In discussing the characteristics of the old man of sin, which accurately described the Colossians at one time, the apostle then told them in Colossians 3:9-10, “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”
The old man is described as one guilty of: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetousness, disobedience, anger, wrath, blasphemy, filthy language, and as seen in verse 9, lying.
Consider in contrast the new man with the old. First, the new man is “renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” (10). Now that he is new, he is considered a new creation (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17). A babe in Christ (1 Peter 2:2). Knowledge doesn’t come immediately. But as the babe in Christ (or any other Christian for the matter), puts himself to the task, he develops and matures. Which is why Paul wrote to young Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 ).
The new man is not differentiated by race, gender or economic condition. Here he writes, “…but Christ is all and in all” (Colossians 3:11). Paul declared the same basic truth in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Having established these truths, Paul wrote about the characteristics that should now be present in the Colossians. In effect, the type of person a Christian should be. Consider the following:
The new man in Christ is the “elect of God.” We are chosen through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We belong to God. This is how He first referred to the Jews, as His chosen people. Now, as the refers to salvation in Jesus Christ, Paul wrote, “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God” (Romans 2:28-29). The new covenant means that Jew or Gentile can be chosen (the elect) by faith in Jesus Christ.
The elect have been separated to holiness. We are sanctified by God. That sanctification indicates a special relationship that we have with the Father in heaven. Our sanctification is something that God grants us. We come out of the world, and are cleansed by God! But, we must remain clean. As God’s beloved, He expects us to serve and please Him. Peter related this requirement, “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16).
This is why in verses 12-14 of Colossians chapter 3, Paul exhorted the brethren, “…put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” These attributes stand in stark contrast to the old man. A simple explanation of these attributes show us an individual that is concerned about others more than himself. In expressing that concern and care for others, he is willing to forgive, he puts others before himself, he is humble, he is slow to anger and recognizes the imperfections in all men, responding with understanding and patience. All of this is born out in the final admonition — above all things to put on love, the one characteristic that most accurately describes the child of God.
Three final points are made in verses 15-17 of the text:
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
First, let the peace of God rule in your hearts. This peace is made available through the efforts of Jesus Christ, and occurs because of our reconciliation with God. (And with other Christians, as we noted before). God’s peace comes no matter your person or position in the world. All that matters is Christ working in you. There is no reason for the child of God ever to despair, or to dispute with other Christians. If we let the peace of God rule in our hearts, we will live at peace with ourselves and with others.
Second, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. It is His Word! It is also the truths about Jesus Christ, also called the gospel. We should speak about it, study it, sing about it, evangelize, edify and immerse ourselves in its truths, blessings and promises.
Third, let the name of Christ be honored in all we say and do. Every aspect of our lives must be ruled by Jesus Christ. We do only what He authorizes. We both limit ourselves to His directions, and faithfully execute the stewardship He gives to us. He is in control! We never presume what He desires for us, rather we trust that He will make known through His word all that He requires.
This is the new man in Christ Jesus our Lord.
