Changing Your Worldly Habits

As mentioned in prior chapters, the life of a Christian is one of continuous repentance (1Jn 1:5–10; 2:1, 28; 1Co 9:27; cf. Jas 5:16; Heb 4:16; 7:25) and avoidance of deliberate, willful, and repeated sin. The child of God must still confront and prevail over sin, for if you return to the ways “of this world,”[1] you will again become entangled in and tarnished by sin (Jas 1:27; 4:4; Joh 17:14–15; Rom 12:2; 2Co 7:1; Gal 1:4; 6:14; Php 3:19; Col 3:1–3; 2Pe 2:22; 3:14; 1Th 5:23; 1Jn 2:15–17; Rev 3:4; 16:15; cf. Gen 4:7; Pro 26:11).[2] You cannot continue to live in your old pattern of behavior and actions as if nothing has changed, and you cannot continue to partake of[3] the filth of the world like “‘a dog returns to its own vomit,’ and, ‘a sow [pig], after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire [mud]’” (2Pe 2:22; Pro 26:11).

DON’T QUENCH THE SPIRIT

Even after you are born again, you still retain your old carnal nature; please do not underestimate its pull on you! We read that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mat 26:41; Mar 14:38) and that “the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit” (Gal 5:17). Your fleshly body of “corruption” (Gal 6:8; 2Pe 1:4; 2:19; cf. Rom 8:23) actually “wages war” against your new spirit (see Rom 7:14–25; cf. Gal 5:17; Mat 26:41; Rom 8:6–6, 13; 2Co 4:16; 1Pe 2:11). While we remain in our mortal, fleshly bodies in this fallen world, we must contend with this sinful pull every single day (Mat 26:41; Jas 4:7). Know that it will take everything you have by “abiding in Him [Jesus]” and “He in you” to defeat it.[4]

We are instructed, and we see it written:

• “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:2),
• “For you have died [to your old sinful self] and your life is hidden with Christ in God…. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry” (Col 3:1–9; cf. Php 4:8; Gal 6:7–8; Jas 4:4; Rom 14:10–12; Rev 2:23; 20:12–13; 22:12),
• “In reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Eph 4:22–24), and as Jesus said,
• “Go, and sin no more” (Joh 8:11 KJV; Joh 5:14; 8:34; Gal 2:20; Heb 10:26–27; 1Jn 3:4; Rom 6:23).

You mustn’t “quench [grieve] the Spirit” (1Th 5:19–22; cf. Eph 4:30; Psa 119:11) by continued worldliness (Jas 4:4; 1Jn 2:15–16; cf. Joh 15:19; 17:14), and you cannot go on partaking of sin and carnal, fleshly lusts like you did as a heathen who does not know God (Mat 5:27–30; 26:41; Mar 7:20–22; Joh 5:14; 8:11; Act 15:20, 29; Rom 1:20–32; 6:1–23; 7:5, 18–25; 8:1–14; 12:1–2; 13:12–14; 1Co 6:9–10, 19–20; 10:13; 2Co 7:1; 12:21; Gal 5:16–24; 6:7–8; Eph 2:1–3; 4:17–32; 5:3–21; Col 3:3–9; 1Th 4:1–7; 5:22; 1Ti 6:10–11; 2Ti 2:19, 22; Tit 2:12; 3:3; Heb 12:1, 4; Jas 1:14–15, 21, 27; 3:2–8; 4:4; 1Pe 1:14–16; 2:11; 4:1–4, 15–16; 2Pe 3:3, 14; 1Jn 2:17; Jud 16–18; Rev 22:11, 14–15; Pro 23:29–35; Isa 5:11; 28:7).

