BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Gen 31, Mark 2, Est 7, Romans 2
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease
2 Corinthians 5:17 says therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.
To become a new creature, Christ must increase in our life and we must
decrease. The spirit needs to increase and the flesh must decrease. John
6:63 says it is the Spirit that quikeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing.
The first place Christ needs to increase is in our thoughts. Proverbs
23:7 says for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. We are what we
think off. If an individual thinks of committing adultery with a woman,
he is an adulterer. That is why Jesus said in Matthew 5:28 but I say
unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath
committed adultery with her already in his heart. This also applies to
women too. If an individual thinks of lying in his heart, he is already a
liar because as a man thinketh in his heart so is he. This is why the
psalmist says if I regard iniquity in my heart; the Lord will not hear
me, Psalm 66:18. Transformation only comes when we renew our thoughts
.Romans 12:2 says and be not conformed to this world; but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. You are not a new
creature if there is still a brother or sister you are wishing that
something terrible to happens to. To become a new creature Christ needs
to increase in our thoughts. Philippians 4:8 says finally, brethren,
whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever
things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are
lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Another
area Christ needs to increase is in our conversation. Ephesians 4:29
says let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that
which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto
the hearers. There are some words or slangs that should never proceed
out of the mouth of a believer. There are some jokes a believer should
not even entertain. Ephesians 5:3-4 says but fornication , and all
uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not once named among you, as
becometh faith saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor
jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Colossians 3:8 says but now you also put off all these; anger, wrath,
malice, blasphemy, filthy talk out of your mouth. As wise children of
God, our word needs to be full of grace. Ecclesiastes 10:12 says the
words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious. When someone cuts you in
traffic and you swear at them or curse them, such words are not full of
grace. The reason why Christ needs to increase in our thoughts is
because our thoughts control our speech. Luke 6:45 says out of the
abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Our speech can either bring
justification or condemnation on us. Matthew 12:37 says for by thy words
thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. In
other words our thoughts can bring condemnation on us or justification. I
pray that our words will bring us justification on the day of judgment
in Jesus name, amen.
PRAYER POINT: Father, rid of every evil thoughts and increase in my thoughts.