How does Colossians 3:10 connect with Ephesians 4:24 about the new self? Setting the Scene Colossians and Ephesians were written around the same time, possibly delivered by the same courier (Tychicus, cf. Colossians 4:7; Ephesians 6:21). Both letters address how believers live out union with Christ. Colossians stresses Christ’s supremacy; Ephesians highlights the unity of His body. Together they weave a single tapestry of the “new self.” Reading Colossians 3:10 “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Parallel Insight from Ephesians 4:24 “and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Shared Themes • Put on: deliberate, conscious, Spirit-empowered choice—like changing garments • New self: not a patch on the old nature but a brand-new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) • Created/renewed: God Himself fashions this new life; our role is to cooperate • Image of God: restored likeness to the Creator (Genesis 1:26-27) • Moral transformation: righteousness, holiness, knowledge—head, heart, and hands aligned with Christ The Ongoing Process of Renewal • Colossians 3:10 emphasizes “being renewed”—present tense, continuous action • Ephesians 4:24 points to the finished creative act—“created” • Together: a once-for-all new birth (John 3:3; Titus 3:5) that launches a lifelong renewal (Romans 12:2) • Illustration: God installs a new operating system, then issues constant updates The Image Restored • Colossians 3:10 links renewal to “knowledge in the image of its Creator” • Ephesians 4:24 links creation to “true righteousness and holiness” • Full picture: – Mind—renewed knowledge (Colossians 3:10) – Character—righteousness (Ephesians 4:24) – Conduct—holiness (Ephesians 4:24; 1 Peter 1:15-16) • Christ is the perfect image (Colossians 1:15); the Spirit conforms us to Him (Romans 8:29) Practical Implications for Daily Life • Dress intentionally: each day “put on” Christ-like attitudes (Colossians 3:12-14) • Feed renewal: saturate the mind with Scripture (Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16) • Reject the old wardrobe: put off anger, lying, impurity (Colossians 3:8-9; Ephesians 4:22) • Walk in the Spirit: He empowers the new self to produce fruit (Galatians 5:22-25) • Remember your identity: you are already created new; live accordingly Supporting Scriptures • 2 Corinthians 4:16—“Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.” • Philippians 2:13—“For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” • Hebrews 10:14—“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Summary Thoughts Colossians 3:10 and Ephesians 4:24 present two sides of the same coin. God has created a new self in every believer—fully equipped for righteousness and holiness. Simultaneously, He continues to renew that new self, deepening our knowledge of Him and restoring His image in us. Our daily calling is to wear what He has provided, cooperate with His renewing work, and reflect our Creator to the watching world. |
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