Fighting Sin

Fighting sin in my life involves two parts (as proposed by Paul).  First, there is a ‘putting off’.  Eph. 4:25 says, “Therefore, having put away falsehood…”  Verse 28 says, “Let the thief no longer steal…”  Verse 29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths.”  The next part is a ‘putting on.’  Paul says in verse 28, “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor…”  In verse 29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up…”  Paul uses similar language in Colossians 3:9-10, “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self…and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”  He then exhorts the Colossians to, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” (Col. 3:12)

So whether I am repenting of sin or fighting the temptation to sin, there is a ‘putting off’ or turning from sin, and a ‘putting on’ or embracing Christ and his gospel.  May God grant grace to turn from sin and unbelief, and in faith embrace Jesus.