"Put off the old man with his deeds" (Colossians 3:9, NKJV) is a powerful verse that speaks to our need for spiritual transformation. Here are some insights:
**The "old man" refers to our sinful nature**: The phrase "the old man" is a metaphor for our fleshly selves, which are characterized by sin and selfishness. As believers, we once lived according to this old man, but now we're called to put him away.
**Deeds imply a pattern of behavior**: The phrase "with his deeds" highlights the consistent patterns of thought, word, and action that define our old self. These deeds are the fruit of our sinful nature, and they need to be abandoned if we want to live for God.
**This is an ongoing process**: Putting off the old man isn't a one-time event; it's a continuous process of surrendering to Christ and submitting to His Spirit. As we walk with God, we'll consistently need to put aside our sinful tendencies and replace them with godly character.
**The goal: To become like Jesus**: Paul's emphasis on putting off the old man is not just about eliminating bad behavior but also about becoming more like Jesus (Ephesians 4:24). As we die to our fleshly selves, we'll be empowered to live a life that's pleasing to God and reflecting of His character.
**Application for today**: Take time to reflect on areas in your life where you're still operating according to the old man. Is there a particular sin or pattern of behavior that needs to be put off? Ask God to help you identify these patterns, and then seek His power to overcome them. As you put off the old man, remember that you're not just eliminating bad habits but also becoming more like Jesus.
The phrase "put off the old man" is a metaphorical expression that comes from Ephesians 4:22, not Colossians. However, I can explain what it means and how it relates to our growth in Christ.
In Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul writes:
"Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and has come to a knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
The "old man" refers to our pre-Christian selves, which were characterized by sin, corruption, and rebellion against God. This old self was controlled by deceitful desires, which are driven by selfishness, pride, and a desire for control.
To "put off the old man" means to renounce or reject this old way of living, with its sinful nature and destructive patterns. It involves recognizing that our old selves are no longer in line with God's will and purpose for us. As we put off the old man, we're acknowledging that our former lives were marked by sin, shame, and guilt, but we don't have to be controlled by those things anymore.
In contrast, "putting on the new self" means to adopt a new way of living, characterized by righteousness, holiness, and conformity to God's character. This new self is created in the likeness of God, with its resulting virtues, values, and behaviors that are pleasing to Him.
Putting off the old man and putting on the new self is an ongoing process throughout our Christian lives. It involves:
1. Recognizing our sinful nature and the need for change.
2. Repenting of our past wrongs and seeking forgiveness from God.
3. Seeking transformation through Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to give us new life.
4. Daily surrendering our old selves and putting on the character of Christ.
As we put off the old man and put on the new self, we'll experience spiritual growth, freedom from sin's control, and a deeper relationship with God.
The Bible verse you're thinking of is likely Ephesians 4:22-24, which says:
"Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires. To be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
This verse is encouraging believers to leave behind their old way of living, which was characterized by sin and a lack of spiritual transformation. Instead, they are called to "put on" (or to take on) a new identity in Christ, one that reflects God's character and is marked by spiritual maturity and righteousness.
The idea is that as believers, we have been given a new nature through faith in Jesus Christ, and this new nature should be evident in our thoughts, words, and actions. The old self, which was characterized by sin and selfishness, should be replaced with the new self, which is marked by spiritual transformation and a desire to please God.
This passage is often seen as a call to personal and corporate renewal, encouraging believers to put aside their old habits and behaviors and instead seek to become more like Christ. It's a reminder that our identity is not in our past or present circumstances, but in who we are in Christ, and that we have the power to change and be transformed by the Spirit of God.
A great phrase!
"Put off the old man" is a biblical idiom that originates from 1 Corinthians 6:13-15, where the Apostle Paul writes:
"Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?... Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body."
In this context, "put off" means to put away or abandon something old, worn out, and no longer useful. In this case, it refers to the old sinful nature that we once had before becoming followers of Christ.
To "put off the old man" is a metaphorical expression that means to:
1. Abandon your old self: Let go of your former way of life, your sinful habits, and your old personality.
2. Leave behind your fleshly desires: Resist the temptation to indulge in sinful behaviors and instead seek God's guidance.
3. Put on Christ: As you abandon the old you, put on the character and nature of Jesus Christ, which is characterized by love, humility, and obedience to God.
