In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul was encouraging the people to see themselves in their newness. What did God see in the Corinthians that moved Him to inspire Paul to write this scripture? They may have been giving too much attention to their mistakes of the pass, than on what God was doing new in their lives. Maybe when they attempted to witness to others their pass indiscretions were mentioned. Paul was someone who understood about pass indiscretions, because prior to becoming a Christian he persecuted the church.  Image Paul preaching to a crowd and a family of someone he persecuted were in attendance calling him a murderer. Yes, this may have been true about him, but that is not his current situation. He has been saved from his sins of the pass, that’s why he said, “old things have passed away”.  Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to walk in there newness no matter what they had done in the pass.

Are you being crippled by your past mistakes? Are you afraid to witness to others because they know about your pass indiscretions?  The old things have passed away, so there is no need to go back and get them. It’s time for you to walk in your newness, because God has forgiven you of your sins. Therefore, it is important for you to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to all you come in contact with. Now is the time for you to walk in your newness!