Live and Let Die
Killing the Flesh: Overcoming Sin for a Transformed Life
Introduction: In our journey of faith, one of the most challenging battles we face is the struggle against our sinful nature. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, reminds us of the importance of putting to death the desires of the flesh. Today, we will explore the powerful message in Colossians 3:1-11 and discover how we can overcome sin, experience true transformation, and live a life that honors God.
Colossians 3:1-4 (NKJV) 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Part 1: The Urgency of Killing the Flesh
In Colossians 3:5, Paul speaks of putting to death the members of our earthly bodies that are driven by sinful desires. What does this mean for us today? It means we must recognize the destructive nature of our sinful tendencies and take decisive action to overcome them.
Romans 6:13 (NKJV) 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
Our sinful desires can lead us astray, causing harm to our relationship with God, our faith, and our testimony. When we allow these desires to take control, we risk losing everything, including our souls.
Part 2: The Consequences of Not Killing the Flesh
If we fail to put to death the desires of the flesh, the consequences can be severe. Sin has a way of slowly eroding our relationship with God. It diminishes our faith, steals our peace, dampens our hope, and robs us of our joy. Furthermore, our testimony becomes tarnished, and our effectiveness in ministry is hindered.
Part 3: How to Kill the Flesh
Thankfully, God has not left us without a solution. In Colossians 3:8-11, Paul gives us practical guidance on how to overcome sin and live in victory.
Seek the things above: Instead of being consumed by worldly desires, we are called to seek the things of God. By focusing our attention and affections on heavenly matters, we align ourselves with God's will.
Set your mind on things above: Our thoughts have a significant impact on our actions. Therefore, we must guard our minds against sinful influences and fill them with thoughts that are pure, noble, and praiseworthy.
Put on the new man: As believers, we have been given a new identity in Christ. We are called to embrace this new self and live according to His image. By continually renewing our minds through the knowledge of God's Word, we can experience transformation from the inside out.
Conclusion:
Overcoming sin and killing the flesh is not an easy task, but it is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we seek the things above, set our minds on godly matters, and put on the new man, we can experience true transformation in our lives. Let us remember that our journey of sanctification is a process, and it requires our active participation and dependence on God's grace.
Today, let us make a decision to confront and overcome the sinful desires that threaten to hinder our relationship with God. By doing so, we open the door to a transformed life filled with joy, peace, and the full