EPHESIANS 4:24

“and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”

A couple of years ago, while I was in Kenya teaching at a Pastors’ conference, I was given the opportunity to go to a local clothes manufacturer and have a tailored African suit made for me. We went into the office where a tailor took my measurements. He measured my chest, waist (which was and still is too big, lol), arms and inseam. Within a few days, I was presented with a beautiful African suit which I wear proudly.

Paul describes God’s tailoring efforts on us in today’s verse. He says our “new self” has been tailored “in the likeness of God.” Actually, the Greek just reads “according to God.” The idea Paul is trying to get across is it is God who has given us this new self which “has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” This new self is given to us by God so that we can walk righteously and holy, just like He is.

APPLICATION

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” The same Greek word for “new” is used here as in today’s verse. It means to be qualitatively new, to be fresh. I have to tell you – the African suit I have is definitely fresh, lol. I did not have another suit like that.

The same word is used to describe the new wineskins in Mark 2:22. Listen, it’s this simple. Jesus makes all things new when He comes into your life. In referring to this “new self,” Albert Barnes says this, “The change is so great, that there is no impropriety in speaking of one who has experienced it as ‘a new man.’ He has new feelings, principles, and desires. He has laid aside his old principles and practices, and, in everything that pertains to moral character, he is new.”

Is that you? Can others describe you as “new.” If you have ever seen someone who has been truly renewed spiritually, you know exactly what I am talking about. They are the same outwardly, but inwardly they are a new person. Only Christ can do that. He will continually renew us day by day until that glorious day when we see Him face to face and are changed into a perfect, glorified spirit to live with Him forever. Halleljuah!

Thank You for my renewal. Thank You for making me brand new.