How can we practically "put off the old self" in daily life? Key Verse “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) New Creation Identity • Your old self was crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). • You now live by faith in the Son of God (Galatians 2:20). • Holding this identity firmly is the starting point for putting off anything that no longer matches who you are. Recognize the Old Self • Attitudes: bitterness, envy, pride (James 3:14–16). • Behaviors: impurity, greed, slander (Colossians 3:5–9). • Thought patterns: unbelief, fear, self-centeredness (Matthew 6:25–34). Identify these quickly; call them what Scripture calls them, and refuse to excuse them. Daily Choices to Put Off • Confess sin immediately (1 John 1:9). • Replace gossip with words that build up (Ephesians 4:29). • Turn away from temptation at the first thought (2 Timothy 2:22). • Keep short accounts—settle relational conflicts before sunset (Ephesians 4:26). Renewing the Mind with Truth • Start each day in the Word; let it wash old thinking away (Ephesians 5:26). • Memorize key verses targeting personal struggles (Psalm 119:11). • Meditate on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable (Philippians 4:8). • Journal insights and victories to reinforce new patterns. Dependence on the Spirit • Walk by the Spirit so you will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). • Ask Him to produce His fruit in real-time decisions—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). • Trust His power, not mere willpower (Romans 8:13). Accountability and Community • Meet regularly with believers who spur you on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Share specific battles; invite honest feedback (Proverbs 27:17). • Celebrate evidences of growth together (3 John 1:4). Continual Progress • Put off, be renewed, put on—repeat daily (Ephesians 4:22–24). • Expect setbacks, but refuse condemnation (Romans 8:1). • Look forward to the day when old will be forever gone and new fully revealed (1 John 3:2). |
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