EP 38: How to Put on the New Self
As Christians, we are called to put on the new self. But what exactly does that mean? In today’s episode, we are going to explore this question through the lens of Colossians 3:1-17.
Welcome
Hey there, and welcome to another episode of the Daughter of Delight podcast. I pray you had a very Merry Christmas and were able to make the most out of it even though it’s been a strange year. Something good this year has offered me is the opportunity to grow in gratitude for the hope we have in Christ! I am so very thankful for it and cannot imagine walking through some of the things I have without it. Surely you can relate.
The New Self
With the New Year right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to talk about the call we have in God’s Word to put on the new self. We will be doing so through the lens of Colossians 3:1-17. If you can, go ahead and grab your Bible and whatever else you may need to make notes along the way. I feel as if this is a topic that gets a little overlooked in the Christian walk, but it’s so important that we are mindful of it as much as we can be. Because in Christ, we are a new creation. We are no longer identified by our old self, but the new self we have by His grace. If that sounds confusing, don’t worry- I’m going to break it all down for you and share some practical implications for what this looks like lived out as well. It’s my prayer that the Lord would use this episode to help you be more mindful and more intentional of putting on the new self.
Review of the Week
Before we hop to it and while you get what you may need for this episode, I want to share the review of the week. I love doing this because it’s a special way for me to express my gratitude for those of you who take the time to express your gratitude for the podcast. This week’s review was a sweet surprise to find. It’s from my best friend, Janine, and she says, “If you are looking to get a little deeper in your faith, add this podcast to your list! Elle breaks down the scriptures in such an easy way to understand. The truths she shares are biblically sound and can be applied to our daily life. Give it a listen today!” Let me just take a second to acknowledge how special and wonderful it is to have a best friend who cheers you on every step of the way. Janine has encouraged me in my call to online women’s ministry for years now. She’s held me accountable, reminded me of all that God has done and is doing when I find myself feeling down over not being where I would like to be with it all, and she has encouraged me and rooted for the work God is doing in me and through the heart of Daughter of Delight in ways no one else has. I’m so stinking grateful for her! And to those of you who are listening, I pray you have a friend like this as well. Because it’s truly a gift. Alright, are you ready to talk about the new self? Let’s do it, sis.
The Old Self
First and foremost, it’s important for us to walk into this conversation with an understanding of the old self. The old self is the daily battle we have against the desires of our flesh. It’s doing self-centered things for the sake of self. Jesus isn’t in the picture. He’s not at the heart of the matter because the heart of the old self is dark and alienated from God. The old self desires recognition and approval, power, comfort, and security, and will engage in sinful behavior that it thinks will fulfill those desires. We’ve all been there, and we’re all tempted to go there again, perhaps on a daily basis- because the fight against the flesh is very real and very hard. Only through Christ can we fight is as victors.Now, can you guess what the cure to the old self is? Yep, it’s Jesus! Christ is the cure. The only cure. Only He can give us the things we long for and truly need.
Ephesians 4:17-24
In Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul says, “17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (ESV).Alright, so now that we have a pretty good visual of the old self, let’s transition into our discussion of the new self that Paul just mentioned.
About Colossians
The passage we will be taking a look at for the rest of our time together today in the book of Colossians. Before we take a look at this letter, I want to share some key pieces of historical and contextual information. First of all, this letter was written by Paul and it was for the church of Colossae. The Christians Paul addresses in this letter were struggling with living immersed in a culture that still honored some Old Testament ceremonial laws. Paul wrote this epistle, or letter, to help the Christians of Colossae understand that their only way to gain acceptance before God was through Christ and Christ alone. Christ’s death accomplished what they were trying to through these Old Testament laws that no longer mattered. He was the atonement. And while there was still room for spiritual maturation, they were already “in Christ.” And that’s what they were missing.
A Victim of Bad Theology
I don’t know if you have ever been a victim of bad theology, but I was. In fact, up until my early college years, I believed that my way to gaining God’s acceptance was making sure I crossed all my t’s and dotted all my i’s. I believed there was no room for failure in His eyes and so I lived in this toxic and manipulative mindset- for years. I’m so thankful God delivered me from it because now I can testify to the truth that this is NOT the God we serve! The beauty of the gospel is that, because of Christ, and in Christ, we have received what we do not deserve...the compassion, forgiveness, grace, and love of God and, thanks be to God, eternal life with Him!Although Paul wrote this letter for the Christians of Colossae, it’s teachings are timeless and remain very applicable for us today.
