The New Man
Ephesians 4:21-24 NKJV
21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
When you get saved, there should be a new you! Your behavior should reflect what you have gained in Christ and be different from who you were pre-salvation.
Conduct is the Greek word “anastrophé” meaning conduct, manner of life, or a way of life (Strong’s 391). The topical lexicon describes the way it’s used in Ephesians as “a decisive break with past patterns, replacing them with Spirit-empowered holiness”.
In other words, when you are truly saved, it’s more than just saying you know the Lord; you are literally transformed by His spirit and don’t do the things you used to do. It’s a conscious choice to become a new man.
We are familiar with David’s plea in the Psalms:
Psalm 51:10 AMPC
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.
David recognized the importance of living righteously before the Lord (and before others as a positive witness), and asked the Lord to renew him to become a new man!
When you have been transformed totally, your life will reflect Micah:
Micah 6:8 AMPC He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?
In other words, the new you will be able to align yourself with godly traits like justice, mercy, kindness, and humility which reflects you know God. That’s the indication of newness.
If you have evil intentions in your heart, your speech is negative and profane, or your actions are devoid of holiness, you truly have to ask yourself have you been made new. And if you haven’t been made new, are you really saved?
Saints, reflect on your conduct and spirit. If you haven’t been made new, be like David and ask the Lord to make you new so that your conduct is not corrupting you.
Go in peace!