Walking In The Newness of Life

Titus 3:4-7 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Romans 6:3-4 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

Through the "water of rebirth" we are saved. Through baptism into Christ we receive the gift of new life. Through dying with Christ and rising with Christ we are raised to a new life, so that we might "walk in newness of life."

If we have come to Christ and been baptized into him, it is so that we might continue in him.

Questions For Reflection & Sharing

1. Baptism is about dying and rising with Christ. What does this say about how we are able to walk in newness of life.

2. What is this new life like? What is happening to us when we are walking in this new life?

3. What is happening to us when we are turning away from this new life?

4. Name some of the opportunities and disciplines that God provides for our growing in the new life? Why are these so important? What happens to us when we do not take the opportunities God gives to us? What gets in the way?

5. Can we go to Church, Bible Study and Prayer Meetings, and still turn away from the new life God has for us? If so, how?

6. The Spirit of God has been poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. That gives us joy in the present and hope for our future. What do you look forward to concerning Christ's ministry among us here at St. Thomas?