A Christian must refrain from any action or behavior that the Lord finds to be an abomination, that is detestable, or that is one that He hates; the list is quite extensive (see Mat 5:37; Mar 7:22; Luk 11:39; Act 13:45; 26:11; Rom 1:18, 28–32; 1Co 6:9–10; Gal 5:19–21; Col 3:5; 1Ti 1:9–11, 13, 20; 4:2; 5:13; 6:4, 10–11; 2Ti 2:14; 3:2–5; Tit 1:7, 10; 2:2–3, 9–10; 3:10–11; Rev 13:1, 5–6; 16:9, 11, 21; 21:8; 22:14–15; cf. Pro 3:32; 6:16–19; 8:13; 11:1; 12:22; 15:8, 26; 16:5; 17:15; 20:10, 23; 24:9; 28:9; Deu 25:14–16; Psa 5:6). The wise Christian will familiarize themselves with that list and steer well clear of those behaviors.[5]

The difference between a “man of God” (1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 3:17) and a man of sin (a man of the flesh) is that the man of God resists urges and temptations, while a man of the flesh simply gives in to whatever lust, urge, desire, or temptation that comes his way, acting for the most part just like a wild animal (Psa 73:22; Eph 2:3; cf. Rom 8:5–8, 12–13; 2Pe 2:12) without any restraint, personal “discipline,” moderation, or “self-control.”[6]^, [7] As a Christian, you are now living for Christ, and you are an example for others (Mat 5:14–16; Php 2:15–16; 3:17; 1Th 1:7; 2Th 3:7–9; 1Ti 1:16; 4:12; Tit 2:6–8; 1Pe 2:9, 21; 5:3; 1Co 11:1; Joh 13:15). Furthermore, we see it written, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and … you are not your own” (1Co 6:19; cf. 1Co 3:16) and “If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are” (1Co 3:17)—you can still “disqualify” (see 1Co 9:27) yourself from heaven by continued sinful behavior. Let us heed the warning given in Gal 6:7–8.

SIN IS CROUCHING AT THE DOOR

To avoid being drawn back into temptation and sin, you will almost certainly need to change your worldly (and entertainment) habits. If you fail to do this, “sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you” (Gen 4:7), just waiting to enslave you again. You cannot be “lights in the world” (Php 2:15; cf. Mat 5:14; Joh 12:36; Rom 2:19–20; 2Co 6:14; Eph 5:8–14; Pro 4:18) if you walk in (regularly participate in, watch, and enjoy) the “darkness” of this world (Mat 4:16, 6:23; Luk 1:79; 11:34–35; 22:53; Joh 1:5; 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46; Act 26:18; Rom 2:19; 13:12; 1Co 4:5; 2Co 6:14; Eph 4:18; 5:8, 11; 6:12; Col 1:13; 1Th 5:4–5; 1Pe 2:9; 1Jn 1:5–6; 2:8–11; Pro 4:19). I can’t warn you strongly enough not to underestimate how hard the world tries to pull you back into it and sin through its lustful, sexy, fleshly, prideful, flashy, glitzy, and glamorous allures and temptations shouted from the rooftops and all secular media sources 24/7/365.25 (entertainment, media, books, internet, movies, etc.), bombarding you with “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life” (1Jn 2:16).[8] These temptations are blaring out in staggering volume and frequency from this fallen world and fallen man. It is truly amazing how much noise the world makes in an attempt to drown out the message of the Gospel and lure even the born-again Christian back into the clutches of sin and death. This fallen world and the schemes of man constantly call out to your flesh, and each day, you must choose to either move forward toward Christ or back toward this world.[9]

