How can we "put on the new self" in our daily lives? Colossians 3:10—A Fresh Wardrobe from Heaven “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” What the New Self Is • A completely new identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Shaped by the knowledge of God’s truth (John 17:17). • Fashioned after the very image of our Creator (Genesis 1:27 restored). Why We Must Consciously “Put It On” • Though we already possess the new nature, daily choices determine whether it governs our thoughts and actions (Ephesians 4:22-24). • The Christian life is pictured as changing clothes: removing the old, worn-out garments of sin and dressing in Christ’s righteousness. Practical Ways to Dress in the New Self Each Day 1. Start with surrender – Present your body “as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). – Invite the Spirit to rule every area before the day begins. 2. Fill the mind with truth – Read or listen to Scripture; even a short passage anchors the heart (Psalm 1:2). – Memorize verses that target yesterday’s battles. 3. Pray as ongoing conversation – Talk to the Lord in real-time moments, not only set times (1 Thessalonians 5:17). – Ask, “How does my new self respond here?” before speaking or acting. 4. Choose obedience quickly – The new self acts, it doesn’t stall (James 1:22). – Small, immediate “yes-Lord” decisions build momentum. 5. Cultivate Spirit-produced attitudes – Welcome His fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). – When an opposite attitude appears, consciously “change clothes.” 6. Engage in purposeful fellowship – Share victories and struggles with believers who also wear the new self (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Receive and give gentle correction (Colossians 3:16). Habits That Keep the New Self Fresh • Regular confession—keeps sin from piling up (1 John 1:9). • Gratitude journal—trains the eyes to see God’s work (Colossians 3:15). • Serving others—places Christ’s interests above our own (Philippians 2:3-4). • Worship—fixes attention on the One we are becoming like (2 Corinthians 3:18). Old Garments to Throw Away • Anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language (Colossians 3:8). • Falsehood and half-truths (Ephesians 4:25). • Self-centered desires that fuel impurity and greed (Colossians 3:5). Discarding these makes room for compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). Living the New Self in Relationships • At home: forgive quickly, as Christ forgave you (Colossians 3:13). • At work: work “with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • In the community: shine as light, exposing darkness by contrast (Philippians 2:15). Keeping Focus on Christ, the Pattern • He is “all and in all” (Colossians 3:11); the new self mirrors Him. • Abide in Him; apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). • Anticipate His return—living in the new self readies us to meet Him (1 John 3:2-3). Daily, moment by moment, we choose the wardrobe of heaven. By the Spirit’s power, we put on the new self and reveal the likeness of our Creator to a watching world. |
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