Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

How can we "put off the old self" in daily life?

Paul here uses a Greek verb that means "to rid oneself of something" or "to lay aside something," such as old clothes. Paul thus introduces a metaphor that recurs in verses 9, 10, 12, and 14: removing undesirable clothing and putting on appropriate clothing. Paul wants the Colossian Christians to view the five items he lists next as dirty, repulsive garments that a Christian should be eager to shed.

Putting off the old self is a daily, deliberate choice. Colossians 3:9 says, "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices." This shows that the old self is not just a past identity but a pattern of behaviour we must refuse each day. Here is a simple, non‑repetitive explanation of how to live this out, supported by Scripture.

Identify old habits and reject them.

Paul lists the behaviours of the old self in Colossians 3:5–8 — anger, malice, impurity, greed, and harmful speech. Each day, notice when these attitudes appear and consciously refuse them. Romans 6:6 reminds us that "our old self died with Him," meaning those habits no longer define us.

Replace old reactions with new ones.

Ephesians 4:22–24 teaches that putting off the old self must be paired with "putting on the new self." When impatience rises, choose gentleness; when resentment appears, choose forgiveness. This exchange is practical and intentional.

Let Scripture reshape your thinking.

Colossians 3:16 urges believers to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." Reading and reflecting on Scripture daily renews your mind so your responses begin to match Christ's character rather than old patterns.

Practice truthfulness and integrity.

Paul highlights lying in Colossians 3:9 because deceit belongs to the old self. Truth builds trust and reflects Christ, who is "the truth" (John 14:6). Speaking honestly is one of the clearest ways to show you have left the old life behind.

Walk by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16 says, "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Spirit empowers new behaviour. Pray for strength each morning, asking God to guide your thoughts and reactions.

Remember your new identity.

2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." Reminding yourself of this truth helps you act from who you are now, not who you used to be.

Choose actions that reflect Christ.

Colossians 3:12–14 describes compassion, humility, patience, and love as the clothing of the new self. Practise these intentionally — in conversations, decisions, and conflicts.

Putting off the old self is not a single moment but a steady rhythm: recognise the old, refuse it, and replace it with what reflects Christ. Each small choice becomes part of a transformed life.

Summarising the whole subject

Putting off the old self means refusing the attitudes and behaviours that once shaped your life and choosing actions that reflect your new identity in Christ. Colossians 3:9 shows this involves turning away from habits that distort truth and harm relationships. Scripture guides this change by reshaping how you think and respond. As you recognise old patterns, you deliberately replace them with qualities God calls you to develop — honesty, patience, compassion, and humility. Daily choices, strengthened by the Spirit, allow your character to grow in a direction that matches the new life God has given you.

September 02 2026 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Leslie Coutinho Supporter

Colossians 3:9: Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds:

Today one knowing, who being having of their old deeds, that is stored in thy heart and mind, at time’s being alienated, are led by the enemy Satan, who put thoughts in your mind leading you in wicked works. As one being reconciled, buried with our Lord Jesus in baptism of repentance, you are also risen in faith through Him, by our Lord God the Father, who raised Him from the dead. (Col 1:21,2:12) One then needs to put off thy old deeds, being born of water through baptism of repentance, the Spirit of the Lord God, the Holy Ghost, shall then cleanse you, for out of thy belly shall then flow rivers of living water. (Joh 3:3,5/7:38) One who has then put off the old self deeds, stored in thy heart and mind, being in the right spirit, one then needs to hold thy tongue. One who holds thy tongue, the Spirit of the Lord God, will lead you through the Holy Spirit, guiding you, one who holds not, the wrath of God shall then come to the disobedient. (Col 3:6)

One then being born again, having put off your old deeds through repentance, needs to be aware in your daily life, not lift up thy heel, being “among your family and your familiar friends who are around you.” In the Psalm of David as he was revealed, “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, had lifted up his heel against me.” (Psa 41:9) This revelation given to David was as to Judas one of the twelve disciples who was chosen for the scriptures that fulfilled through him, who then went to the chief priest and betrayed our Lord Jesus. (Lk 22:3-4/Joh 13:18) The devil putting in Judas’s heart and mind who was the treasurer for the disciples, stealing from the money bag (Joh 12:6), had then taken the thirty pieces of silver from the chief priest to betray our Lord Jesus. When he saw he was condemned, he repented and then brought it back to the chief priest and elders. Judas then saying I have sinned, betraying the innocent blood, he then cast down the pieces of silver in the temple and went and hanged himself. (Mat 26:14-15/27:2-5)

Today one then needs to be aware to put of thy old self deeds, as in the days of Jonah, who was told to go and cry against Nin’-e-veh, for the wickedness had come up before the Lord God. Jonah then rose up to flee to Tar’-shish, from the presence of the Lord, and went by ship, from Jop’-pa. Lord God then sent a great wind in the sea and the mariners of the ship where in a mighty tempest who then cried unto their god. Jonah who was asleep down below, the ship master came unto him, and said, “O Sleeper? Arise call upon thy God.” They then cast a lot to know whose cause this storm came upon them, and the lot fell upon Jonah. For the men then knew that Jonah fled from the Lord, he then said, "Cast me forth into the sea for my sake the greatest tempest is upon you, and the sea shall calm down." When he was cast down a great fish swallowed him, which the Lord had prepared, and he was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. He then prayed unto the Lord with thanksgiving, and the Lord then spoke unto the fish and vomited him out on the dry land. (Jonah 1:2-17,2:1-10) The Word of Lord came to him the second time to go to Nin’-e-veh to preach, that He bid him, he arose and went and declared unto them. They all then turned from the evil way and God repented from the disaster they went through, and He did not bring more disasters, to them. (Jonah 3:2,5-6,10)

Romans 1:18: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Acts 17:30-31 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but know commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; wherefore he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

5 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report