DO NOT DISQUALIFY YOURSELF

When you were born again, your sins were forgiven (Heb 9:26–28; 10:17; 1Jn 1:7; 2:2; 4:10; Rom 3:25–26; 5:8, 21; Mat 26:28; 1Co 15:3; Col 1:13–14, 20–22; Eph 1:7; Heb 2:17; 1Pe 2:24; 3:18; Rev 1:5; cf. Psa 103:12; Isa 1:18; 43:25; Jer 31:34), and you were covered by the blood of Christ and clothed with His righteousness. In effect, you “put on” Jesus’ righteousness (Gal 3:27 ESV; Rom 13:14; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10) like a “white garment,”[10] so you will be clothed in it on Judgment Day. The white clothes signify that you have been cleansed from sin,[11] but it is now your responsibility to keep your clothes of righteousness clean, white, spotless, and undefiled by sin (2Co 7:1; 2Pe 1:4–9; 3:14; Isa 55:7; 1Co 6:20; 9:27; Eph 2:3; 1Th 5:23; Rev 3:4; 16:15) and to “be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless” (2Pe 3:14; cf. Eph 1:4; 5:27; Col 1:22; Act 24:16; 1Co 1:8; Php 1:10; 2:15; 1Th 5:23; Jud 24; Rev 14:5) so that when Jesus returns[12] on Judgment Day you are not “found naked” again (2Co 5:3; cf. Rev 3:18; 16:15)—that is, no longer covered by and clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

The apostle Paul wrote on this matter, indicating that even he had not yet obtained final eternal salvation despite everything he had already done, including hearing the Gospel directly from Jesus (Php 3:12–14). He further writes about not being “disqualified” (1Co 9:25–27; cf. 2Ti 2:4) after having started out (being born again) and even (especially) after he had preached the Gospel to thousands. And if Paul could have been disqualified (by his actions), how much more can you and me! In fact, the risk to your eternal salvation is so great from lusting after things (material possessions or lustful desires) that Jesus used extreme symbolism to convey the magnitude of the danger (Mat 5:29–30); let us, therefore, greatly heed His warning. Moreover, as John Bunyan wrote, “One leak will sink a ship, and one sin will destroy a sinner.”[13]

THE WORLD IS NOT YOUR SHEPHERD

For a Christian, the Bible is our instruction manual on how we are to live and our standard for behavior, for it is God, through His Word, who defines and tells us what sin is and what is right and wrong, good and evil (wicked), and righteous and unrighteous—not man, his committees, or institutions (Psa 119:9, 11, 105; Deu 20:18). We are called to a much higher standard than what the world thinks is acceptable, normal, fashionable, popular, trendy, or even allowed and legal under civil law statutes (Mat 5:48; Eph 1:4; 4:1–2; 5:27; Rom 6:11–14; 12:1–2, 9–21; Joh 15:19; Col 1:22; 1Pe 1:13–16; 2:9; cf. Mat 5:1–7:29; Rev 22:11). We are to get our morals, ethics, and instructions (commands, commandments) from God’s Word, not from society or the world at large (1Co 3:19–20; Rom 12:2; 1Pe 1:14)—our standard is Jesus and His commandments. Scripture reads, “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psa 23:1), not “The world is my shepherd.”

This higher standard also means that we no longer utilize the ways of the world, which typically include behaviors such as “lying,” “gossip,” “cheating,” “stealing,” using “dishonest scales”[14] (see Amo 8:5; Pro 11:1; 20:10, 19, 23; Lev 19:35–36; Deu 25:13–16; Hos 12:7; Mic 6:10–11; Rev 21:8), wielding weapons of war, using violence (of any kind), and so on.[15] Let us, therefore, “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1Th 2:10–12), with honesty, integrity, courage, truth, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, gentleness, and love. We must follow Christ’s example, even when doing so goes against “the wisdom of this world” (i.e., the wisdom of man and the ways of this world; 1Co 1:20; cf. 1Co 3:19; 1:27; Jas 3:14–15; Pro 14:12; 16:25; Rom 3:4) and even when doing so is difficult.

