The New Man in Christ: A Transformation of Heart and Habit
Introduction
A. The Reality of Conversion The "New Man" in Christ is not the result of a New Year's resolution or a superficial self-help program. It is the miraculous result of a true conversion—an internal transformation operated by the Holy Spirit. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
B. A Shift in Focus The Christian life cannot remain tethered to the graveyard of earthly passions. We are called to a higher plane. Holiness is not merely an option; it is our destination.
C. The Apostolic Blueprint In Colossians 3:1-15, the Apostle Paul provides a vivid "before and after" picture. He outlines two monumental responsibilities for every believer:
1. What we must seek: Our new spiritual orientation.
2. What we must shed: The removal of the "old clothes" of sin.
I. The New Man Seeks the Things Above
(Colossians 3:1–4)
A. A Resurrected Condition
Paul begins with a conditional statement: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ..." (v. 1).
• This spiritual resurrection is symbolized and sealed in baptism. In Romans 6:3-4, Paul explains that we were buried with Him through baptism into death so that we might walk in "newness of life."
• Doctrinal Point: Baptism is not a hollow ritual; it marks the funeral of the old self and the birth of the new. If we have truly "risen," it must be visible in our daily conduct.
B. A New Orientation
We are commanded to "set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (v. 2).
• The Temporal vs. The Eternal: Earthly things are passing away (1 John 2:15-17) and are inherently insecure (Matthew 6:19-20).
• The Hidden Life: Our real life is now "hidden with Christ in God" (v. 3). Like a seed buried in the soil, the world may not see the full glory of the believer yet, but our source of life is secure in the heavenly places.
C. A Glorious Hope
The motivation for this upward focus is the return of our King. When Christ is manifested, we will share in His glory (v. 4). The New Man lives in a state of active expectation, looking past the horizon of this world toward the coming Kingdom.
II. The New Man Put to Death the Earthly Nature
(Colossians 3:5–7)
Seeking "things above" is impossible if we are still embracing the rot of "things below." Paul uses violent language here: "Put to death" (Mortify).
A. The Execution List (v. 5)
1. Sexual Immorality (Fornication): Any sexual activity outside the covenant of marriage.
2. Impurity: Moral uncleanness in thought and speech.
3. Lust and Evil Desires: Uncontrolled passions for that which is forbidden.
4. Greed (Avarice): Paul defines this as idolatry. It is the act of trusting in material gain more than in God.
B. A Solemn Warning (v. 6)
We must not play with sin, for "the wrath of God is coming" upon the disobedient. Scripture is clear: it is a "dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31).
C. Things of the Past (v. 7)
Paul reminds the Colossians that these sins were part of their former life. They are "dirty laundry" that should produce shame (Romans 6:21) and should not even be named among the saints (Ephesians 5:12).
III. The New Man Put on the Character of Christ
(Colossians 3:8–15)
The Christian life is not just about "taking off"; it is about "putting on." We do not remain naked; we clothe ourselves with the virtues of our Savior.
A. Descarding the Old Rags (vv. 8–9)
We must cast aside: Anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. We must also stop lying to one another, for the "Old Man" thrived on deception, but the "New Man" dwells in the truth.
B. The New Wardrobe (vv. 10–12)
We are being renewed in the image of our Creator. In this new humanity, there is no room for racial or social prejudice (v. 11); Christ is all and in all. As God’s chosen, holy, and dearly loved people, we put on:
• Tender Compassion: Like the Good Samaritan who saw a need and acted.
• Kindness: Active, useful goodness toward others.
• Humility: The honest recognition that we are nothing without Christ.
• Gentleness: Strength under control; power tempered by love.
• Patience (Longsuffering): The ability to endure difficult people and situations without retaliation.
C. Restored Relationships (v. 13)
The New Man is a person of peace. We are called to "bear with each other" and "forgive one another." The standard is high: Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Failure to forgive is a sign that one has not truly grasped the New Life (Matthew 6:14-15).
D. The Supreme Virtue (vv. 14–15)
Above all these virtues, we put on Love, which binds everything together in perfect unity.
• The Peace of Christ: This peace must act as an "umpire" in our hearts, making the final call in our conflicts.
• Thankfulness: Regardless of the storm, the New Man is characterized by a heart of gratitude.
- What was the role of Mary in the Bible?
- How to Help Our Children Face Life's Crises
- Why Must We Long for Spiritual Things?
Conclusion
If we claim to have "resurrected with Christ," the proof must be in the "walking."
• Are you still wearing the tattered, filthy rags of your old life?
• Is your mind fixed on the dust of the earth or the glory of the throne?
Conversion is not a finish line; it is a starting blocks. Today, let us determine to put to death what is earthly and clothe ourselves in the beautiful, holy character of Jesus Christ.
