How to Fight Against Sin: A 5-Day Devotion From ColossiansSample

DAY 5: Put on the New Self

While Colossians 3:5-11 clearly demonstrates both the need to live differently as Christians and the behaviors that should be put to death in our lives, what should replace them? Based on the text, we know how not to live, but what does the “new self” look like? The commands of Colossians 3:12-17 sketch this out for us.

Preempting this description, Paul reminds us of our identity: “God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved” (v. 12). We’re wanted by God and chosen—like Israel in the Old Testament—to live for Him and to be witnesses to the world about Him (1 Pet. 2:9-10). We’re holy, set apart from the world by God for God, and we’re dearly loved by Him.

Our relationship with God defines us. We’re either His enemies or His children, and His children should live in a way that accurately reflects whose they are, which includes being:

Compassionate (v. 12)

Kind (v. 12)

Humble (v. 12)

Gentle (v. 12)

Patient (v. 12)

Forbearing (v. 13)

Forgiving(v. 13)

Loving (v. 14)

God acts in these ways toward us, and we should act in these ways toward others. This is who God is, and this should be who we are as His children. However, these behaviors do not just occur within us. They’re cultivated and practiced. 

In addition to putting on the behaviors of vv. 12-14, we’re to let Christ’s peace “rule in our hearts” (v. 15). Coming on the heels of patience, forbearance, forgiveness, and love, Paul’s mention of peace likely references peace among believers rather than an internal peace. Differences in personalities, interests, and convictions may abound among God’s children, but we’re all part of the same family. We’re all part of the body of Christ, and we’re to pursue peace, not division. Peace is supposed to be the umpire in our hearts, the deciding factor when we clash with one another about nonessentials in the faith.

Thankfulness should also be a practice of God’s people (v. 15). Practicing gratitude reminds us of God’s promises and faithfulness in our lives, but it also motivates us to obey and builds our joy, as does letting Christ’s Word dwell in us (v. 16). 

As a summation of all the previous commands, Paul urges believers to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 17). Whatever we say or do, we’re to do it unto the Lord and do it with thanksgiving. As you decide how to live today, do your words, attitudes, and actions accurately reflect the Christ you claim to follow? What is the Christ-honoring action in your current situation? When in doubt of what putting on the new self looks like, this is a helpful question to ask!

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