Put Off the Old Self, Put On the New Self (Part 1)

This sermon was delivered at Albuquerque Baptist Church on November 13, 2022, with Ephesians 4:22-24 as its foundation. The pastor presents three steps for genuine change: putting off the old self corrupted by deceitful desires, allowing God to renew the spirit and mind, and putting on the new self created in God's likeness in true righteousness and holiness. This is not a process of self-improvement through willpower, but an inner transformation accomplished by God.

The sermon emphasizes that believers are not alone in the journey of sanctification. The Holy Spirit dwells within every believer, bearing witness that they are children of God, teaching, reminding, and guiding them through the Word (Romans 8:9, 14, 16; John 14:16-18, 26). The local church also plays an essential role in spiritual growth through loving correction, church discipline according to Matthew 18:15-17, and mutual accountability — as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).

A significant warning is drawn from the parable of the unclean spirit returning in Matthew 12:43-45: putting off the old self without putting on the new self leads to a condition worse than before. This is why both actions — putting off and putting on — are essential and must be practiced together, with the cooperation of the Holy Spirit and the community of faith.

The sermon also reassures the congregation of the security found in the Christian life: nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). Christ sits at the right hand of God interceding for us, and He has prepared a place for us (John 14:2-3). This assurance does not lead to complacency but motivates believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that God himself is at work within them, both to will and to act according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:12-13).