“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (Colossians 3:9-11)

The biblical concept of putting on the "new self" is a beautiful illustration of effortless change. It’s a powerful picture of what God’s Spirit will do in you—He will change you from the inside out. I grew up in the church, so this idea of taking off the ‘old self’ is familiar. But I realize a statement like this can be somewhat shocking. What does it even mean? Understanding this concept is crucial, as it’s some of the best advice for anyone seeking true transformation.

Paul previously commented that submitting to rules as a way to change was a human approach destined to fail (Colossians 2:20-22). It is vital that we pay attention to God’s way, a path that leads to genuine, lasting freedom.

Taking Off the Old Self

The Bible instructs us to take off the old self, which is the part of us that clings to the desires of our sinful nature. The idea behind this is one of separating from, spoiling, and stripping away something that is old and no longer useful.

The Greek word Paul uses for “taken off” (apekdyomai) is fascinating. It appears only one other time in the New Testament—in Colossians 2:15, where it describes how Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities arrayed against Him. At His death, Jesus completely defeated these spiritual forces by stripping them of their power. He “made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15b). He didn't just push them aside; He stripped them of their power and claimed total victory.

This is the very same idea behind putting off the old self. Paul tells us that our earthly nature, with its anger, greed, and lust, will assault us (vs. 5-8). But we have been given the same power to overcome it. We can spoil, strip, and remove its power over us. When you put off the old self, you are declaring its power null and void in your life, giving you the advantage and the victory.

Putting On the New Self

So, how do we do this? Paul continues, “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:10).

If the cross is where Jesus defeated His enemies, then the cross is where our new life begins as well. His victory is not just a historical event; it is a present reality for us. We access this victory by living in the power of the Spirit. As Paul says elsewhere, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Galatians 5:16).

It is a process. You were made new at the moment of salvation, but experiencing the fullness of this newness happens in stages. The Amplified Bible describes the new self as being “ever in the process of being renewed and remolded.” Just as you get dressed every morning, you can intentionally equip yourself to continually put on this new self.

Here are a few ways to embrace this renewal:

1. Know Your Resources: Peter writes, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him” (2 Peter 1:3). To escape the pull of the old nature, you must know the promises available to you. This knowledge equips you for a life of godliness through the power He provides.

2. Let the Word Transform You: Paul urges us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). The Word of God has the power to change you from the inside out. When you constantly remind yourself of who you are in Christ, you are actively putting on the new self.

3. Choose Holiness: Peter also says, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:14-15). Sometimes, putting on the new self requires a conscious choice to do what is right, even when it’s not popular. We are called to be holy because He is holy.

4. Imitate Christ: Paul gives us the ultimate model: “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us” (Ephesians 5:1-2). This is the beautiful application of this truth. When we focus on Christ, the things that divide us begin to fade. Paul says, “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (Colossians 3:11). The more we imitate Christ, the more these earthly distinctions dissolve, leaving only unity. This is the goal.

Live in Your New Identity

Your new self has been created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. It is not something you have to create, but something you are invited to live into. The old self wants to keep you chained to past failures and worldly standards, but you have been given the power to strip it of its authority.

Today, may you be made new in the attitude of your mind. May you intentionally put on the new self, embracing the freedom and purpose that comes from being renewed in the image of your Creator.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. Paul describes "putting off the old self" as actively stripping it of its power. What is one "old self" practice that you feel still has a grip on you, and how can you intentionally "strip it of power" this week?

2. The blog post explains that we put on the new self by renewing our minds with God's Word. What truth about your new identity in Christ do you need to remind yourself of today to live more fully in His image?

3. In Christ, distinctions like race, status, or background disappear. Is there a person or group you find it difficult to see as "one in Christ"? How can imitating Christ's love help dissolve that barrier in your heart?