Putting on the New Self is a Daily Choice
The first thing I want to say is although I’m doing a fun little New Year, New Self episode, the call to put on the new self is something we should be mindful of daily. It's not a New Year goal we’re talking about here. It’s a biblical call to put on the new self. And here’s the good news in that- putting on the new self is not something we have to work to attain. In Christ, we are a new creation. This identity is already ours to bear. However, with it comes responsibility. And that’s what we are really going to focus on today- practical implications for how to put on the new self and keep it on. Because it is a choice, and I pray it’s a choice you make each and every day for the sake of Christ. Now is a good time for us to go ahead and take a look at our passage, so open your Bible to Colossians 3 and let’s dive in. I'll be reading verses 1-17 from the ESV translation.
Colossians 3:1-17
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.[c] 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”What a rich and straightforward passage. Paul just gave us the lay of the land, sis! Let’s walk through it together.
How to Put on the New Self
Set Your Mind on Things Above
Take a look at verse 2 with me: Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Now, skip to verse 5 with me: Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, what is idolatry.Ah, how easy it is to be distracted by the things of this world. It’s a daily battle, and one I lose more often than I would like to admit. I think part of the reason I struggle with placing the things of this world and the desires of our flesh over our great God is because they can be seen with the human eye, whereas, as Hebrews 11:1 says, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (ESV). Now, I’m not saying this as an excuse, because nothing can or should excuse our sin.
Feed Your Soul with the Word
But I am saying that setting our mind on the things that are above...the things that cannot be seen with the eye...is hard. So let’s not discount that. But let’s also not discount the truth that it’s worth it. So very worth it. And let me let you in on a little secret that’s actually no secret at all! The very best way to prioritize God, make decisions that honor God and live with your mind set on the things that are holy, right, and good is to feed your heart, mind, and soul with God’s Word. If you need some accountability to help get you started and to help ensure you are studying and interpreting Scripture accordingly, check out my free 5-day series called Rooted.
Watch Your Mouth
Looking at verse 8, we are told to keep anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from our mouths and verse 9 tells us not to lie.This immediately makes me recall James 3, which is all about taming the tongue.Our tongues, although they may be small, are capable of creating great disasters. When it is not controlled, the tongue is like a fire that rages out of control. The words that roll off of it have the power to bless and to curse, to create and to destroy. What we do with it matters.
Strengthened By the Spirit
Because of the power of God’s spirit in us, we have access to special wisdom and strength that allows us to be more mindful of what we say. In episode 13, we talk all about this, in addition to 5 helpful ways to tame your tongue. If you haven’t heard this specific episode or if you’re struggling with your tongue right now, I highly recommend you giving episode 13 a listen! What I want to share about these verses is to remember the cost. Our tongues don’t weigh much, but the words that leave them can weigh someone down. Think before you speak, sis. And ask yourself, Are my words truthful and rooted in love? Is what I want to say necessary? Are my words filled with pride? Are my words meant to edify? If I say them, will these words be seasoned with salt? Will my words point others to Christ?
Live Like Christ is YOur All in All, Because He Is
Alright, now let’s take a look at verses 10-11: And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, scythian, slave, free, but Christ is all, and in all. And there it is, sis. Christ is our all in all! He is God, He is the head of the church, and He has reconciled us to Him. It doesn’t matter if you’re Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, scythian, slave, or free. What Paul is saying here is that Christ has broken down all of the social barriers that separate people from each other. Christ came to do away with these very things, and that He did! In Him, we are one and the same- children of a great, great God. Be thankful for who He is in you and through you!
Wear Qualities That Bear the Image of Christ
Next up are verses 12 through 14: Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.Each of the qualities I just read are spoken within the context of relationships. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we have an obligation toward one another. In fact, a significant measure of the Christian life is found in how we treat people and the quality of our relationships with them.
Acknowledge the challenge to Forgive
I would argue that one of the most difficult qualities to wear well is that of forgiveness. My goodness, it can be hard to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply. It can even feel impossible because the pain itself is unbearable. I’ve been there. But here’s what I’ve learned from being in that place. When you take the time to focus on viewing forgiveness through the lens of how often we need God’s forgiveness and grace--because, let’s be honest, we need it daily--and when you take on a Kingdom-minded perspective with it, forgiveness feels closer...it becomes possible. And that’s because the forgiveness we are called to in Christ comes from the power of Him in us...it’s not a quality we can attain without Him. We are so undeserving, sis.
We Are Co-Laborers with Christ
Yet God, in His great love for us, not only gave us His one and only son who would make way for us to be forgiven of our every sin and offer us gift of eternal life, but He loves us so much that He delights in making His strength our own; He delights in enabling us to forgive others as He has forgiven us. He made the first move so that we could follow suit, and thanks be to God for that.Sis, as we come to know Christ better, we are enabled to wear compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love better. 1 Corinthians 3:9 tells us we are co-laborers with Christ, and what a beautiful truth this is! May we run to the Father, enter His loving embrace, and seek to make more of Christ! Amen, amen, amen.
