Walking In Newness Of Life
When teaching the "plan of salvation," we rightfully conclude with the thought that after man's initial
obedience, he must then live faithfully. In Romans 6:4, Paul taught that when raised from the waters of baptism, one is raised to "walk in newness of life." A fair question is raised from this thought. What does walking in newness of life mean? What
is it about my life that is now new? For some this question is difficult. Especially when we have trouble recognizing what really constitutes my life. After my baptism several years ago, I went home to the same house, I rode home in the same car, I
still had the same physical family, I got up and went to school the next day as I had always done. So what was it that changed? It was not a change in my general existence but rather a change of conduct within that existence. I still had to go to
school, I still had to live within the household of my Father and Mother, and I still had to get along with my sisters. For those who may be older when they o
bey the Gospel, you still have to go to work, to the bank, the grocery store,
and pay your taxes. Again, your general existence may not change but the way you conduct your life and the manner in which you live in all these circumstances changes.
To better appreciate what "walking in
newness of life" is, maybe we need to better appreciate how we walked previously. In Ephesians 2:2 we are told that we no longer can walk "after the course of this world." The worlds ways are no longer my ways. It's thoughts are no longer my
thoughts. The way it conducts itself will now be contrary to the way I conduct myself. No longer will I walk in it's lusts. ( 1 Peter 4:3) The kinds of things I desire will change. The desires of revelings and banquetings are put aside so that
godliness can rule in my life. The allure of worldly conduct must now be cast aside rather than giving in to it. The invitations to follow after my own lusts and desires are now cast away. Not only do we cast these desires away but Colossians 3:5
teaches that we are to put them to death or "mortify" them. At one time I may have shared in the worlds devices with my co-workers or my classmates. Now I may have to continue to work at the same place (assuming that it is a job
appro
priate for a Christian) or go to the same school but my conduct has changed and I no longer participate in their ungodly practices. I no longer can be governed by a carnal mind. (1 Corinthians 3:3) Rather than sharing in the
lascivious and lewd conversations that may be going on around me, I must now turn away from things that corrupt the mind. As a Christian my mind is to be filled with pure thoughts. I may get a haircut at the same place or drink a cup of coffee at the
same restaurant, but must avoid the gossip that might be present. The neighbor who I used to engage in idle talk with may still call and I must do all I can to avoid idle conversations. I may go to the same places (again assuming that these places are
appropriate for Christians) and deal with the same people but my conduct and manner of living has changed. I no longer walk in the ways of the world but in the ways of the Lord.
When we "walk in newness of
life" it is more than just avoiding the "old" walk of sin but it is a "new" walk. The Lord not only expects us to avoid sinful conduct but expects us to engage in righteous conduct. We are taught in 1 John 2:6 to walk as Jesus walked. To live as he
lived. His was not a life that indulged in the sins of the world. His was a life of godliness. I may have walked dishonestly before. A small lie here and there. A misrepresentation of the truth may not have seemed inappropriate before but now
honesty in everything rules in my life. (1 Thessalonians 4:12) Honest with my neighbor, my co-worker, my classmate, my spouse, my parents, and with Christ. I must walk worthily of the work of a Christian. (Ephesians 4:1) Do not wear the name in
vain. No we will never be worthy of the sacrifices that Jesus made but he expects us to honor his name as "Christ"ians. We must walk in love. (Ephesians 5:2) Love now is my motivation. Not anger or vengeance. That love moves me to walk
in good works. (Ephesians 2:10) No longer do I serve myself but I now serve the interests and well being of others. I seek out opportunities to do good rather than seeing what kind of mischief I can create. Rather than be rude to
the shopper who cuts me off in line, I say a kind word instead. Rather than ignore the classmate who may be unpopular, I seek to befriend the friendless. Rather than look down upon those who have not heard the Gospel, I seek to share it with them.
All of my conduct is now guided by truth. (3 John 3,4) Great joy is found in those that walk in truth. God expects us to live according to the truth revealed through the Gospel of Christ.
Without exception,
all the servants of God are required to "walk in newness of life." It is also important for us to note that you cannot be raised unto newness of life without first being baptized into the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. (Romans 6:1-4) No,
you may not be required to change your general existence in life. Your job, your family relationships, your school, (assuming all of these are appropriate in the eyes of God) and other aspects of your existence may not require any change. The way you
conduct yourself in these relationships will change. Maybe more drastically for some, but all of us will need to change the old man of sin and live as a new man unto righteousness.
Brian K. Price
October, 1997 Volume 3 Issue 4
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