Identity in Christ | Putting Off, Putting On: Living Out the New Self PT. 1

Putting Off, Putting On: Living Out the New Self

One of the greatest struggles for believers isn’t understanding who they are in Christ — it’s living like it.

In Episode 3 (Part 1) of Through the Refiner’s Fire, we confront this tension head-on. Scripture is clear: those who belong to Christ are called to put off the old self and put on the new. But what does that actually look like in everyday life?

Knowing Isn’t the Same as Living

Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 4 reminds us that transformation begins with learning Christ — not learning culture, preferences, or personal truth. The old self is shaped by pride, ego, desires, and self-exaltation. Even the “good” things we once did were still centered on us, not God.

True identity starts when we admit:

Apart from Christ, even my righteousness needs redemption.

Renewal Before Transformation

Before we can put on the new self, Scripture tells us we must be renewed in the spirit of our minds. This renewal doesn’t come from willpower — it comes through the Holy Spirit, who convicts, reveals truth, and exposes what we could never see on our own.

The Spirit doesn’t just tell us what’s wrong — He empowers us to change.

The Old Man Doesn’t Die Quietly

One of the most honest moments in the episode is acknowledging that the old self doesn’t disappear overnight. Like an unwanted guest, it keeps showing up. Old habits, old loves, old comforts try to reclaim their place.

But Scripture doesn’t say to manage the old self — it says to put it to death (Colossians 3).

This requires:

• Discipline

• Surrender

• Daily repentance

• Fixing our eyes on Jesus

Not perfection — faithfulness.

Holiness Isn’t Legalism

Holiness has been misunderstood and misrepresented. Living holy doesn’t mean pretending you’re flawless. It means choosing obedience because of what Christ has done — not to earn His love, but because you already have it.

Grace doesn’t excuse sin; it empowers freedom.

Putting On Christ Daily

Putting on the new self means:

• Forgiving when it’s hard

• Loving when it’s uncomfortable

• Choosing truth over acceptance

• Walking the narrow path even when others don’t

You don’t put Christ on for church and take Him off for work, relationships, or culture. He is not an accessory — He is your identity.

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📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Identity in Christ must be lived, not just believed

• Renewal of the mind comes before transformation

• The Holy Spirit does the work — we must yield

• Holiness is a journey empowered by grace

• Community matters in spiritual growth

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🤔 REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What parts of my “old self” am I still holding onto?

2. Am I trying to change through effort or surrender?

3. Where do I compartmentalize my faith?

4. What does “putting on Christ” look like in my daily life?

5. Who am I walking with in Christian community?

Listen to the Podcast Here, or View the video Below!