The Change
Immediately, he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God.” All who heard him were astounded and said, “Isn’t this the man in Jerusalem who was causing havoc for those who called on this name and came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners of the chief priest?”
Acts 9:20-21 (CSB)
A transformed life is noticeable. Before meeting Jesus, the apostle Paul was an adversary of the church, aiming to eliminate Christians and halt God’s kingdom growth. He believed he was defending religion and preventing Christ's movement from disrupting it. However, upon encountering Jesus, everything shifted. Paul transitioned from opposing God to becoming the leading evangelist of his time. He moved from trying to kill Christians to encouraging others to become believers. His life changed dramatically, and the world recognized it. The same change that impacted Paul is the change that impacts us when we receive Jesus.
Our former self is gone. Paul’s old identity vanished when he encountered Jesus. However, this doesn’t mean that the old self completely disappeared, as Paul later speaks of ongoing struggles against it. Instead, it signifies that Paul no longer saw himself through the lens of his former self and thus no longer drew his identity from it. The old self died at that encounter with Jesus, and his new self was rooted in Christ, shaping his identity. By following Jesus, we detach from our old selves and find our identity in Christ. The old self is set aside, and we actively work and struggle to live for Jesus.
Our new self begins to live when the old self dies, establishing a new identity rooted in Christ. This new self finds purpose, belonging, and direction in Him. It desires to live for the Lord and His kingdom. The apostle Paul exemplified this by living as a servant of Christ and a defender of the cross, with his purpose and identity centered in Christ. The new life aims to distinguish itself from the old by living for and serving Christ. Its approach is guided by God's ways rather than personal desires. Living in this new life, our identity stems from Christ, and our lives reflect His truth and illuminate His presence.
People notice the change. Those who knew Paul saw it too—his past and present stood in stark contrast. They realized something had happened. Living for Jesus should make a difference others can see, prompting questions about what changed. When we are truly transformed, it creates opportunities to share the Gospel since others are curious about what is different in us. When you think about your life in Christ, do others see the change?
QUESTIONS
How does the change from the old self to the new self open up opportunities to share about Jesus?
What differences exist between the old self and the new self?
