Introduction
Paul writes: So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
A worldly point of view sizes people up by their resume, their appearance, their status, their usefulness. It is calculating and conditional.
Here is the main point: You are a new creation—the old has passed away, the new has come, and you are not defined by what was, but by what youre becoming in Christ.
I. A New Perspective on Everything (2 Corinthians 5:16-19)
Paul says: That way of seeing is over. If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
New creation is not poetic language for feeling better or starting fresh. It is a cosmological statement. You are part of the new creation that God is bringing into being. This is not about your feelings; it is about reality.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting peoples sins against them.
Your new identity includes a purpose: You are a minister of reconciliation. Just as God reconciled you to Himself, you are meant to reconcile others.
Notice: Not counting peoples sins against them. Reconciliation means looking past offense, past failure, and seeing the potential for restoration. That is how God sees you. That is how you are meant to see others.
II. The Old Self Must Die (Colossians 3:9-15)
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.
You have taken off your old self—this is past tense. It is done. You are not still wearing your old identity like a garment you cannot remove. You have already taken it off.
Which is being renewed—present tense. Ongoing. You are in the continuous process of being renewed, becoming more like Christ every day.
In the image of its Creator—your new identity is being shaped to match Gods image, to reflect Christ. This is not about becoming your best self or reaching your potential. It is about becoming His image.
Therefore, as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Your new self is not a random assortment of behaviors. It is specific: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience. These are the clothes of Christ.
III. United in the Body (Colossians 3:12-15)
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Forgiveness is not optional in the new creation. It is a reflection of how Christ forgave you.
You cannot claim to be new while harboring bitterness toward your brother. The old self holds grudges. The new self forgives freely.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Love is the binding force. It holds the new creation together. Without love, compassion becomes patronizing, kindness becomes performative, gentleness becomes weakness.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. Peace is not the absence of conflict. It is the presence of Gods order and reconciliation. When Christ rules your heart, you are at peace, and you make peace.
And be thankful. The new creation is characterized by gratitude. Not because everything is perfect, but because you know your destiny. You are being transformed into Christs image. That is reason to be grateful.
Conclusion & Appeal
We began by asking: Can you really become someone new? Can your past be erased? Can your character really change?
Pauls answer: Yes. You are a new creation. The old is gone. And you are being continuously renewed in Christs image.
What aspect of your old self are you still wearing? What identity from your past are you still claiming? This week, consciously take it off. Write down three old identities you are releasing: I am not [shame-based identity] anymore. I am a new creation in Christ. Then put on the new—compassion, kindness, humility. Let your words and actions reflect who you are becoming.