"A Christian is something before he does anything, and we have to be Christian before we can act Christian." This is a quote from "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" by Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

Jesus Himself has said that we must be born again. In speaking to Nicodemus, "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3 (Also see verse 5.) He made these statements just a few verses before stating God's act of love in John 3:16, a verse that we all know so well.

1 John 5:1 tells us,
"Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God..."

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

"For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, WHO IS OUR LIFE, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." Colossians 3:3-4 (My emphasis)

The redeemed are transformed into an entirely new being. It is only now that one is able to live the Christian life. For we are no longer controlled by the flesh, but now by the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5 gives us this wonderful truth:
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Vs. 1

"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Vs. 13

"I say then: 'Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another...'" Vs. 16-17

Vs. 19-21 lists the works of the flesh. Briefly stated they are:
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries and the like.

Contrary to these,
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Vs. 22-23 And as born again Believers we are the 'those' of verse 24:
"Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Vs. 24

The Sermon on the Mount not only gives us the Beatitudes, but gives the standard for the Believer in relationships (Matthews 5:20-49; charitable deeds (6:1-4); prayer (6:5-15); fasting (6:16-18); wealth (6:19-34); judging (7:1-6).

Only as we live out from Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, can we live the Christian life. Therefore, we heed Proverbs 4:23, "Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life."

Thank You, Father, for your plan of redemption and reconciliation that we have in this new life in Christ. Thank You, Jesus, for giving Yourself for our salvation. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for indwelling us to lead and guide us into all truth. Holy God, how awesomely gracious You are and how very grateful we are! Amen