A New Creature
As a new creature in Christ, your standing with God is based on the cross, not your performance, and you can overcome struggles through repentance and faith.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that being in Christ means we are new creatures, despite the struggles we face with sin and habits. He reassures believers that the battle between the flesh and the Spirit is common, and that God's love remains unwavering regardless of our struggles. Wilkerson highlights that our victory is not based on our actions but solely on the cross and our faith in God. He encourages believers to trust in their identity in Christ, reminding them that God sees them through the lens of Jesus, free from guilt and condemnation. Ultimately, he calls for a firm stand in the grace provided by God, assuring that victory is attainable.
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"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live..." (Galatians 2:20).
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
You may say, "I know I'm in Christ by faith. I realize I'm a new creature, but I still struggle terribly with a habit. It makes me so discouraged." Satan would love to convince you that God has given up on you. He wants you to think God sees you as dirty, filthy with sin. But it's all a lie. What you're experiencing is the flesh battling against the Spirit in you. This battle is common to all believers. And while you're in the midst of it, Satan wants to convince you that the "old man" is still in control.
No matter what your condition, God does not waver in his love for you. He never stopped loving Adam's race, in spite of all its wickedness, idolatry and lustful ways. He preserved them throughout history to the last days, when he stepped in with his rescue plan. Through the cross, it was possible that all of Adam's race could be reconciled.
You have to know that your standing with God is based on one thing: you are victorious because of the cross. This victory doesn't come through any good thing you do. As Paul says, "They that are in the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:8). Our victory comes solely through repentance, faith, belief, trust in God's care for us. And our part is to stand firmly on the position he has graciously given us in Christ. His Word assures us, "You may fail at times. But when I look at you, I see only my Son, Jesus. You're going to come through this battle victorious, with no guilt or condemnation."
Sermon Outline
- You are a new creature in Christ
- The flesh battles against the Spirit
- Your standing with God is based on the cross
- Victory comes through repentance and faith
- Your part is to stand firmly in Christ
Key Quotes
“I know I'm in Christ by faith. I realize I'm a new creature, but I still struggle terribly with a habit. It makes me so discouraged.” — David Wilkerson
“What you're experiencing is the flesh battling against the Spirit in you.” — David Wilkerson
“You're going to come through this battle victorious, with no guilt or condemnation.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Your standing with God is not based on your performance, but on the cross, where you are declared victorious.
- You can overcome your struggles with sin through repentance, faith, and trust in God's care for you.
- Satan's lies of guilt and condemnation are not from God, but from the enemy, and you can resist them by standing firmly in Christ.