PUTTING ON THE NEW MAN

PUTTING ON THE NEW MAN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 4:20-24

Key Verse: “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” — Ephesians 4:24 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4; Colossians 3:9-10; Galatians 3:27; Romans 13:14; Ephesians 4:22-24.

Description: This message teaches believers how to live out their new identity in Christ by abandoning their former sinful ways and embracing righteousness, holiness and Christlike character.

INTRODUCTION

The Christian life is more than changing religious affiliations, attending church services or adopting new routines. It is a life transformed by Jesus Christ. When we receive Christ, we become new creatures in Him, and we are called to demonstrate this new life through our character, attitudes, words and conduct.

In Ephesians 4:22-24, Apostle Paul presents three important responsibilities of the believer: putting off the old man, being renewed in the spirit of the mind, and putting on the new man. These three instructions are connected. We cannot effectively embrace the new life while deliberately holding on to the sinful practices of our former life. God calls us to leave the old behind and live according to the new identity we have received in Christ.

Putting on the new man means allowing the character of Jesus Christ to become increasingly visible in our daily lives. It means choosing truth instead of falsehood, purity instead of corruption, love instead of hatred, forgiveness instead of bitterness, and obedience instead of rebellion. The new man is created according to God in righteousness and true holiness. Therefore, every believer must continually yield to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to become more like Christ.

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR NEW IDENTITY IN CHRIST

Before we can live as new people, we must understand who we have become through Jesus Christ. Many believers continue to live under the influence of their past because they have not fully embraced their new identity. They remember their failures more than God's grace and allow former habits to define their expectations.

Putting on the new man begins with recognising that Christ has given us a new standing before God and calls us to live in accordance with that new identity.

a) You are a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

When a person comes to Christ, God begins a new work in that person's life. The believer is no longer required to remain under the control of the old sinful way of living.

Your past may explain some of your struggles, but it does not have to determine your future. Through repentance, faith and the grace of God, you can begin to walk in a new direction.

b) You have been raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4)

Christ's resurrection gives believers the basis for a transformed life. We are called to walk in newness of life, not to return continually to the practices from which Christ has delivered us.

The new life should be evident in our priorities, relationships, decisions and attitudes. Christianity is not merely a confession of faith; it is a daily walk with the risen Lord.

c) You must no longer be controlled by your past (Philippians 3:13-14)

Paul refused to allow the past to prevent him from pursuing God's purpose. Although we should learn from past mistakes, we must not remain imprisoned by shame, regret or former achievements.

If you have sinned, repent and receive God's forgiveness. If you have failed, learn and rise again. Put your attention on following Christ faithfully and fulfilling His purpose for your life.

d) Christ must become the centre of your life (Galatians 2:20)

Paul declared that Christ lived in him. This means that the Christian life is no longer governed solely by personal desires, ambitions or preferences. Christ becomes the centre of our choices and the pattern for our conduct.

Putting on the new man requires surrender. We must allow Jesus to influence how we handle money, treat our families, conduct business, exercise leadership and respond to difficult people.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, and his attitude towards wealth and wrongdoing changed. He promised to give to the poor and make restitution to those he had defrauded. His response demonstrates that a genuine encounter with Christ should produce practical changes in a person's life.

2. PUT OFF THE OLD MAN COMPLETELY

Putting on the new man requires a decisive rejection of the old way of life. Ephesians 4:22 describes the old man as corrupted by deceitful lusts. These are desires and patterns that mislead people and draw them away from God's will.

A believer cannot enjoy the fullness of a transformed life while deliberately protecting sinful habits. God calls us to recognise the things that must change and to depend on His grace to overcome them.

a) Put away falsehood and embrace truth (Ephesians 4:25)

Dishonesty damages relationships, destroys trust and contradicts the character of God. The new man must be known for truthfulness in speech, business, ministry and personal dealings.

Do not exaggerate to gain attention, manipulate facts to protect your reputation or deceive others for personal advantage. Speak the truth in love and maintain integrity even when honesty is costly.

b) Reject bitterness and uncontrolled anger (Ephesians 4:31)

Anger can become destructive when it is allowed to grow into resentment, malice or a desire for revenge. The old nature seeks opportunities to punish those who have caused offence, but the new man submits his responses to Christ.

