the power of death forever. And now through the risen and reigning Jesus, God proclaims, “Behold, I am making all things new!”
Newness is the heart of the Christian message. And it’s a great theme for us to reflect on in this new year.
The book of Ephesians is all about the new things that God has done through the gospel, and in our text this Sunday we’ll focus on two of those things. First, the new life that God has given us in Christ, which gives us real power for change. Second, the new community that God has created through Jesus, which we can now participate in through the work of the Holy Spirit in us. In a time when so many of us are longing for hope in both our personal lives and in our relationships, this is great news indeed.
To prepare for worship this week, reflect on a few things in your personal life and in your relationships that you would love for God to make new. Invite him to do that new work in you through the power of Christ in you.
Ephesians 4:22-5:2
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.