Daily Grind Bible Application
Put Off - Put On Model and Template

Background

The “Put Off / Put On” model is a practical biblical framework for personal change and sanctification. It comes directly from Ephesians 4:22-32. The “Put Off / Put On” template is a biblical tool specifically designed for lasting behavioral change. It is not just about gaining knowledge or feeling better — it is structured to produce real, observable changes in your thoughts, emotions, and actions (your behavior) by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Basis

The Biblical basis of this model is found in the practical guidelines that Paul provided in his letter to the congregation in Ephesians 4.

“You were taught, about your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV)

This Chapter is worthy of a Bible Study on its own, but for now, the focus is on the behaviour patterns that are corrupted by our human nature and the behaviour patterns that are transformed through walking in the Holy Spirit.

Paul continues to list those behaviour patterns in the following verses:

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
26 In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Paul lists for the congregation the “put-offs” and the “put-ons” as follows:

• Put off lying → Put on speaking truth
• Put off anger
• Put off stealing → Put on honest work and generosity
• Put off unwholesome talk → Put on edifying speech
• Put off bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, malice → Put on kindness, compassion, forgiveness

The Model

In a true sense, this does not fully meet the criteria of a behavior change model, but it does provide valuable insights on how we can transform our behavior. Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit, through His presence, that accomplishes this work, but He does so while we remain fully aware and engaged. The model understands that Christian growth involves not merely “stopping bad behaviors” (which often fails), but rather replacing old patterns with new, Christ-like ones, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

How the Put Off / Put On Model Works

New behavior patterns seldom change overnight, as they require repetition and patience. However, it remains unchanged without mental and physical effort. This model provides a useful tool that can guide us in our journey to learn and implement godly behavior patterns.

Put Off/Put On Template

Use this template regularly, either on a daily or weekly basis, or whenever you find yourself in a specific situation where you are confronted with a behavior pattern you want to change. Write it down in a diary, journal, or app, or print it out.

1. Identify

Pinpoint the specific sin or ungodly pattern:

1. What specific behavior pattern do I want to change? For example: “Anger when my children disobey” or “Worry about finances.”
2. Write it down in your own words.
3. Fill in the date.

2. Put Off (The Old Self)

Identify, repent, reject, and lay off the old behavior pattern:

1. Complete the description of the behavior pattern.
2. Identify the thoughts, words, actions, or emotions that need to change.
3. Explain why this behavior is wrong according to Scripture.
4. Determine what triggers this behavior. These triggers can be events, actions by other people, or personal issues such as tiredness, fear, pride, or past hurts.
5. Write down a statement of repentance or confession.
6. Compose a personal prayer, either spoken or written.

3. Renew Your Mind

Replace beliefs about the old behavior patterns with biblical truth from Scripture:

1. Identify any lies that strengthen old behaviour patterns. For instance, I am not good or strong enough. I can’t.
2. Identify key Bible verse(s) that relate to the behaviour pattern that you want to change and write them down.
3. What is the biblical truth or principle expressed in this verse?
4. What does God say about this truth?
5. How does this truth apply to my life?

4. Put On (The New Self)

Intentionally replace old behaviour patterns with godly behaviour patterns.

1. What is the godly behaviour pattern that will replace the old behaviour pattern? For example: “Patience and gentle instruction instead of anger.”
2. Define specific and measurable actions you will take in that specific situation that trigger old behaviour patterns. What will I do differently from now on?
3. Put it into practice.
4. Record and journal positive behaviour changes.
5. Celebrate new behaviour changes and share them with others.

5. Prayer & Dependence on God

Sustains change through relationship:

1. Depend on God’s grace:
   Record a personal prayer of dependence and faith. For instance, Lord, help me by Your Spirit to…
2. How does the Gospel (Word) empower this change:
   Remember: I am already accepted in Christ, so I obey out of gratitude, not to earn love. Change is powered by the Holy Spirit and the Gospel, not sheer willpower.

6. Accountability & Review

Sustaining change through relationships.

1. Whom will I share this with?
2. Set a review date.
3. Answer the following questions personally:
   What went well? Where did I succeed in “putting on”?
   Where did I fail? What did I learn? What do I need to do differently?

Conclusion