Personal Syllabus Part 2: "Systematically Putting Off the Ol' Man"

As I try to put together a personal syllabus for ongoing growth, it occurred to me that I should formalize some important outcomes in my life. I think that anyone could apply this process upon which I am preparing to embark. However, the details of one's plan will be unique: no one should adopt my personal syllabus, but instead, if one finds this helpful, one should take the concepts and discipline and apply them to their own journey.

A new friend commented on my previous post that the plan itself should be essentially determined by the Lord. On that point I heartily agree. Prayerful reflection on the Bible certainly will provide a path for growth and renewal.

Christians are called to put off the old man and put on the new. I suggest the big picture can and must incorporate both such activities as part of a developing discipleship. The syllabus concept I am proposing for myself (and anyone else who wishes to be so disciplined) is to identify areas that God seems to be prompting growth. It's merely a tool to reflect on questions I may have or things I need to address in my life. My series called Bible Bridges proposed ways in which penetrating Bible study could be enhanced. This personal syllabus project is now applying in detail what is gleaned from deep Bible reflection.

Within the powerful gospel of Christ being applied to our lives (where God's grace enables what we ourselves cannot do), the concept of putting off and putting on is a touchstone in the New Testament. This is one of many word pictures used in Scripture describing how God's grace transforms the believer:

Ephesians 4:17–24 (NET)

^4:17 So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ^4:18 They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. ^4:19 Because they are callous, they have given themselves over to indecency for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. ^4:20 But you did not learn about Christ like this, ^4:21 if indeed you heard about him and were taught in him, just as the truth is in Jesus. ^4:22 You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, ^4:23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ^4:24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.

1. That which should be put off. These are things belonging to the old man, which are worldly. Moreover, some things that may be neutral can still inhibit growth (see Hebrews 12:1ff). Quite likely there are also beliefs I have that are not fully aligned to the truth of Scripture. All of these things should be decreasing as I mature.
2. That which should be put on. Naturally, these are the good works that God has ordained for me (see Ephesians 2:8-10). Right attitudes and actions are outcomes of the gospel applied. Moreover, expounding on the truths of Scripture add to a personally grasped biblical theology. Having a growing superstructure of biblical doctrines and a systematic theology prepares the believer for the challenges that come to us in a troubled and evil world.

As this summer unfolds, I will try to identify things that need to be put off and to be put on. I hope to be transparent about this, though let's be honest and admit up front: some things God reveals about us in His Word are terrifying and ugly. I know there are thought patterns that I need to yield, and no doubt I still hold to partial error or ignorance. Yet God is faithful and provides grace. You are welcome to join me on this journey. Feel free to share your own syllabus with others and graciously support the brethren.