Firmly Planted

1. Salvation is a Free Gift, Not a Reward

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.

Grace-based salvation. Salvation is not earned through good deeds or religious rituals but is a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. This understanding is crucial because it emphasizes God's initiative and love, rather than human effort. Trying to earn salvation through works leads to pride and a misunderstanding of God's grace.

Rejecting works-based systems. Many religious systems emphasize works as a means to earn favor with God, but Christianity stands apart by declaring that salvation is a gift. This gift is offered to all who believe in Jesus Christ and trust in His sacrifice on the cross. It's a relationship, not a transaction.

Eternal security. Because salvation is a gift, it cannot be lost through human actions. Once a person genuinely believes in Jesus Christ, they are eternally secure in His love. This security provides peace and assurance, enabling believers to live confidently in their faith.

2. Assurance Comes from God's Promises, Not Feelings

I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Objective truth vs. subjective feelings. Assurance of salvation is based on the objective truth of God's Word, not on subjective feelings or emotions. Feelings can be fickle and misleading, but God's promises are steadfast and reliable. Believers should anchor their assurance in the promises of Scripture.

Three pillars of assurance:

• The promises of God's Word
• The witness of God's Spirit
• The evidence of a changed life

Focus on God's faithfulness. When doubts arise, believers should turn to God's Word and remind themselves of His faithfulness. Trusting in God's promises, rather than their own performance, is the key to overcoming doubt and experiencing assurance.

3. A Changed Life Reflects a New Identity in Christ

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.

Transformation from within. A genuine conversion results in a changed life, reflecting a new identity in Christ. This transformation is not merely outward conformity but an inward renewal that affects thoughts, desires, and actions. Believers should strive to live in accordance with their new identity.

Renouncing the old self. Embracing a new identity in Christ requires renouncing the old manner of life, characterized by sin and selfishness. This involves actively putting off sinful habits and attitudes and putting on the virtues of Christ. It's a continuous process of repentance and renewal.

Embracing the new self. Putting on the new self involves embracing a new way of thinking and living, guided by the Holy Spirit. This includes cultivating righteousness, purity, and truth in all aspects of life. It's a journey of becoming more like Christ.

4. Union with Christ Frees Us from Sin's Dominion

For we know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that sin’s dominion over the body may be abolished, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin.

Crucified with Christ. Through union with Christ, believers have been crucified with Him, freeing them from the dominion of sin. This means that sin no longer has the power to control their lives. Believers are now free to live in obedience to God.

Reckoning our freedom. Recognizing our freedom from sin's dominion is not enough; we must also reckon it to be true. This involves actively choosing to resist temptation and to live in accordance with our new identity in Christ. It's a daily decision to walk in freedom.

Offering ourselves to God. As those who are alive from the dead, believers should offer themselves to God as instruments of righteousness. This involves using their bodies, minds, and resources to serve Him and to advance His kingdom. It's a life of surrender and obedience.

5. Walking in the Spirit Overcomes the Flesh

I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Internal conflict. Believers experience an internal conflict between the flesh (sinful nature) and the Spirit (Holy Spirit). The flesh desires what is contrary to God's will, while the Spirit desires what is pleasing to Him. This conflict requires constant vigilance and reliance on the Spirit.

Walking by the Spirit. Walking by the Spirit involves yielding to His guidance and power in every aspect of life. This includes seeking His wisdom, obeying His commands, and relying on His strength to overcome temptation. It's a life of surrender and dependence.

Fruit of the Spirit. As believers walk by the Spirit, their lives will bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are evidence of the Spirit's presence and power in their lives.

6. Worldliness Distracts from Eternal Affections

Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.

Defining worldliness. Worldliness is the pursuit of worldly pleasures and possessions at the expense of our relationship with God. It's a focus on temporal things rather than eternal values. Believers should guard against the allure of worldliness.

Three expressions of worldliness:

• The lust of the flesh
• The lust of the eyes
• The pride of life

Eternal perspective. Believers should cultivate an eternal perspective, recognizing that the world and its desires are passing away. They should invest their time, energy, and resources in things that will last forever, such as serving God and loving others.

7. Spiritual Warfare Requires Divine Armor

Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Real enemy, real battle. Christians are engaged in a real spiritual battle against the forces of evil. This battle requires divine armor, not human strength. Believers should equip themselves with the armor of God to resist the enemy's attacks.

Components of the armor:

• Belt of truth
• Breastplate of righteousness
• Sandals of peace
• Shield of faith
• Helmet of salvation
• Sword of the Spirit

Standing firm. The purpose of the armor is to enable believers to stand firm against the enemy's attacks. This involves resisting temptation, speaking truth, and living righteously. It's a posture of strength and resilience.

8. Prayer is the Believer's Ultimate Weapon

Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

Constant communication. Prayer is the believer's ultimate weapon in spiritual warfare. It's a constant communication with God, seeking His guidance, strength, and protection. Believers should pray at all times, in the Spirit, with perseverance.

Praying for others. Prayer is not just for personal needs but also for the needs of others. Believers should intercede for all the saints, praying for their protection, encouragement, and growth. It's a ministry of love and compassion.

Alertness and perseverance. Prayer requires alertness and perseverance. Believers should be vigilant, watching for opportunities to pray and refusing to give up, even when faced with challenges. It's a commitment to seek God's face continually.

Last updated: April 7, 2025