The word “sinners” in our opening verse isn’t referring to the heathen or people who don’t know God. Rather, in this particular context, it refers to the children of Israel who weren’t living right; those that broke the Law, and weren’t living according to God’s instructions.

That’s why the Spirit instructs, “ Suppose they say “Come on; let’s find someone to kill! Let’s attack some innocent people for the fun of it! They may be alive and well when we find them, but they’ll be dead when we’re through with them! We’ll find all kinds of riches and fill our houses with loot! Come and join us, and we’ll all share what we steal.” My child, don’t go with people like that. Stay away from them” (Proverbs 1:11-15 GNB). How instructive!

Being born again, you have the nature of God to do right, and must therefore consciously live right. You’ve been separated from the world, unto God, from unrighteousness unto righteousness, and from darkness to light. You might have been a gangster, but now that you’re born again, you can’t go back to such gangs. Yes, you may preach the Word to them, but you can’t roll or stick with them anymore.

“…Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9).

You must let go of any attitude that’s not of God. In 1 Corinthians 6:5-9, the Apostle Paul chided the Corinthian church because their way of life didn’t portray the new nature of righteousness they had received. As a Christian, it’s important you recognize that you’ve been completely delivered from the worldly lifestyle. You’re not the same man you were before you were born again. Your old nature of sin was supplanted by God’s nature of righteousness.

Recognize your new identity. See the picture of the new you and live accordingly. You’re a new creation. Your conduct must now reflect your new personality in Christ Jesus—your new nature—which is the nature of righteousness.

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for I’m renewed in the spirit of my mind and perfected in righteousness and true holiness. Sin and all forms of ungodliness and unrighteousness can’t have dominion over me. My life is for your glory, and I walk worthy of you, pleasing you in all things,and bearing fruits of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Peter 1
Ezekiel 37-38

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 15:11-19
1 Chronicles 27

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Thessalonians 5:22-23
Ephesians 4:23-29