In modern terms, "putting off the old man" means to:
* Leave behind your old self-image and ego
* Abandon negative habits and thought patterns
* Embrace a new identity in Christ
This phrase is often used to encourage believers to live a life that honors God, to be transformed by their faith, and to reflect Jesus' character in their daily lives.
Ephesians 4:22-24 KJV says:
"That ye put off, concerning the former things, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Let's break it down:
* "Put off" refers to leaving behind our old nature, characterized by selfish desires and sinful behavior (the "old man").
* "Concerning the former things" implies a departure from our past selves.
* "The old man" represents our pre-Christian lives, marked by corruption and deceit.
* "Corrupt according to the deceitful lusts" suggests that our old nature is prone to lying and manipulation, driven by selfish desires.
* "Be renewed in the spirit of your mind" means being transformed from within, as we put on the mindset of Christ (Ephesians 4:23).
* "Put on the new man" refers to taking on a new identity, one that is characterized by righteousness and true holiness.
* "Which after God is created" emphasizes that this new self is not a product of human effort, but rather a work of God's creation (Colossians 3:10).
* "In righteousness and true holiness" highlights the qualities of this new self: living righteously and being truly holy in Christ.
In essence, these verses urge us to abandon our old ways and put on a new identity in Christ, marked by righteousness and holiness.
"Put off the old man and his deeds" is a powerful phrase that resonates with many people. This quote, from the Bible (Ephesians 4:22-24), encourages us to leave behind our old selves, with all their flaws, mistakes, and sinful patterns.
In essence, this phrase means letting go of who we used to be and embracing the new person we can become through Jesus Christ. It's an invitation to renounce our past transgressions, just as a person would remove old, worn-out clothing that no longer fits or serves us well.
Here are some possible takeaways from "Put off the old man and his deeds":
1. **Let go of guilt and shame**: When we put off the old man, we're releasing ourselves from the weight of past mistakes and failures. We can start fresh, without being burdened by the memories of our imperfections.
2. **Leave behind bad habits**: This phrase encourages us to stop doing things that are no longer good for us. Whether it's a harmful behavior, a toxic relationship, or an unhealthy habit, we're called to move away from these patterns and towards healthier alternatives.
3. **Embrace a new identity**: As we put off the old man, we're embracing a new identity in Christ. We're not defined by our past anymore; instead, we're becoming the people God created us to be.
4. **Seek transformation**: This phrase is an invitation to undergo a spiritual transformation. It's a call to surrender to God's guidance and allow Him to shape us into vessels worthy of His use.
By putting off the old man and his deeds, we're not only freeing ourselves from the burden of our past but also opening ourselves up to a brighter future with Jesus Christ at the center.
A great choice!
"Put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Ephesians 4:24, KJV).
This verse is part of Paul's exhortation to believers to live a life that is pleasing to God. He writes:
"And that ye put away, as regarding the flesh also the old man, which corrupteth not after the deceiving lusts, But as befores laid them on, and have borne newness of knowledge, whereunto ye are come, even the crown of glory, who need not that any one teach them?" (Ephesians 4:20-21).
In essence, Paul is saying that believers should put off their old way of life, which is characterized by selfish desires and sinful patterns. Instead, they should "put on" a new way of life, which reflects God's character and is marked by spiritual maturity.
The phrase "new man" refers to the believer who has been transformed by the Holy Spirit and now reflects God's image. This transformation occurs when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, and it is a process that continues throughout our lives as we grow in our relationship with Him.
As we put on this new man, we are renewing our minds and hearts to be more like God. We become more humble, compassionate, kind, and loving, just as God is. This doesn't mean we will never struggle or make mistakes, but it does mean that we have a desire to please God and live according to His will.
So, the next time you're feeling stuck or struggling with your old habits, remember: "Put on the new man"!
Ephesians 4:22 in the KJV (King James Version) reads:
"That ye put off, concerning the former ways, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;"
In this verse, Paul is urging believers to "put off" or lay aside their old way of thinking and living, which is characterized by corruption and deceitful desires. He's encouraging them to leave behind their sinful nature and its tendencies towards wrongdoings.
The phrase "concerning the former ways" refers to the believer's pre-Christian life, before they were saved. The "old man" (or old self) represents our fallen human nature, which is prone to sin and rebellion against God.
By putting off this old way of thinking and living, Paul is encouraging believers to take on a new nature, one that is characterized by righteousness, purity, and obedience to God's will (see Ephesians 4:24). This process is part of the Christian life, where we strive to become more like Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.