This does not mean ignoring injustice or refusing to establish healthy boundaries. It means addressing wrongs in a godly manner without allowing bitterness to rule the heart.

c) Flee sexual immorality and sinful desires (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

God calls believers to holiness in their bodies and relationships. Putting on the new man requires purity in conduct, imagination and intention.

Do not deliberately feed desires that lead you into sin. Set wise boundaries, avoid compromising situations and seek godly accountability where necessary. Honour God with your body and your relationships.

d) Refuse corrupt and destructive speech (Ephesians 4:29)

Words reveal what is happening in the heart. Gossip, slander, insults, filthy communication and deliberate falsehood are inconsistent with the new life in Christ.

Before speaking, consider whether your words are true, necessary and helpful. Let your mouth become an instrument of encouragement, correction, comfort and truth.

Biblical Example: Joseph in Potiphar's House (Genesis 39:7-12)

When Potiphar's wife tempted Joseph, he refused to commit sexual sin and fled from the situation. Joseph valued his relationship with God more than temporary pleasure. His example teaches us that putting off the old man sometimes requires immediate and decisive action to escape temptation.

3. PUT ON THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST

The new man is created according to God in righteousness and true holiness. Therefore, the Christian life is not simply about stopping bad behaviour; it is also about developing godly character.

God wants our lives to reflect the character of Jesus. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He helps us develop the qualities that honour God and bless other people.

a) Put on righteousness (Ephesians 4:24)

Righteousness involves living in a manner that agrees with God's standards. Through faith in Christ, believers receive a right standing before God, and they are also called to practise what is right.

Choose integrity when dishonesty appears profitable. Be fair when dealing with people. Fulfil your responsibilities and refuse to compromise your convictions for personal gain.

b) Put on true holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Holiness means being set apart for God and living in a manner that pleases Him. It affects our thoughts, conduct, relationships, motives and priorities.

Holiness is not merely an outward appearance of spirituality. It involves an inward commitment to God that produces purity and obedience in everyday life.

c) Put on love and compassion (Colossians 3:12-14)

The new man should be marked by kindness, humility, meekness, patience and love. These qualities help us relate to others in a way that reflects Christ.

Love does not mean approving of everything people do. It means seeking their good, speaking truth graciously and treating them with dignity while remaining faithful to God's Word.

d) Put on humility and meekness (Philippians 2:3-5)

Pride makes a person demand recognition, resist correction and look down on others. Humility enables us to serve faithfully, receive instruction and recognise the value of others.

Jesus is our example. Although He possessed divine glory, He humbled Himself and took the form of a servant. Putting on the new man means choosing service over selfish ambition.

Biblical Example: Stephen (Acts 7:54-60)

As Stephen was being persecuted, he prayed that the Lord would not lay the sin of his persecutors to their charge. His response reflected a spirit of forgiveness even under severe pressure. His example demonstrates the power of Christlike character in difficult circumstances.

4. RENEW YOUR MIND TO SUSTAIN THE NEW LIFE

Putting on the new man cannot be separated from the renewing of the mind. If our thinking remains controlled by the values and assumptions of our former life, we will struggle to maintain new patterns of behaviour.

The Word of God must continually reshape our understanding. We must learn to think according to God's truth rather than allowing our emotions, past experiences or worldly influences to dictate our decisions.

a) Allow God's Word to transform your thinking (Romans 12:2)

The world continually promotes values that may oppose God's will. The believer must test these values against Scripture rather than accepting them without question.

As God's Word renews your mind, you learn to recognise what pleases Him. Your decisions become increasingly guided by biblical principles instead of pressure from the surrounding culture.

b) Think on things that are pure and truthful (Philippians 4:8)

Our thoughts are influenced by what we repeatedly watch, hear, read and meditate upon. We must therefore be intentional about what we allow into our minds.

Fill your mind with God's promises, wholesome teachings and things that encourage purity, wisdom and faith. Refuse to entertain thoughts that continually encourage lust, hatred, envy or despair.

c) Bring your thoughts under Christ's authority (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Not every thought should be accepted as truth. Some thoughts may encourage pride, fear, temptation or resentment. We must learn to examine them in the light of God's Word.

