Read: Colossians 3:8–11; Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22–24

Summary

• Paul describes a clear change between the old life and the new life in Christ.
  
  
• Because believers are raised with Christ, their present life must be different from the past.
  
  
• The word “now” emphasizes this decisive transformation.
  
  
• Just as earthly sins were put to death, harmful attitudes must also be removed.
  
  
• Paul lists anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech, and lying.
  
  
• These behaviors belong to the “old man,” the life controlled by sin.
  
  
• The old man represents the former sinful nature and way of living.
  
  
• Conversion means putting off this old life like removing worn-out clothes.
  
  
• Believers are then clothed with the “new man,” a life shaped by Christ.
  
  
• This new life reflects the character of Jesus.
  
  
• Through Christ we are renewed in knowledge and understanding.
  
  
• Growing in knowledge of Christ transforms the believer’s character.
  
  
• This renewal restores God’s image within us.
  
  
• In Christ, barriers of race, culture, and social status lose their importance.
  
  
• All believers share the same new identity as members of God’s kingdom.
  
  

Question

• What does it mean to put off the old man and put on the new man?
  
  

Answer

• It means leaving the old sinful way of life and allowing Christ to renew our character and thinking.
  
  

Reflection

• What attitudes or habits from your old life does God want you to remove?
  
  

Takeaway

• True conversion replaces the old life of sin with a new life shaped by Christ’s character.