SET APART

We are further instructed not to keep socializing with those who regularly engage in sin (2Co 6:14–18; 1Co 5:6–9; 15:33; Rom 12:1–2; Eph 5:7–11; 2Ti 2:21–22; Jas 4:4; 1Jn 1:6; Rev 18:4; cf. 1Co 5:11; Gal 5:9; Psa 26:4–5; 50:18; 106:35; Pro 1:10–17; 14:7–9; 13:20; 22:24; Job 15:16; Num 16:26). While it’s true we are to share the Gospel message with the lost, we are also instructed, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers” (2Co 6:14; e.g., socialize with them, marry them, etc.) or partake in their worldly activities (2Co 6:14–18; 1Co 5:6–9; 15:33; Rom 12:1–2; Eph 5:7–11; 2Ti 2:21–22; Jas 4:4; 1Jn 1:6; Rev 18:4; cf. 1Co 5:11; Gal 5:9; Psa 26:4–5; 50:18; 106:35; Pro 1:10–17; 14:7–9; 13:20; 22:24; Job 15:16; Num 16:26). It’s best to “fellowship” with those who love and serve the Lord (Act 2:42; 1Co 1:9; 2Co 6:14; 13:14; Gal 2:9; Php 3:10; 1Jn 1:3, 6–7; cf. 2Th 3:14; Rom 16:17; 1Co 5:11; Tit 3:10). We are to be “a holy priesthood [people]” (1Pe 2:5), “set apart” (Act 13:2; Rom 1:1) for Christ[16] and not “entangled” again in the world (see 2Ti 2:4).

The more you are around immorality, sensuality, and the things “of this world,” and the more you watch, listen, and participate in such things, the further you will drift from God. Socializing with those who live in the flesh will infect you; in fact, it’s much more likely that they will influence you to sin than you will influence them to repent and turn to Christ (1Co 15:33; Gal 5:9). Therefore, it’s best not to go to bars, nightclubs, and other such places (and no, this is not where you go to share Christ, as a general rule). Even when you now see others partaking in worldly, fleshly, carnal, and sensual activities (e.g., crude jokes, parties with lustful activities, etc.), you do not join in with them (1Pe 4:3; Pro 1:10). Furthermore, old “friends” may no longer be friends due to your change in activities, and they may distance themselves from you now (and probably mock you) as you decline to participate in their worldly, fleshly activities. So be it!

ENTERTAINMENT HABITS

Related to all the above, your entertainment habits must also be scrutinized. There is almost nothing morally pure, good, and godly about anything produced by the world entertainment industry at large.[17]^, [18] Their “entertainment” simply appeals to lust, greed, idolatry, and other corrupt, carnal, sensual, and fleshly desires. Furthermore, nearly all so-called “Christian” movies are based on false teachings and fake gospels, so beware. This “entertainment” is, at worst, made up of completely corrupt, fallen, sin-laden productions from start to finish, and at best, they are a means to deceive you when they appear to be (and are promoted as) “Christian” films (and books, etc.), when in fact they are replete with the false teachings identified in this book.[19]

I pray that the Spirit will be with you and guide you in this area. If you are not careful, your entertainment choices can lure you back into the world very quickly, and it happens in a silent and insidious manner. Before you even realize it, you will find yourself walking in, partaking of, and wandering among the fleshly, carnal world again. You must constantly and continually ask yourself, Does what I’m watching, viewing, or partaking in promote Christian morals, ethics, and behaviors or not?[20] We must heed what is written: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Php 4:8). If what you are watching doesn’t match that verse, then you should not be watching it (“dwelling” on it).[21]

PRIOR LIFESTYLE HABITS

Lastly, a conscientious Christian, as a “child of God” and a “new creature [person]” in Christ,[22] should evaluate and examine any habits or behaviors that may have carried over from their prior lifestyle—things such as smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs (even those that are legal), eating in an unhealthy manner, and so on. You may still be addicted (and held captive) to your prior way of life, and some behaviors are no longer appropriate for a Christian, as “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you” (1Co 6:19–20; cf. Eph 4:30). We are no longer our own—we are now “living stones” (1Pe 2:4–5; cf. Eph 2:20) in the temple of the living God (1Co 3:16–17; Rev 3:12)—so we should strive to “do all things” (1Co 9:23; cf. 1Co 10:31) for “the glory of God” (Rom 3:23; 5:2; 15:7; 2Co 4:15; cf. Eph 1:14) in holiness and purity (1Pe 1:15–16; Eph 1:4; 5:27; Col 1:22). I’m speaking here about things that Scripture does not expressly forbid.

