Spiritual Nuggets - Clothed in Righteousness: Putting on the New Self

 Spiritual Nuggets  
Clothed in Righteousness: Putting on the New Self  

Colossians 3:9-10  

(Thursday, September 12, 2024)  

Daily Devotional

“Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.” —Colossians 3:9-10 (NASB)

 (Historical Context)  

Transformation through Clothing in Ancient Cultures

In ancient times, clothing carried deep symbolic meaning, signifying one’s identity, social status, and purity. In Jewish culture, priests would put on sacred garments before entering the Temple, symbolizing their holiness and readiness to serve God (Exodus 28:2-4). Similarly, in Roman society, clothing often marked a person's status or office, such as a soldier’s armor, which represented strength and readiness for battle.

Paul draws from this familiar symbolism to describe the transformation believers experience through Christ. The act of putting off the old self (Greek: palaion anthropon, παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον) signifies casting away sinful nature, while putting on the new self (Greek: neon anthropon, νέον ἄνθρωπον) reflects a total spiritual renewal, ongoing and marked by a continual deepening in the knowledge of God.

Paul also echoes the biblical concept from Genesis, where after Adam and Eve’s sin, God provided them with garments to cover their nakedness, foreshadowing the righteousness of Christ that would one day clothe us and cover our sin (Genesis 3:21).

 (Theological and Typological Significance)  

The Old Self vs. The New Self

The old self (palaion anthropon) is the corrupted version of humanity, driven by sinful desires and evil practices, inherited from Adam. This nature is spiritually dead, hostile to God, and incapable of pleasing Him. Paul urges believers to decisively "lay aside" this old self, like one would discard worn-out, filthy garments. The Greek word apekduomai (ἀπεκδύομαι, Strong’s G554) describes this action, meaning to take off or strip away completely.

The new self (neon anthropon) represents a total transformation, created in the likeness of Christ and continually renewed. This renewal is not static; it’s a dynamic process through which believers are being conformed to the image of Christ. Just as a priest in the Old Testament changed into holy garments, the believer now puts on the righteousness of Christ, which enables a new way of living—marked by holiness, love, and truth.

This theological concept is vividly portrayed in the Old Testament: In Isaiah 61:10, the prophet speaks of God clothing His people with "garments of salvation" and "robes of righteousness." This Old Testament imagery is fully realized in Christ, as believers are clothed in His righteousness and empowered to walk in newness of life.

 (Nugget of the Day)  

Living in Your New Identity

To "put on the new self" means embracing the fullness of who Christ has made you to be. This new identity is rooted in righteousness, and it demands that we live differently, think differently, and love differently. Just as new clothes signify a fresh start, putting on Christ’s righteousness reflects a transformation in how we live.

As we grow in the knowledge of God, our new self is continually being renewed, shaped to reflect His character. This renewal is not a one-time event but a daily decision to walk in the Spirit and reject the old ways of the flesh.

 Exploring Key Greek Terms and Concepts

Old Self (Palaion Anthropon, παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον)  

The old self refers to the sinful nature that existed before Christ’s transforming work. The Greek word palaion (Strong’s G3820) refers to something ancient, obsolete, or decaying—like a set of old, tattered clothes no longer fit to wear. This self is driven by corrupt desires and is alienated from God.

New Self (Neon Anthropon, νέον ἄνθρωπον)  

The new self is a completely renewed nature, created in the likeness of Christ. The word neon (Strong’s G3501) conveys something fresh, new, and unprecedented. This is not merely an improved version of the old but a complete transformation—a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Renewal (Anakainosis, ἀνακαίνωσις)  

Anakainosis (Strong’s G341) means a continual renovation or transformation. In this context, it refers to the ongoing spiritual process of being renewed into the image of God. This renewal happens as we grow in our knowledge of Christ and align our lives more closely with His truth.

True Knowledge (Epignosis, ἐπίγνωσις)  

The Greek term epignosis (Strong’s G1922) signifies a deep, full, and experiential knowledge of God, beyond mere intellectual understanding. As we grow in epignosis, we are transformed by this relationship into the image of Christ.

Image (Eikon, εἰκών)  

Eikon (Strong’s G1504) means "image" or "likeness." Just as a coin bears the image of a ruler, believers are called to bear the image of Christ. This transformation involves more than external change—it’s about becoming more like Christ in thought, word, and deed.

 Typological Parallel: Garments and Spiritual Renewal

Garments of Identity  

In many cultures, garments symbolized one’s identity. The Roman soldier wore armor to reflect his readiness for battle, and priests wore specific robes to signify their consecration to God. Paul draws on this metaphor to describe the believer’s new identity in Christ. By putting on the new self, believers signal a total transformation of identity.

Isaiah’s Garments of Salvation  

Isaiah 61:10 speaks of being clothed in "garments of salvation" and "robes of righteousness." This typology foreshadows the believer's new life in Christ, where the old, sinful nature is replaced by the righteousness and holiness of God.

The Wedding Garment  

Jesus uses the parable of the wedding feast to highlight the importance of being properly "clothed" (Matthew 22:1-14). In the kingdom of God, we are invited to wear the wedding garment of Christ’s righteousness, symbolizing our readiness to enter the kingdom and participate in the feast.

 (Delving Deeper: Exploring the Greek and Typology)

The Removal of the Old Self

 (Palaion Anthropon)  

The old self represents the sinful and corrupt nature inherited from Adam. Paul emphasizes that this old self must be completely "put off" (apekduomai, ἀπεκδύομαι), a word meaning to strip away or disarm. This language mirrors what Christ did to the rulers and authorities in Colossians 2:15—just as Christ disarmed the powers of darkness, believers must disarm their old, sinful nature.

Renewal and Growth (Anakainosis)  

Renewal, or anakainosis, is a process of continuous transformation, not a one-time event. The believer is "being renewed" in knowledge, which points to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in conforming us to Christ. The term anakainosis implies a complete renovation, making something entirely new, like renovating an old building from the ground up.

Putting On the New Self (Enduo Neon Anthropon)  

The act of putting on (enduo, ἐνδύω) the new self is like donning a new set of clothes. This image echoes the practice of baptism, where believers would put on white robes to signify their new life in Christ. The new self, created in the likeness of God, reflects His holiness and righteousness.

Bearing the Image of Christ (Eikon)  

Eikon means that we are not just imitators but actual reflections of Christ’s image. This is the ultimate goal of our transformation: to reflect the glory and character of Jesus. Our renewal in knowledge (epignosis) enables us to bear His image more fully as we grow in our relationship with Him.

 (Practical Application)

This passage calls us to live out the reality of our transformation in Christ. We are no longer enslaved to the old self, but we must actively engage in the process of renewal by seeking God’s truth, growing in our knowledge of Him, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. Just as we change clothes daily, we must daily choose to put on the new self and walk in righteousness.

 Reflect

Are there areas in your life where you are still clinging to the old self? What steps can you take today to cast off the old garments of sin and embrace the new identity that Christ has given you? Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in the process of renewal, continually shaping you into the image of Christ.

 Act

Each day, take a few moments to reflect on the new self that you’ve put on in Christ. Seek God’s guidance in renewing your mind, and let the Holy Spirit continue transforming your heart, thoughts, and actions. Identify one area where you can actively reject the old self and embrace the new self today. Pray for the strength to live in your new identity, clothed in Christ

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