Our Exodus from Sin

Exodus 12:41 tells us "At the end of 430 years the children of Israel left the land of Egypt." While they had their freedom, 430 years had dulled their understanding of who they were. Egypt had not only controlled their labor - it had shaped their identity. The people had been born into bondage, raised in oppression, and conditioned to believe they were nothing more than slaves. For generations they had belonged to Pharoah. So, while they physically walked out of Egypt, their hearts were still in Egypt.

The Exodus of God's people, while a divine intervention, was not so much a physical deliverance, as it was the beginning of a new identity. They would not be totally free until their hearts and minds belonged to God. The wilderness journey was not just about reaching a new land it was about removing Egypt from the people and instilling in them dependance and obedience to God. The 40 years in the wilderness would do that!

We have recently learned from Romans chapter 7, that the old nature of sin still plagues us. Even the Apostle Paul battled the flesh, as do we. We are reminded in God's Word that the battle between the flesh and the new man in us, is an ongoing battle. But the Word of God also tells is us that there is a power within us that is a greater power than the world, the flesh and the devil. The concept of "the world, the flesh, and the devil" refers to three opposing forces to God's will, as found in the Bible, with verses like Ephesians 2:2-3, 1 John 2:16, and 1 Peter 5:8. The world represents systems and societies that oppose God, The flesh refers to our fallen human nature and its desires. The devil is Satan and his forces of evil. These terms represent the spiritual adversaries believers face.

When we decided to follow Jesus, it was the beginning of a journey. Our intent was to follow the Lord and serve Him, but the world, flesh and the devil often impeded our progress. The patterns of our old life don't change overnight. It is the progress of the journey under God's direction that changes us. God has not only delivered us from the life of sin, but He also began the process of restoring us to be the person He intended us to bel Yes, Egypt (the old life) still influences us, but our submission to the Holy Spirit's work will cause the old nature to slowly die, being replaced with the "new man." This new man refers to a redeemed individual who has undergone a transformation through faith in Jesus Christ, being created anew In God's image and righteousness. This transformation involves putting off the old sinful nature, and putting on the new identity found in Christ. This new nature is characterized by a renewed mind, a holy nature, and the ability to live in accordance with God's will. Our decision to follow Christ begins an exciting spiritual journey that aligns our lives with divine principles, resulting in a life blessed and used by the Holy Spirit. I remind you that His fruit is not manufactured by man's ability, but by His supernatural power working in our lives. Have a blessed week!