Oct 23 – THE OLD MAN AND THE NEW MAN!

“….and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Colossians 3:10).
Some worms used to be attached to the bottom of the leaves of the milkweed plant. These are not ordinary worms but ones that would grow into a butterfly. These worms will eat the leaf and become grown-up ones and turn into the pupa stage. At this stage, they will be hanging motionless for many days. Suddenly, one day it will grow into a butterfly and fly out beautifully.
Life is one for this creation, but it has two stages which are caterpillar and butterfly. One is the life of a caterpillar and the other is the life of a butterfly. The same feature is also seen in a believer’s life. One is the past man and the other is the transformed new man.
You remain as the old man like Adam and a new creation in Christ. In the Scripture, Romans 6th chapter, Ephesians 4th chapter and Colossians 3rd chapter point out three important things you have to follow.
I OLD MAN SHOULD BE CRUCIFIED (Romans 6:6).
This old man is Adam, who was filled with sinful characteristics. Firmly resolving to regret the sins committed, confessing them and forsaking them is what the crucifixion of the old man on the Cross means.
All your sins and transgressions descended on Jesus Christ on the Cross and so, His blood washes and cleanses you (I John 1:7).
II OLD MAN SHOULD BE PUT OFF (Colossians 3:9).
The Scripture says that the old man and his deeds should be put off. A butterfly that comes out of the pupa stage leaves alone its past habits, the past life of a worm and the past characteristics rises and flies like a new creation. In the same way, you also may quit all your sinful characteristics and attain the image of God of the Most High.
III PUT ON THE NEW MAN (Ephesians 4:24).
One should not stop with putting off the old man but should put on Christ who is the new man. Let the characteristics of Christ develop in you. Move ahead with the power of Christ. The Scripture says, “….and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24).
To meditate: “I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ….that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:14, 16).