Put on the New Self

“So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:17-24

Once you realize your new identity and position in Christ, obedience to God’s Word takes on new dynamics. You do not have to be frightened or discouraged by biblical terms such as holiness. You can be holy because you are holy. Obeying the Scriptures can become an adventure and delight, not drudgery. We can experience the joy of following God as we embrace the following principles of our new identity.

First, know the truth. We can only obey what we know. That is why Paul wrote to the Romans: “Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin” (Rom.6:6). Rehearse daily who you are in Christ so that you might intimately know the truth.

Second, believe the truth. You cannot let feelings be your emotional or spiritual rudder. What God says about you as a new creature is true, no matter how you perceive yourself.

Third, act on the truth. Put into practice what God says. If God says to speak in such a way to bless others, do so.

There will be plenty of stumbling, but go on in Christ. Believe and practice what you know to be true, and the truth will set you free.

“And put on the new self, which...has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:24