Colossians 3:10
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easily missed here is that this "new self" isn't a static identity, but something actively being renewed. The original language emphasizes a continuous process of transformation, meaning this "newness" is always in development, constantly being shaped into God's likeness through increasing knowledge.
Paul has just instructed believers to put off their old ways of living, like sexual immorality and greed, which are rooted in the "old self." Now, he explains the positive side: they've "put on" a "new self" that's actively being renewed. This renewal happens through a growing understanding of God, making them more like their Creator.
Have you ever felt like you're wearing an old, ill-fitting coat? The Bible talks about shedding that old identity and putting on something entirely new. But what does that really mean for us today?
The Apostle Paul uses a powerful metaphor here: 'putting on the new self.' This isn't just about making a few minor adjustments to your life; it's a complete identity change. Think of it like changing clothes – you take off the old, worn-out garments that no longer fit and put on fresh, new ones.
We're told the new self is 'renewed in knowledge.' What kind of knowledge are we talking about, and how does it help us look more like God?
The transformation into the new self isn't static; it's a continuous process of renewal, specifically 'in knowledge.' This knowledge isn't just accumulating facts; it's a deep, transformative understanding that aligns us with God's truth.
Understand the original words
neos anthrōpos · Greek Noun Phrase
The new nature given to a believer through union with Christ. It is a radical transformation of the inner man, created to reflect the character and holiness of God.
anakainoutai · Greek Verb
An ongoing process of spiritual transformation where the Holy Spirit continually conforms the believer’s mind, will, and character to be more like Christ.
epignōsis · Greek Noun
An experiential, relational, and transformative understanding of God and His truth. It is not mere intellectual assent but a deep, personal knowledge that shapes the life of the believer.
eikōn · Greek Noun
The representation or manifestation of God in human form; as believers are renewed, they are progressively restored to bear the character and moral likeness of God, their Maker.
This passage describes God's initial creation of humanity in His own image and likeness, setting the foundational concept for the 'new self' being renewed after that same divine image.
Ephesians 4:23-24Paul echoes the idea of putting off the old self and being renewed in the spirit of your minds, and putting on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness, directly paralleling the Colossian verse's theme.
Romans 12:2This verse speaks of being transformed by the renewal of your mind, which aligns with the 'renewed in knowledge' aspect of the new self, suggesting a continuous process of change.
2 Corinthians 4:16This passage highlights that while the outer self is wasting away, the inner self is being renewed day by day, emphasizing the ongoing, internal renewal that characterizes the 'new self'.
1 John 4:7This verse connects loving one another with originating from God, reflecting how the 'new self,' renewed in God's image, naturally expresses divine attributes like love and righteousness.
henryColossians 3:5-11: "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:"
3:5-11 It is our duty to mortify our members which incline to the things of the world. Mortify them, kill them, suppress them, as weeds or vermin which spread and destroy all about them. Continual opposition must be made to all corrupt workings, and no provision made for carnal indulgences. Occasions of sin must be…
barnesColossians 3:10: "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:"
Which is renewed in knowledge - In Ephesians 4:24 , it is said that the new man is "created after God in righteousness and true holiness." In this place it is added that to the renewed soul knowledge is imparted, and it is made in that respect as man was when he was first created. This passage, in connection with Ephesians 4:24 , proves that before man fell he was endowed with…
What's easily missed here is that this "new self" isn't a static identity, but something actively being renewed. The original language emphasizes a continuous process of transformation, meaning this "newness" is always in development, constantly being shaped into God's likeness through increasing knowledge.
Paul has just instructed believers to put off their old ways of living, like sexual immorality and greed, which are rooted in the "old self." Now, he explains the positive side: they've "put on" a "new self" that's actively being renewed. This renewal happens through a growing understanding of God, making them more like their Creator.
Paul has just instructed believers to put off their old ways of living, like sexual immorality and greed, which are rooted in the "old self." Now, he explains the positive side: they've "put on" a "new self" that's actively being renewed. This renewal happens through a growing understanding of God, making them more like their Creator.
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"and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." — What's easily missed here is that this "new self" isn't a static identity, but something actively being renewed. The original language emphasizes a continuous process of transformation, meaning thi…
