What practical steps help us "put to death" sinful desires today? The Urgent Command from Colossians 3:5 “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.” See Sin the Way God Sees It • Sin is not a nuisance; it is spiritual death (Romans 6:23). • Its true nature is idolatry—worshiping created things over the Creator. • Let the gravity of the cross remind you what sin cost (1 Peter 2:24). Fill Your Mind with Truth • Memorize and meditate on passages that expose sin and exalt Christ (Psalm 119:9, 11). • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). • Take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Guard the Gates—Eyes, Ears, Thoughts • Make a covenant with your eyes (Job 31:1) to avoid visual temptations. • Filter what you watch, read, and listen to (Philippians 4:8). • Resist fantasizing; lust is adultery of the heart (Matthew 5:28). Swift Confession and Repentance • Keep short accounts with God—confess as soon as the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9). • Genuine repentance turns from sin to obedience (Acts 26:20). Replace the Old with the New • “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility…” (Colossians 3:12). • Feed new desires by serving, giving, and loving actively (Galatians 5:13). • Idleness breeds temptation; purposeful obedience crowds it out (Ephesians 2:10). Depend on the Spirit’s Power • “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13). • Pray for fresh filling daily (Ephesians 5:18). • Trust His strength, not mere willpower (Philippians 2:13). Practice Radical Amputation • Flee situations that trigger sin (2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Corinthians 6:18). • Remove apps, cancel subscriptions, change routines—whatever it takes (Matthew 5:29–30). Stay Accountable in Community • Walk in the light with trusted believers (James 5:16). • Invite loving correction (Proverbs 27:17). • Regular worship and fellowship keep hearts warm toward God (Hebrews 10:24–25). Persevere Daily • “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). • The cross is decisive; the battle is daily—fight with hope, knowing victory is secured in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57). |
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