Please Help Us Keep These Thousands of Blog Posts Growing and Free for All

$5.00

Before studying the Bible and becoming Christians, many people led lives that may have been characterized by different values, priorities, and behaviors. Some may have struggled with personal challenges, lacked a sense of purpose, or felt disconnected from a spiritual community. They might have engaged in activities that were not in alignment with biblical teachings, such as dishonesty, substance abuse, unhealthy relationships, or other destructive behaviors.

As they began studying the Bible, these individuals discovered its transformative teachings, which provided them with guidance, moral principles, and a connection to God. Through this process, they learned about God’s love, grace, and plan for their lives, and they developed a new understanding of their identity in Christ.

Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV) states: “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” According to this passage, God wants people to let go of their old ways of living and adopt a new, Christ-centered life. This transformation involves putting off the “old self” and its harmful practices, and embracing the “new self,” which is continuously renewed in knowledge and shaped by the image of God. As Christians grow in their understanding of the Bible and their relationship with God, they are encouraged to pursue personal growth, live with integrity, and embody Christ-like values in their daily lives.

WHAT IS “THE OLD PERSON”?

When a person is controlled by “the old worldly self,” influenced by carnal desires, they tend to act in ways that are inconsistent with the values and teachings of the Bible. This might manifest as selfishness, anger, dishonesty, lust, envy, and other behaviors that prioritize self-interest and disregard the well-being of others. Such a person is often driven by their fleshly desires, rather than by a desire to honor and obey God.

The reasonable view we should have when it comes to stripping off the old self can be found in Acts 3:19 (ESV), which states: “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” This verse emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from our past actions and attitudes that were not in alignment with God’s will. Stripping off the old self involves acknowledging our shortcomings and committing to a life of transformation and spiritual growth.

God urges us to strip off the wrong thinking and bad habits of the old personality because He desires the best for us, and He knows that living in accordance with His teachings leads to a more fulfilling, purposeful, and meaningful life. Removing the old self allows us to draw closer to God, experience His love and grace, and positively impact the lives of those around us.

According to Romans 12:1-2 (ESV), we have the choice to either conform to the pattern of this world or to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The passage states: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” This transformation involves dedicating ourselves to God and choosing to live according to His will rather than succumbing to worldly influences. By renewing our minds through the study of the Bible and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can discern God’s will for our lives and make choices that honor and glorify Him.

HOW CAN YOU “STRIP OFF” THE OLD PERSONALITY?

To avoid wrong thinking and bad habits, we can count on the help of the Holy Spirit and the guidance provided by God’s Word, the Bible. In John 14:26 (ESV), Jesus promises the help of the Holy Spirit, saying, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” The Holy Spirit serves as a teacher and guide, helping us understand and apply the teachings of the Bible in our daily lives.

God’s Word helps us to grow in our understanding of His will and to shape our thinking and actions accordingly. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) states, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Through studying the Bible, we can gain wisdom, insight, and direction for our lives.

We can learn valuable lessons from the experiences of individuals in the Bible, such as the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God. Their stories demonstrate the consequences of both following and straying from God’s guidance, providing us with examples to learn from and emulate or avoid.

God hates various things that are contrary to His nature and character. Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV) lists some of these: “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” These actions and attitudes are antithetical to God’s will for humanity and undermine the values He wants us to uphold.

When the Bible says to “abhor what is wicked” (Romans 12:9, ESV), it means that we should detest and reject evil in all its forms. This involves actively resisting temptation and striving to live in a manner that is consistent with God’s teachings, as well as standing against injustice, immorality, and any actions or attitudes that oppose God’s will. By abhorring wickedness, we align ourselves with God’s values and demonstrate our commitment to living a life that honors and glorifies Him.

We must safeguard our thinking because our thoughts greatly influence our actions and attitudes. Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) highlights the importance of guarding our minds: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” By keeping our thoughts focused on God’s Word and His teachings, we can better resist temptations and make decisions that align with His will.

Our speech reveals the state of our hearts and minds. Jesus said in Matthew 12:34 (ESV), “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Our words can demonstrate our commitment to God’s teachings or reveal areas where we need growth and improvement. To evaluate our speech, we should ask ourselves: Does our speech reflect the love and wisdom of God? Are we using our words to build others up and encourage them, or are we engaging in gossip, slander, or hurtful language?

Nailing our old self “to the cross” is a metaphor that refers to putting to death our old sinful nature and its desires. In Galatians 5:24 (ESV), Paul writes, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” This means that as Christians, we are to reject our former way of life, characterized by sinful behaviors, and instead live in accordance with the values and principles taught by Jesus.

We must be determined to continue fighting fleshly weaknesses because the process of spiritual growth and sanctification is ongoing. 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) warns us to be vigilant: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” As we grow in our relationship with God, we will face challenges and temptations, but with determination and reliance on God’s strength, we can overcome them.

We can find encouragement in the experiences of biblical figures who overcame their weaknesses and grew in their faith. For example, the Apostle Peter, who initially denied Jesus three times, was later transformed into a bold and courageous leader in the early church. The lives of these individuals demonstrate that God can work in and through imperfect people, providing us with hope and encouragement that we, too, can grow, overcome our weaknesses, and be used by God for His purposes.

YOU CAN MAKE LIFE-ALTERING CHANGES!

According to 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV), many of God’s servants have been able to overcome their past sinful lives and be transformed by the power of God:

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

This passage highlights that many who became followers of Jesus were once engaged in various sinful behaviors. However, through their faith in Jesus and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, they were washed, sanctified, and justified. This means that they experienced forgiveness, spiritual cleansing, and a new standing before God. The passage serves as a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and that change is possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the ongoing guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible Changes Lives

When the Bible is applied correctly, in a balanced manner, and with an understanding of the original author’s intent, it can have a transformative effect on people’s lives. Here are some ways in which the Bible can bring about positive change:

Spiritual growth: By studying the Bible and striving to understand the original intent of its authors, individuals can deepen their relationship with God and grow in their spiritual lives. This growth leads to a stronger faith and a closer connection to God.
Moral guidance: The Bible provides moral principles and ethical guidelines that help individuals make wise decisions and live lives that align with God’s will. By applying these teachings in a balanced manner, people can develop a strong moral compass that guides them in various aspects of their lives.
Personal transformation: The Bible encourages self-reflection, repentance, and personal growth. By examining one’s thoughts, beliefs, and actions in light of biblical teachings, individuals can identify areas where they need to change and make necessary adjustments to align their lives with God’s will.
Strengthening relationships: The Bible teaches the importance of love, forgiveness, and humility in relationships. By applying these principles, individuals can strengthen their connections with others, resolve conflicts, and foster a sense of unity and mutual support.
Coping with challenges: The Bible provides comfort, encouragement, and guidance during difficult times. By relying on God’s promises and wisdom, individuals can find hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Sense of purpose: The Bible teaches that every person has a unique purpose and calling in life. By understanding and embracing this purpose, individuals can experience a sense of meaning and fulfillment.

When individuals approach the Bible with a humble and open heart, seeking to understand and apply its teachings in a balanced and accurate manner, they can experience profound transformation in their lives. This transformation not only benefits the individual but also positively impacts their families, communities, and the world at large.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).