Putting on the new nature in Christ means we must take something off, which is our sinful nature. We are transformed into a new creation when we place our faith in Jesus as our Savior and are born again as children of God. Unfortunately, being born again does not mean we are perfect and no longer sin. Living on this side of eternity, we are in a spiritual battle, and so each day, we need to surrender to the Lord to walk the path of our new nature.
Colossians 3:10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.[1]
Being Renewed
Being renewed spiritually is one of the most important facets of growing in faith and successfully putting on the new nature in Christ. We, too, need to be renewed because each day is a new spiritual battle. Our spiritual body needs spiritual food just as our physical body needs earthly food to survive. I become tired and weak when I let my body run down by not eating correctly. When I allow my spiritual body to become worn down by not spending time with the Lord, I can be more easily defeated and discouraged and let my old nature surface.
Paul gives us insight into spiritual renewal. Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [2] The battle for renewal begins in our mind. Transformation occurs when we choose to spend time with the Lord in His Word and prayer. This does not mean we will no longer have sinful desires, but I am more aware of my battle and the need for God’s ongoing assistance.
You Can Do It
Each day, we must choose to live according to our new nature or fall back into our sinful habits. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. You will be amazed at how the Lord will guide you and convict you when something needs to change. The Lord is all about helping us live out a fruitful life. Let the Holy Spirit lead you to the cross when you fail. There we receive forgiveness and can move forward in faith again. To learn about putting on the new nature, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/live-new
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Col 3:10–12). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ro 12:2). Tyndale House Publishers.