Uniting Heaven and Earth
Christ in Philippians and Colossians
Living with Christ
Lesson 11 - Tuesday
Renewed in Knowledge
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:6–11; Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22–24
Paul continues his powerful call to spiritual transformation in Colossians 3:6–11 by reminding believers why earthly sins must be put away. These behaviors—anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication, and lying—belong to a former way of life. They are part of the life lived apart from Christ. Paul explains that such things bring the judgment of God, and he reminds believers that they once walked in these ways before coming to faith.
But something has changed.
Paul describes that change with a vivid contrast: the “old man” and the “new man.” The “old man” represents our former nature—the person we were before Christ transformed us. It is the life dominated by sinful habits, selfish desires, and attitudes shaped by the world. In Romans 6:6, Paul writes that “our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed.” When we come to Christ, our old life is no longer meant to rule us. Its power is broken through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Yet the Christian life is not only about removing sin; it is about becoming something new.
Paul urges believers to “put off the old man with his deeds” and to “put on the new man” (Col. 3:9–10). The imagery is like taking off filthy garments and clothing oneself in clean, new ones. In Ephesians 4:22–24, Paul describes this transformation in similar terms: believers are to put off the old self, be renewed in the spirit of their mind, and put on the new self, which is created according to God in righteousness and true holiness.
Notice an important phrase in Colossians: the new man is “renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” This renewal is not superficial. It is an ongoing process where our thinking, values, and understanding are reshaped by knowing Christ more deeply. As we grow in knowledge of God’s character, His Word, and His will, we become more like Him.
This renewal restores something that was lost when sin entered the world. Humanity was originally created in the image of God, but sin distorted that image. Through Christ, that image is being restored. The more we know Him, the more our character begins to reflect His.
Paul also emphasizes that this transformation unites believers. In Christ, the barriers that once separated people lose their significance: “where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all” (Col. 3:11). The gospel creates a new humanity centered entirely on Christ. Social status, nationality, and cultural differences no longer define a person’s worth—Christ does.
So what does this mean for our daily lives?
Renewal in knowledge requires intentional growth. It comes through studying Scripture, prayer, reflection, and walking with Christ day by day. As we fill our minds with God’s truth, the Spirit reshapes our thoughts and desires. Gradually, the attitudes of the old life fade, and the character of Christ becomes visible.
This transformation is not instant. It is a lifelong journey. Yet every step we take in knowing Christ more deeply brings us closer to the person God created us to be.
The old life belonged to sin.
The new life belongs to Christ.
And every day we choose which one we will wear.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the new life You have given us through Jesus Christ. Help us to put away the old ways that once controlled us and to put on the new self that You are creating within us. Renew our minds with Your truth and deepen our knowledge of You each day. Shape our character so that we reflect the image of Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions. May our lives show that Christ is truly all and in all.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
More on Lesson 11: Living with Christ
This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians
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