How can we "put on the new self" in our daily lives? Grasping the Command: Ephesians 4:24 “and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Why “Putting On” Matters • Scripture speaks of an ongoing, conscious choice—much like dressing each morning—to wear the character of Christ. • The new self is not self-improvement; it is God’s own life implanted in us (2 Peter 1:4). • Because the command comes from God, it carries His enabling grace (Philippians 2:13). Step 1: Begin with a Renewed Mind • Ephesians 4:23—“to be renewed in the spirit of your minds”. • Romans 12:2—daily exposure to Scripture reshapes thoughts, desires, and priorities. Practical helps: – Set aside consistent time for Bible reading. – Memorize verses that counter old attitudes. – Replace lies with truth the moment they surface. Step 2: Clothe Yourself with Christlike Qualities Colossians 3:12-14 lists what the wardrobe looks like: “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience…above all, put on love.” Daily practice: • Speak kindly even when irritated. • Look for small acts of service. • Cultivate humility by giving others credit. Step 3: Speak Truth, Reject Falsehood Ephesians 4:25—“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor”. • Commit to honest words in every conversation. • Let no half-truth linger; correct it quickly. • Encourage others with words that build up (Ephesians 4:29). Step 4: Guard the Heart Against Sin Ephesians 4:26-27 warns against giving the devil opportunity through unresolved anger. • Settle issues before the day ends. • Confess sin immediately (1 John 1:9). • Refuse footholds—bitterness, jealousy, secret habits. Step 5: Foster Holy Habits Acts 2:42 shows early believers “devoted to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.” • Regular worship with a local church. • Accountability friendships for encouragement and correction (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Consistent prayer, both structured and spontaneous (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Step 6: Walk in the Spirit Galatians 5:16—“walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh”. • Dependence: ask the Spirit to direct thoughts, choices, reactions. • Sensitivity: respond promptly when He convicts. • Expectation: trust Him to bear fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). Encouraging Promises While You Dress in the New Self • 2 Corinthians 5:17—“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” • Philippians 1:6—He who began the work “will carry it on to completion.” • Jude 24—He is able “to keep you from stumbling.” Putting on the new self is not a one-time event but a daily rhythm: renew the mind, choose Christlike actions, guard against sin, cultivate holy habits, and rely on the Spirit. As these patterns repeat, the new self becomes the familiar garment of everyday life. |
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