How can we apply "cut it off" to remove sin from our lives? The Words of Jesus “And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire.” (Matthew 18:8) Why Such Drastic Language? • Sin is deadly; hell is real and eternal. • Nothing earthly is worth keeping if it drags us toward judgment. • Jesus highlights the costliness of true repentance: decisive, immediate action. Identifying “Hands and Feet” That Cause Sin • Habits: substances, entertainment, online patterns. • Relationships: immoral dating, gossip circles, corrupt business partners (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Environments: workplaces, clubs, social media forums drenched in temptation. • Inner attitudes: pride, bitterness, greed (Mark 7:20-23). Practical Ways to “Cut It Off” • Remove access points – Delete apps, cancel subscriptions, block numbers. – Relocate your workspace or move the computer into public view. • Replace, don’t just remove – Fill freed time with Scripture reading, prayer, fellowship (Psalm 119:11; Acts 2:42). • Establish accountability – Invite a mature believer to ask hard questions (Galatians 6:1-2). • Discipline the body – Fast, exercise self-control, set concrete limits (1 Corinthians 9:27). • Guard your schedule – Plan evenings and weekends so idleness can’t invite old sins (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Change circles when necessary – “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked… Avoid it” (Proverbs 4:14-15). • Renew the mind daily – Memorize verses that confront the specific sin (Romans 12:2; Psalm 1:2). • Seek professional or pastoral help – Especially for addictions or deeply rooted patterns (Proverbs 11:14). Support From the Rest of Scripture • “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature” (Colossians 3:5). • “By the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body” (Romans 8:13). • “Let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1). • “If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out” (Mark 9:47). • “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Living in Hope, Not Fear • Cutting off sin makes room for richer intimacy with Christ (John 15:10-11). • The Spirit empowers what God commands (Philippians 2:13). • Radical obedience now leads to eternal joy later (Romans 8:18). |
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