Clothing Yourself With Newness

Scripture Focus: Colossians 3:9–10

“…put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (NIV)

Devotional Thought

Wearing something new can change how you feel, how you walk, even how you think about yourself. Paul says sanctification works the same way.

Interpretation

Paul urges believers to stop lying to one another because they have already put off the old self — corrupted by deceitful desires — and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. This "newness" describes an ongoing process of sanctification, where the Holy Spirit progressively transforms believers through free response to God's grace, conforming them to Christ's character without erasing the call to active obedience. In this covenantal renewal, Scripture emphasizes clothing oneself with this fresh identity as a communal reality in Christ, where ethnic, status, or national barriers dissolve before God who is over all, fostering unity in holy living.

Contemporary Relevance

God forms Christlike character through daily choices — what we feed, what we resist, and what we embrace. Sanctification is the Spirit empowering us to grow into the identity God has already given us. Transformation becomes evident as we consistently dress ourselves in ways of living that reflect Jesus.

Quote of the Day

“To put on the new self is to embrace a continual renewal shaped by God’s knowledge and love.” — A. W. Tozer

Reflection Question

What “old self” habit or pattern is God calling you to release so you can grow into the new identity He has given you?

Prayer Prompt

Ask God to strengthen your new identity and renew you in His image.

• Copyright 2026 by Steven Chapman. Used by permission.