How can we "put off the old self" in daily life? Setting the Stage “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices.” (Colossians 3:9) Paul writes to believers who already “have taken off” the old self positionally through union with Christ. Daily, we now live out what is already true. Understanding the “Old Self” • The old self is the person we were in Adam—enslaved to sin (Romans 5:12) • Its characteristics: deceit (Jeremiah 17:9), lusts (Ephesians 4:22), hostility toward God (Romans 8:7) • It was crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). Because this is fact, we can act on it. The Power Source for Change • We died and rose with Christ (Colossians 3:1; Romans 6:4). • The Holy Spirit indwells us to apply that victory (Galatians 5:16). • Scripture is living and active, revealing hidden motives (Hebrews 4:12). Practical Steps to Put Off the Old Self Each Day 1. Recognize Sin Quickly – Call it what God calls it. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). 2. Renew the Mind – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). – Start the day in the Word; finish the day reviewing it. 3. Replace, Don’t Just Remove – “Put on the new self” (Colossians 3:10). – Swap bitterness for forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32), worry for prayerful trust (Philippians 4:6-7). 4. Walk by the Spirit – Moment-by-moment dependence: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). – Pray brief, continual prayers for strength through the day. 5. Guard Input – Choose edifying music, media, and friendships (1 Corinthians 15:33). – Meditate on “whatever is true… honorable… pure” (Philippians 4:8). 6. Practice Self-Denial – Fast from lawful pleasures at times to train the will (1 Corinthians 9:27). – Give generously; serve secretly (Matthew 6:1-4). 7. Engage Accountability – “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). – Meet regularly with mature believers who will speak truth. Guarding the Mind • The battle is internal before it is external. • Memorize key verses against recurring temptations (Psalm 119:11). • Reject condemning thoughts; remember “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Replacing the Old with the New • Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience (Colossians 3:12). • Love is the binding agent that keeps the new wardrobe in place (Colossians 3:14). • Let Christ’s peace rule and His word dwell richly (Colossians 3:15-16). Accountability within the Body • Submit to godly leadership (Hebrews 13:17). • Confess sins to one another for healing (James 5:16). • Celebrate progress together; mourn sin together (Romans 12:15). Long-Term Perspective: Eternity Shapes Today • “Our momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Fix eyes on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). • The hope of Christ’s return motivates purity now (1 John 3:2-3). Summary Snapshot Putting off the old self is both accomplished (in Christ) and ongoing (in practice). By trusting the finished work of the cross, renewing the mind with Scripture, relying on the Spirit, and living transparently in community, we daily shed the habits of the past and walk in the newness already ours in Jesus. |
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