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Context: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Recently in my devotional readings I came across this statement - God changed us into new creations in Jesus. The only thing we must strive to do is dwell in Christ....Are we hoping in the Lord who is working in us even today?
I was thinking a lot about whether I am dwelling in Christ. What are your thoughts on the meaning of this and/ what do you think it looks like?
This is a really good statement. I’d like to share a bit about my experience. There were times in my Christian walk where I’d question myself whether I was truly dwelling in Christ. When it came to my battle with sin and fell short, I found it difficult to turn to God for repentance. What gave me assurance and strength was going back to the word and seeing God’s character. He’s gracious, loving and merciful (1 John 4:16; Ps. 116; Exod. 34:6-7; Rom. 8:37-39). I’ve been reminded that God has already given us a new status in Christ and we are now putting sin to death by walking in newness of life (Rom. 4:22-25; Phil. 3:8-9). He has promised that our state will be brought into conformity and be made like Christ’s glorious body which is our hope in sharing God’s holiness (1 Pet. 1:4-5). Reflecting on God’s character and what has already accomplished really empowers myself to fight the battle against sin, dwell in Him and to have assurance in the love of God displayed on the cross. Trusting our God is transforming us into His Son’s likeness for His glory (1 John. 3:1-3, 1 Thess. 5:23-24, Rev. 1:5b-6).
“Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)