14.
The New Man will have spiritual goals which coincide with the will and desire of the Lord. Paul established a criterion, an example for the New Man. Though deeply religious he was spiritually poor, for he was without Christ. Having become a new creature in the Lord Jesus he established the highest aim for his spiritual life. His spiritual drive is expressed in his words; that I may know Him. Phil. 3:10a These words may express different things to different people. Some are contented with just a casual, passing, almost cold and indifferent knowledge. An understanding after the letter of the Word or the tenets of a religion. With Paul is was just the extreme opposite. He was possessed with a burning desire to have an intimate relationship, a full and complete knowledge of the Lord Jesus.
The revelation of the knowledge of the Son of God did not come easily. Even His conversion was after a forceful manner. Jesus confronted him on his way to persecute the Christians in Damascus. A great light, the light of the world stood before him causing both Paul and his troop to fall to the ground. Surely the power of the Lord was present. Jesus at that moment called him to go to the Gentiles and preach the gospel. Acts 26:12-18.
Paul lived an ideal Christian life. His example is for all to emulate. The key to such a life is not always acceptable to all who would be Christians. Consider his statements, all of which contributed to his success, as a Christian. I am crucified with Christ. Gal. 2:20 Crucifixion suggests death. Death to self. Death to the old ways of living. Death to the flesh and all of its desires. The beauty of this precious experience is that it is not physical but spiritual. In the process we lose those unwanted and bothersome elements of the flesh. He recognized that by means of the crucifixion of Christ it enabled him to be set apart from the world. A world which is defined as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. 1 John 2:16 None of which are becoming to a the life of any Christian. There is liberty for all in the Lord Jesus Christ. His death on Calvary’s tree purchased complete freedom for all who will enter into a full and thorough fellowship with Him. Religious trappings and exercises are futile. With or without them is of no merit before the Lord. The only thing which counts before the Lord is that new man, a new creature. One born of the Spirit of the Lord. Gal. 6:15.