Let the Peace of Christ Rule and Reign in Your Heart
Verse 15: And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. You want to know something special about the peace of Christ? In Christ, and because of Christ, His peace is something that is always accessible. God’s peace is something that the Lord longs to see characterize the church as a whole. He delights when His peace is the very thing that rules and reigns in our hearts. Peace is a good gift! It’s not something God will ever keep from you, no matter the circumstances you may face in this life.The question is, though, will you choose it? Will you cling to it and continue to praise His name when life throws a major curveball or setback your way? His peace surpasses all understanding and it soothes our weary souls in ways words cannot describe. Claim it, sis. It is forever and always yours!
Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You
Verse 16: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Here is what Paul is saying: The new self walks in the word of God and in worship with other believers. As one commentator puts it, “The word of Christ is to dwell in us so richly that it finds spontaneous expression in religious song in the Christian assemblies or the home.” What a beautiful illustration of the church body this is. The name of the Lord is greatly to be praised! I can only imagine the praises that will ensue in eternity. The ways in which we worship Him here in the meantime are but a mere taste of it, I have no doubt. May we be proactive participants of singing His praises with thankfulness in our hearts to Him for all of our days!
Do All Things for the Glory of God
Finally, let’s take a look at verse 17: And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”What a charge! Everything we do or say should be done and said in the name of Jesus.That may feel like a whole lot of pressure, but this is not a charge that’s intended to weigh us down. It’s a charge that will lead us into the freedom Christ offers His own! Sis, through Christ Jesus, you are a new creation! This means you are dead to sin, you are alive in Christ, you are forgiven and declared righteous. You are a child of God, His precious treasure. And who you are in Him gives you the strength to combat our human nature--our fleshly desires--to seek recognition, power, comfort, security, or approval from things outside of Him.
Truths For the New Self
Repeat after me:I am deeply loved by my great God.The peace of Christ is my peace.I am empowered by my Father to live for Him.I am secure in Christ.In Christ, His strength is my strength.In Christ, I am FREE! When you find yourself tempted to fall back into the ways of your old self, run to the Father. Repent and ask Him for the strength to keep running into His arms; to have the strength to put the temptations of your flesh to death on a daily basis.
We Will Fail
We will fail at making more of Christ. A lot. And that’s just the fact of the matter. But God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness will cover us every step of the way. What Christ accomplished for us on the cross quite literally paved the way for us. Because of it, when God looks at us, He sees perfection. This is called imputed righteousness, and just like everything else we have received from Christ Jesus, it is completely undeserved. Goodness, how blessed we are to be called children of Christ! Because we belong to Him, we can trust that the power of His spirit in us will convict and correct us along the way. Without it, we would be so lost. With it, we are able to be more mindful of making more of Christ and seeking out opportunities to help grow the Kingdom.
Questions for the New Self
So, before doing anything, ask yourself: Can I do this and call upon the name of Jesus? Can I do this and ask for His help?And before saying anything, ask yourself: Can I speak this and the name of Jesus both in the same breath? Can I speak this in confidence, knowing He will hear it? Ask yourself these powerful, accountability-driven questions for every word and deed. You’ll be so glad you did.
That's It!
And this is how you put on the new self! I know we just covered a lot, so if you are feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath! Know that God’s grace will carry you and cover you, through and through. If anything, let this excite you moving forward! We are called to so many wonderful things as children of God. We have so many good and unending gifts from Him. What a blessing it is to know that our hope is in the One who calls us His. We’re all hoping that 2021 will be a better year. Because nothing can be worse than 2020, right? Well..wrong. And I think it’s important for us to be mindful of that. It may be a better year, but it also may not be. And even if it’s not, God is still good. The Christian life doesn’t promise comfort and ease. But it does promise hope and life everlasting.
A Prayer for the New Self
And it’s my prayer for us all that the unwavering hope of Christ would lead us each day to put on the new self and make the most out of everything this life offers, for the sake of Christ. That we would daily be so overwhelmed by the Father’s great love for us that the idea of running into His loving embrace would not be associated by a sense of hesitancy in the face of temptation. We know who we belong to. Let’s put on the new self and live like it. Let’s rejoice in all that He has done, is doing, and will do.Amen, amen, and amen.
Thank You
Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode of the Daughter of Delight podcast. I’m so glad and grateful you did and that you are a part of the Daughter of Delight community.I pray this episode encouraged you to put on the new self and do away with the old...because, sis, the new self is so much better! If you enjoyed this episode, would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Or, if you’ve already left a review, would you share this with a friend? Your support is a very special way for you to partner with me in making more of Christ. It is truly so invaluable and so appreciated. Have a Happy New Year and I will talk with you next Wednesday. Bye for now!