In this passage, the Apostle Paul addresses the believers in Colossae, urging them to live in accordance with their new identity in Christ. He emphasizes the need to put off the old self and embrace the new self that is being renewed in the image of God.
Paul begins by instructing the believers not to lie to one another. Lying undermines trust and damages relationships within the community of believers. As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives of integrity and truthfulness. This includes being honest in our words, actions, and dealings with one another. Instead of engaging in deceitful practices, we are called to walk in the light of Christ, reflecting His truth and righteousness.
The reason for this exhortation is that believers have put off the old self and its sinful ways. Through faith in Christ, we have experienced a spiritual transformation. Our old self, characterized by its sinful nature, has been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). This involves a radical change in our identity and a turning away from the patterns of sin that once defined us. The old self is associated with deceit, selfishness, and rebellion against God's ways.
In contrast, we are called to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. The new self is the result of our union with Christ. Through His death and resurrection, we are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new self is being renewed day by day as we grow in our understanding of God's truth and conform more closely to the likeness of Christ.
Renewal in knowledge implies a deepening understanding of God's Word and His purposes for our lives. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we gain wisdom and insight into God's will. This knowledge leads to transformation as we align our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with the character of Christ.
The goal of this renewal is to be conformed to the image of our Creator. We are being transformed into the likeness of Christ, who perfectly reflects the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4). This process involves the restoration of the original image of God that was marred by sin. As we conform to Christ, we exhibit His attributes of love, righteousness, holiness, and truth.
In summary, Colossians 3:9-10 calls believers to live in accordance with their new identity in Christ. We are to put off the old self and its deceptive practices, embracing the new self that is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. This involves a radical transformation of our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the study of God's Word, we are continually renewed and conformed to the likeness of Christ.
As followers of Christ, let us reject falsehood and embrace truthfulness in all our interactions. May we continuously grow in our knowledge of God's Word, seeking His wisdom and allowing it to shape our lives. Let us put on the new self, reflecting the character of Christ and bringing glory to God. In doing so, we bear witness to the transformative work of Christ in us and exemplify His love and truth to the world around us.
See also: vs 11
Colossians 3:9-10. Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator.