Introduction: Imagine putting on a brand-new, spotless outfit but then deciding to drape an old, filthy coat over it. Ridiculous, right? Yet many believers do this spiritually—they try to follow Christ while clinging to a life centered on self. Today's message is simple: To truly live a life pleasing to the Lord, we must decisively put off our preoccupation with self, which is sin, and put on a Christ-centered life that reflects His holiness and grace.
Scripture Foundation:
Romans 6:12-14—"Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires…offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life."
Galatians 5:19-21, 25-26—A contrast between the acts of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:22-24—"Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by deceitful desires…and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Colossians 3:5-10—A call to "put to death" earthly ways and embrace the renewed image of Christ.
Titus 2:11-14—"For the grace of God…teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions."
I. The Problem: The Reign of Self Sin thrives when the self is king. Preoccupation with self manifests in pride, selfish ambition, jealousy, and a refusal to submit to God's will. James 4:17 reminds us, "If anyone knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is a sin for them."
Illustration: A ship's captain who refuses to follow the compass because he "feels" a different direction is better will eventually lead the crew to disaster. In the same way, a life led by self rather than Christ is bound to drift into destruction.
II. The Command: Put Off the Old Self To "put off" is not passive—it's decisive. This involves:
Recognizing Sin: Be honest about areas where the self is reigning. (Colossians 3:5-10)
Repenting: Turn from the ways of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21.
Surrendering to God's Authority: Romans 6:12-14 encourages us not to let sin reign but to offer ourselves fully to God.
Illustration: Imagine cleaning out a closet full of old, moth-eaten clothes. Until you throw out the junk, you'll never make room for what is new. Christ offers us a wardrobe of righteousness, but we must willingly discard the tattered garments of sin.
III. The Replacement: Put On Christ Ephesians 4:24 tells us to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This isn't just about avoiding sin but actively pursuing a life that reflects Christ.
What Does It Mean to "Put On" Christ?
Embrace Grace (Titus 2:11-14): Grace is not a license to sin but a teacher who trains us to live upright lives.
Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25-26): The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) should replace the acts of the flesh.
Cultivate Christlike Character (Colossians 3:12-14): Compassion, kindness, humility, and forgiveness are the marks of a life centered on Christ.
IV. The Power to Change Change is not in our strength but in His. God doesn't leave us to figure this out alone. Titus 3:3 reminds us we were once enslaved to passions and pleasures, but now, through the renewal of the Holy Spirit, we are transformed.
Illustration: A sculptor doesn't just chip away at marble randomly. He has a vision of the masterpiece within. As the ultimate Sculptor, God chips away the old self to reveal Christ in us.
V. Application: Practical Steps to "Put Off" and "Put On"
Daily Surrender: Begin each day by asking, "Lord, what part of me needs to go today?"
Scripture Immersion: Use passages like Romans 12:9-21 and Colossians 3:5-14 to evaluate and align your life.
Accountability: Surround yourself with believers who will lovingly challenge you to grow.
Serve Others: Philippians 2:3-4 teaches us to consider others above ourselves, countering selfishness with humility.
Conclusion: A Choice to Make You are standing at a crossroads. Will you cling to the old self, weighed down by sin and self-centeredness, or will you decisively put it off and put on Christ? Romans 12:21 challenges us to "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Closing Illustration: Imagine a battle soldier throwing down his tattered civilian clothes to put on his armor. Without it, he would be vulnerable, unprepared, and doomed. So, too, must we cast off the self and clothe ourselves with Christ.
Prayer: "Lord, we come to You, recognizing our desperate need to put off self and put on Christ. Transform, renew, and empower us by Your Spirit to live lives pleasing to You. Teach us to walk in grace and truth, reflecting Your glory in all we do. Amen."
This message serves as both a rebuke and a hope-filled call to action. It's time to decide—will you choose self or Christ?
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