Colossians 3:10 – “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

Extended Explanation

This verse continues Paul’s teaching about the transformation that happens when someone becomes a Christian. In the previous verse (Colossians 3:9), Paul told believers to “take off” their old self-the sinful way of life they lived before knowing Christ. Now, in verse 10, he tells them to “put on” the new self.

This “new self” is the new nature that Christians receive when they are saved. It reflects a changed heart, renewed desires, and a new way of living. This transformation doesn’t happen instantly but is a process of renewal that continues throughout a believer’s life.

Paul also says that this renewal happens “in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” This means that as believers grow in their understanding of God, they are shaped to become more like Him. The more we learn about God-through His Word, through prayer, and through following Christ-the more we are changed to reflect His character.

Historical Context

The Colossian church was made up of people from different backgrounds, including former pagans and Jews. Some had followed false religions that encouraged immoral behavior, while others had tried to earn favor with God through strict religious rules.

Paul was writing to correct false teachings and remind them that their identity is found only in Christ. Their new life wasn’t about following empty traditions or returning to sinful habits-it was about becoming more like God by being renewed through the truth.

In the ancient world, people believed that a person’s character was shaped by their knowledge. Paul applies this idea to spiritual growth: the more Christians learn about who God is, the more they will reflect His image.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important spiritual truths:

1. Salvation brings new life – Becoming a Christian isn’t just about believing in Jesus; it’s about receiving a new identity (2 Corinthians 5:17).
2. Spiritual growth is a process – The phrase “being renewed” shows that becoming like Christ takes time (Philippians 1:6).
3. God’s image is restored in believers – Sin distorted God’s image in humanity, but through Christ, believers are being transformed back into His likeness (Genesis 1:27, Romans 8:29).
4. True renewal comes through knowing God – Growth doesn’t come through self-effort but through learning and applying God’s truth (Romans 12:2).

Literary Analysis

Paul uses the imagery of taking off the old self and putting on the new self, comparing spiritual transformation to changing clothes. This same picture appears in other parts of Scripture (Ephesians 4:22-24), showing that living for Christ requires an intentional turning away from sin and embracing a new way of life.

The phrase “being renewed in knowledge” emphasizes an ongoing process. The Greek word for “renewed” suggests something continuous and progressive-not a one-time event. This means that spiritual growth is something that happens daily as we walk with God.

The “image of its Creator” refers to the fact that God originally made humans in His image (Genesis 1:27), but sin distorted that image. Through Christ, believers are being restored to reflect God’s holiness and righteousness.

Biblical Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
• Ephesians 4:22-24 – Paul speaks about putting off the old self and putting on the new self, created to be like God.
• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
• Genesis 1:27 – “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
• Romans 8:29 – God’s plan is for believers to be conformed to the image of His Son.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that faith in Christ changes everything. Many people claim to be Christian, but their lives don’t reflect that reality. Paul is making it clear that true salvation leads to a new way of living.

For today’s Christian, this means:

• Letting go of sinful habits – We should not live the way we did before knowing Christ.
• Growing in knowledge of God – Our faith should deepen as we learn more about Him.
• Becoming more like Jesus – Our character and actions should reflect God’s holiness.

This also encourages patience in spiritual growth. No one becomes like Christ overnight. It’s a daily renewal, requiring commitment to reading Scripture, praying, and applying God’s truth.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows God’s deep love and patience for His people. Instead of leaving us in our broken, sinful state, He is actively transforming us to reflect His image.

• God doesn’t just forgive; He restores.
• God doesn’t expect instant perfection; He patiently renews us.
• God invites us to grow in relationship with Him through knowledge of His truth.

His love is seen in the fact that He is not done with us yet. He continues to work in our lives, shaping us to be more like Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse because He is the one who makes renewal possible.

1. Jesus restores what sin destroyed – Through His death and resurrection, believers are given a new identity (Romans 6:4).
2. Jesus is the image of God – Colossians 1:15 calls Him “the image of the invisible God.” The more we grow in Christ, the more we reflect His image.
3. Jesus gives us new life – Because of Christ, we no longer belong to sin but to God (Romans 6:6-7).
4. Jesus is the source of knowledge – Knowing Christ leads to transformation (John 17:3).

Without Jesus, there is no renewal. But in Him, we are continually being made new.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean for you personally to “put on the new self”?
2. In what areas of your life do you see God renewing you? Where do you still need growth?
3. How does knowing that spiritual growth is a process help you when you struggle with sin?
4. What steps can you take to grow in knowledge of God so that you can reflect His image more?
5. How does this verse encourage you to live differently in your daily life?

This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s work in us. We are not who we used to be, and we are not yet who we will become. But through Christ, we are being renewed every day, growing in knowledge, and being restored into the image of our Creator. May we live each day reflecting the new life we have in Him.