Apprehending New Life in Christ

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Additionally, we are told to appropriate and pursue the virtues godliness and love. Doing this insures that we do not become useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of God. Paul says in his letter to Timothy to take hold of the eternal life to which you were called (1 Tim 6:12). God does not call us to covet or devote ourselves to the things of the world, we are not to seek righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness. This is not done in our own strength but in dependence on the Spirit of Christ. We agree with the truth of the Word and He provides the power needed to develop the character of Christ in us. TRUTH AND THE WILL OF GOD As children of light, we are told in Ephesians to learn what is pleasing to the Lord, that is, to do the will of God as He reveals it, and not to participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them. Moreover, we are told to be careful how we walk and to make the most of our time--not to be foolish but to understand what the will of the Lord is (Eph 5:15-17). It is impossible for any believer to comprehend what the will of God is apart from His Word. It is so important that Jesus said, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4). Take note of these verses: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom” (Col 3:16), God does not call us to covet or devote ourselves to the things of the world