A New Creation

2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15

Introduction:

A.   Have you ever noticed the caterpillars in the summer. They are pretty ugly, in spite of the colors that they display. But if you followed the life of that caterpillar you will find an amazing change. In a matter of days that caterpillar will turn into a beautiful butterfly, with broad wings and beautiful patterns of colors like the rainbow! It has changed completely from the old life it had. It is still the same bug, but a new creation!

B.   The Bible tells us that men and women are the same way. We sin when we reach an age where we know right from wrong. Sin makes us ugly and hideous before God. But when we experience the birth we become new creatures, much like the butterfly comes forth from the caterpillar!

I.    The New Testament Commands Us To Become New Creatures

      A.   We are told that we must be "Born Again" - Jn 3:3; 1 Pet 1:23

      B.   We are commanded to "put off" the old life of sin - Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:9-10

      C.   The new life comes as a result of us leaving the world and entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ - 2 Cor 5:17; Col 1:13-14

II.   What Is New About Us When We Become A New Creation?

      A.   A New Beginning - Born again. Jn 3:3-8; Jas 1:18

      B.   A New Start - All our sins are forgiven - Acts 22:16; Col 1:13

      C.   A New Relationship with God - We can now call Him Father. Gal 4:6-7; Heb 4:14-16; 1 Jn 3:1-2

      D.   A new abundant way of Life - Life in Christ - Jn 10:10; Cor 9:8; Eph 3:19

      E.   A New Hope - A home in Heaven - Col 1:51; Pet 1:3

III.  How Do We Become This New Creation?

      A.   Paul tells us - 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 1:7; Tit 3:5

            1.   Adding these together we are new creations "in Christ"

            2.   We receive forgiveness of sins "in Christ"

            3.   And all Christians have the "washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy

                  Spirit"

      B.   By getting into Christ we become new creatures - Jn 3:3-5

            1.   Born of water - Baptism into Christ

            2.   Born of the Spirit - Receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit

            3.   Parallel to Acts 2:38

            4.   Acts 22:16

            5.   1 Pet 3:21

      C. Paul gives further details - Rom 6:1-6

IV.  When We Become New Creatures In Christ, People Know About It

      A.   People will know that we have come under the influence of Jesus - Acts 4:13; Gal 2:20

      B.   Others will perceive that we are not living like the world - Col 3:1ff; 1 Pet 2:11-12

Conclusion:

A.   Just like the caterpillar, we can be a completely different person. God will cleanse you, forgive you, and make you pure and clean. But you must be born again!