“Since you have laid aside the old self with its evil practices and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him...”
“Since you have...” The Greek word used here for “have” in its verb tense means “a willful decision that has already been made with results that continue”.
I have willfully “changed clothes” completely. I no longer choose to wear the old clothes of worldly practices.
The follow through then is that whenever past evil practices want to come up again—I am reminded that I have already taken off the old self and won’t put it on again!
I “have put on the new self who is being renewed...” I “have” willfully, some time in the past, decided to be renewed. My renewal began then and continues ongoing.
Renewed...how? Renewed in truth revealed by the scriptures, godly teaching and hearing from the Holy Spirit.
Renewed in what way? Why am I to be renewed? To reflect the likeness of God, my Creator.
And how is that possible? By reflecting the character and likeness of Jesus, His Son. “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” John 14:9.
Dear God, keep me consciously aware to rid self of whatever is not appropriate clothing for holiness. Continue the renewal process within me so that my likeness truly becomes a reflection of Your Son, Jesus. It is all a work of Your gracious grace. I know that full well. But I invite You—come—and do a great work within me! Amen!
Practice in asking the who, what, when, where, why and how questions of the scripture text. A simple Bible dictionary, like Vine’s, can help you with defining the original language and simple verb usage. A greater help in this area would be available in volumes by Spiros Zodhiates.
Soli Deo Gloria!
~Robin
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