JESUS WILL HELP YOU OVERCOME

While changing our habits and overcoming our flesh can be exceedingly difficult to do at times, know that you can prevail by the power of Christ who lives (abides) in you. As it is written, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Php 4:13), “If by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom 8:13; emphasis mine), and “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zec 4:6).[23] This is referred to as being “filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18) and “putting on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Eph 4:24; cf. Col 3:10), for when you are filled with the Spirit, it pushes out the lusts and desires of the flesh (Rom 8:13). One of the ways we do this is to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (see 2Co 10:5; cf. Php 4:8). This means discarding lustful, prideful, and covetous thoughts by dismissing them through the power of Christ; banish them from your mind when they occur. Over time, this gets easier to do, although spiritual attacks will continue throughout your life (Eph 6:16; cf. Jas 4:7).[24] In summary, you are moving from a life of fleshly, selfish, and worldly pursuits to one of spiritual, unselfish, and heavenly pursuits while desiring to be more like Christ each day. You are now battling “the spiritual forces of darkness and wickedness [evil]” (paraphrase; see Eph 6:12) and no longer walking under their command or power (1Jn 3:8; Mat 16:23; Jud 1:9).

I fully understand that this chapter is much easier to write and read than it is to actually change entrenched habits and behaviors. But know that you are not alone in this, as nearly all other brothers and sisters in Christ also struggle against things of the flesh (whether they admit it or not). For the brothers, it may be a continuing fight against “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes” (see 1Jn 2:16; cf. Mat 5:28) and the pursuit of worldly fame, power, and “love of money” through business (1Ti 6:10; 2Ti 4:10; cf. Luk 12:15–21). For the sisters, it might be continued “gossip,” “idleness,” or being “busybodies” (see 1Ti 3:11; 5:13; 2Ti 3:3; Tit 2:3; Rom 1:29; 2Co 12:20; 2Th 3:11; cf. Pro 20:19). We should, therefore, help and support one another as we walk together on our pilgrimage toward heavenly Jerusalem. One of the ways we can do this is by offering encouragement and accountability to help keep others from stumbling and falling (Rom 15:1–3; Gal 6:1–2; 1Th 5:14), as we all eagerly look forward to being able to stand before Christ “holy and blameless” (Eph 1:4; 5:27; Col 1:22; cf. 2Pe 3:14; Act 24:16; 1Co 1:8; Php 1:10; 2:15; 1Th 5:23; Jud 24; Rev 14:5) on the Day of Judgment, which is the only thing that matters in the end and for all eternity.

DON’T GET DISCOURAGED (WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE IN JESUS)

I want to add an important note to close this chapter so you do not “grow weary and lose heart” (give up, get discouraged, quit the faith; Heb 12:3). You will not “be perfect” (Mat 5:48) in love and obedience all the time nor “in your striving against sin” (Heb 12:3–11), for the pull of the “natural man” (1Co 2:14) inside you[25] is still mightily strong and continually “wages war” against your new, born-again spirit. Nothing I’ve written should be taken to mean that you will lose your salvation if you stumble and fall at times (i.e., sin occasionally). The Scriptures do not teach that, and furthermore, God is a God of unbelievable love, grace, mercy, patience, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness (Lam 3:22–23; Mat 18:21–22).[26] Remember, Peter once asked Jesus how many times he should forgive those who sinned against him (Mat 18:21–22), probably expecting to hear a relatively small number, and Peter even suggested the number seven (i.e., a small number of times that we as humans think is reasonable). However, the Lord answered with the number “seventy times seven” (i.e., 490). Now, the exact number isn’t important, but it’s a massively larger number than Peter thought was reasonable,[27] and that demonstrates how great the grace of God really is towards us!

