DAY 18 - CRUCIFYING THE OLD, LIVING IN THE NEW

DAY 18 – Crucifying the Old, Living in the New by Pastor Dick

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. — Colossians 3:5–10 (NIV)

What We Must “Put to Death”

Yesterday, Paul told us to set our hearts on things above. Today, he gets practical. You can't claim to live for Christ and still hold on to old sinful habits.

Paul says plainly: Put them to death. That means refusing, cutting off, and walking away from those bad habits that belong to your “earthly nature.”

Some Examples Paul Lists

• Sexual sin: Anything outside God’s good plan for marriage. It breaks trust and wounds deeply. God gave sex as a gift, not a trap.

• Greed: Paul calls it idolatry because it worships stuff instead of God. Greed whispers, “You deserve more.” Spoiler alert: It doesn’t satisfy.

• Other nasty stuff: Anger, malice, slander, filthy words, and lying all poison relationships and communities. They’re rotten fruit of the old self—not the fresh new life Christ gives.
  

Remember the Cross

Every one of these sins was nailed to the cross with Christ. He died to break their power — for us and the world. So why hang on to what He’s already dealt with?

Living in the New

Here’s the good news: Crucifixion isn’t just about death—it’s about resurrection. We rise each day new in Christ’s image. Christ’s Spirit shapes us, renews us, and changes us bit by bit.

Our old identity is buried; our new self lives fully in Him. This, my friends, is the Christian life: crucifying the old... and living in the new.

Reflection Questions

• Why is it necessary to cast aside earthly things and let Christ renew you?

• How can you more fully embrace Christ’s ways today?
  

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for crucifying my old life with You on the cross. Enable me say no to anything that pulls me back. Renew me daily in Your image, and may I live fully free in the new life You’ve given me. Amen.

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New Hope Church of God

1250 Waggoners Gap Rd

Carlisle, Pa

(717) 241-5544