Colossians 3:10. "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:"
THE NEW MAN. There is a new nature that is implanted within. God put it in me when spiritual life did begin. That was God's work as an act of His grace. The new creation began at a specific place.
But now there is my responsibility to match conduct with faith. It is not enough for me to know what the scripture says. This new man is not the same as the one before He is continuing to learn and mature more and more.
The new man knows what is right by reading God's Word. And is able to do what is right by the Spirit of God. What I know and what I do have to be consistent With the nature of God and the divine inner Resident.
The more I learn of God the more I should be like Him. Christ-likeness without should come from Christ-likeness within. Forms and activities can be done by me only for show. To be renewed in my knowledge of Him, my faith must grow.
There is no justification for me to be just drifting along. Things outwardly may, look good and I am doing no wrong; But to be reflecting God's image takes more than good intentions. I must consider my life as continuing Christian education.
This is done when I deliberately put on the new man. This new self is challenged to continually expand The process of learning and experiencing God's grace, By the practice of conduct matching the life of faith.
"Father, this day I would like evidences of the new man to be seen by my wife and other people with whom I come in contact. My meditations earlier have been on those who failed. Now I want to be like those who are living victorious lives. Most of all, I would like to reflect Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."