Know that if we do stumble and fall at times in our walk (i.e., commit sin), we have an “Advocate” and “mediator” in Jesus (1Jn 2:1; 1Ti 2:5; cf. Rom 8:34; Heb 2:18; 4:16; 7:24–25; 9:24; 10:19–23; 13:6), as it is written: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet [He remained] without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:15–16) and further, “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb 7:25). So, no matter what, we must get back up, walk again in the Spirit, press harder into Jesus, and ask the Lord for His wisdom, His guidance, and His strength to deal with whatever weakness we are facing (Jas 1:5; Psa 23:1–3). We also, in continuing repentance, ask the Lord for forgiveness: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn 1:8–10; 2:1–2; cf. 1Jn 2:28; 3:6, 9; Jas 5:16; Heb 4:16; 7:25).[28] Are you not thankful for how light Jesus’ yoke really is (Mat 11:29–30)? Amazing!

So do not give up because you can’t be a perfect Christian one hundred percent of the time—you are actually diminishing God’s grace if you do that. Additionally, don’t let guilt overcome you due to some failures in your walk (i.e., don’t become a spiritual cripple). We all—and I emphasize all—stumble and fall at times in our walk with the Lord; so also did many (most) of the great men of faith that came before you. While each of us strives against different issues,[29] we must get back up and keep going, pressing into Jesus even more and trusting in Him and His grace completely, for while you were “dead in your trespasses and sins” (Eph 2:1; cf. Col 2:13) and “alienated [separated] from God” (see Eph 4:18), you have now been “made alive” (1Co 15:22; 1Pe 3:18) in Christ and “reconciled to God” (see Rom 5:10; 2Co 5:18, 20; Col 1:22).

So, just do your very best to live for God in a manner that is pleasing to Him and in obedience to the very best of your abilities (Rom 5:2; 1Co 9:23; 10:31; Eph 4:17; 1Pe 1:16; 2Pe 1:3),[30] as it is written, “Lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Eph 4:17–23, emphasis mine). Then continue to press forward in full faith and trust in the Lord (Php 1:6; Heb 12:1–2) and in His awesome kindness and grace. Wayne Jackson writes:[31]

The faithful must lay aside every impediment that hinders, especially “the sin” that so easily encumbers (namely the surrender of one’s faith), and run with endurance the race. This is possible only if one looks forward, keeping his focus on Jesus, who has gone before us as the leader and perfecter of “the faith.”

RELEVANT VERSES

While I have cited many verses in this chapter, I want to list some here so you have them as a handy reminder not to take this subject lightly. Please don’t underestimate your old fleshly nature, for as I mentioned previously, it is an absolutely vicious and formidable opponent!

• “If your right eye makes you stumble,[32] tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Mat 5:29–30)
• “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mat 26:41)
• “Do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” (Joh 5:14)
• “Go. From now on sin no more.” (Joh 8:11)
• “Our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.” (Rom 6:6–7)
• “Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin.” (Rom 6:11)
• “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness.” (Rom 6:12–13)
• “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.” (Rom 7:18–25)
• “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Rom 8:5–8)
• “So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Rom 8:12–14)
• “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom 12:1–2)
• “The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” (Rom 13:12–14)
• “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” (1Co 3:16–17)
• “Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.” (1Co 6:13)
• “Flee immorality [sexual immorality, fornication]…. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” (1Co 6:18–20)
• “I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” (1Co 9:27)
• “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” (1Co 10:13)
• “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2Co 7:1)
• “We are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2Co 10:5)[33]
• “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Gal 2:20)
• “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” (Gal 5:16–17)
• “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Gal 5:24)
• “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Gal 6:7–8)
• “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.” (Eph 4:1)
• “In reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” (Eph 4:22–24)
• “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Eph 4:30)
• “But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” (Eph 5:3)
• “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.” (Col 3:3–7)
• “That each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion.” (1Th 4:4–5)
• “For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.” (1Th 4:7)
• “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness.” (2Ti 2:22)
• “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age …” (Tit 2:11–14)
• “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us.” (Heb 12:1)
• “Keep oneself unstained by the world.” (Jas 1:27)
• “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1Pe 1:16)
• “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.” (1Pe 2:11)
• “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.” (1Pe 4:3)
• “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy.” (Jud 24)
• “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (Zec 4:6)