When a thought contradicts Scripture, reject its influence and choose a godly response. This discipline takes practice, but it helps us grow in spiritual maturity and self-control.

d) Continue to grow in spiritual maturity (Colossians 3:10)

Paul describes the new man as being renewed in knowledge after the image of the One who created him. This points to an ongoing process of transformation.

Do not become satisfied with your present level of spiritual growth. Continue studying Scripture, praying, fellowshipping with believers and obeying what God teaches you. A renewed mind helps sustain a transformed life.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 1:8-20)

Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king's food. His convictions were established before the pressure became intense. Because he remained faithful to God, he demonstrated wisdom and discipline in a foreign environment. His example teaches us to establish godly convictions and allow them to guide our decisions.

5. LIVE OUT THE NEW MAN EVERY DAY

Putting on the new man is not a one-day event that ends after a powerful church service. It is a daily commitment to follow Jesus in every area of life.

The new life must be visible at home, in the workplace, in the church, in business and in our relationships. We must practise what we believe and allow the character of Christ to shape our ordinary decisions.

a) Walk in obedience to God's Word (James 1:22)

Hearing God's Word without obeying it can create the appearance of spirituality without the evidence of transformation. The new man must respond to what God commands.

If Scripture instructs you to forgive, take steps towards forgiveness. If it calls you to honesty, practise honesty. If it commands you to serve, serve faithfully. Obedience turns biblical knowledge into daily Christian living.

b) Demonstrate your faith through good works (Ephesians 2:10)

We are saved by grace through faith, not by our good works. However, we are also created in Christ Jesus for good works. Our actions should therefore demonstrate the reality of our faith.

Show kindness to people in need, fulfil your responsibilities, support the work of God and serve others with humility. Let your life bring practical benefit to the people around you.

c) Maintain fellowship with God (John 15:4-5)

Jesus taught that branches must abide in the vine to bear fruit. In the same way, believers need a continuing relationship with Christ.

Make room for prayer, Scripture meditation, worship and fellowship. Do not depend only on yesterday's spiritual experience. Remain connected to Christ and depend on His strength each day.

d) Persevere when you face temptation (Galatians 6:9)

There will be times when old habits attempt to return and circumstances test your convictions. Do not conclude that growth is impossible because you face a struggle.

Depend on God's grace, seek appropriate support and continue doing what is right. When you stumble, repent promptly and return to obedience. Through perseverance, your new way of life becomes increasingly established.

Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 2:42-47)

The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. Their faith affected how they worshipped, shared their possessions and cared for one another. Their example shows that the new life in Christ should be expressed through consistent devotion and practical love.

CONCLUSION

Putting on the new man means living according to the new life God has given us through Jesus Christ. It requires us to put away sinful habits, renew our minds through God's Word and develop the character of Christ. God calls every believer to walk in righteousness, true holiness, humility, love, forgiveness and obedience. Our Christianity should be evident not only in what we profess but also in how we live.

Make a fresh commitment today to put on the new man in every area of your life. Reject what belongs to your former way of living, yield to the Holy Spirit and practise the truth of God's Word. Do not allow your past to control your future. Through the grace of God, you can grow in Christlikeness and become a testimony of His transforming power.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to put on the new man, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, remove every trace of my old life, in Jesus name.

3. Renew my mind through Your Word, in Jesus name.

4. Help me to walk in righteousness and holiness, in Jesus name.

5. Fill my heart with love and humility, in Jesus name.

6. Give me power to overcome temptation, in Jesus name.

7. Let my words bring life and encouragement, in Jesus name.

8. Teach me to forgive as Christ forgave me, in Jesus name.

9. Help me to obey You every day, in Jesus name.

10. Make my life reflect the character of Jesus, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You will walk in the newness of life.

2. Your mind will be renewed by God's Word.

3. You will overcome the sins of your past.

4. You will grow in righteousness and holiness.

5. Your character will reflect the nature of Christ.

6. You will walk in love, humility and forgiveness.

7. You will receive strength to resist temptation.

8. Your home will experience the fruit of a transformed life.

9. You will grow stronger in faith and obedience.

10. Your life will glorify God, in the mighty name of Jesus.