The new year is typically a time that we stop and resolve to become a better version of ourselves. We get back to the gym, we add more vegetables to the plate, or maybe we plan to open the Bible more often. At church we are going to look at a new worship series focused on the Gospel lessons in the season of Epiphany called “New Year, New You.” But instead of looking at ourselves and our inadequacies, we are going to look at Jesus to see how he makes us completely new. He gives us a new identity and even empowers us to live a different way. Thankfully, our success has nothing to do with our resolve to be better, and everything to with Jesus’ resolve to live a perfect life as our substitute.
Today, the Savior’s sermon to us: Live a holy life! Jesus came to free us from sin. He did not come to free us to sin. The commands in the lessons today remind us just how holy our God is, and their dire warnings remind us just how holy he wants us to be. After examining our lives, we must despair, but we are reminded to flee to Christ who has the words of life. He brings forgiveness for our failures and strengthen to both know and do what pleases him.
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