Last week we talked about reconciliation. This week we are going to talk about mortification. Mortification means to put off or put to death the works of the flesh. It means the battle against sin.

NOTE: POSTS IN THIS SERIES HAVE BEEN ADAPTED LARGELY FROM A STUDY CALLED “CHRISTIAN RECOVERY” FROM PROVIDENCE CHURCH.

Our primary concern isn’t with particular sins, but with our sinfulness and the flesh in which it resides, and only by extension and particular sins. Thus, our focus today will be on attacking our sinful tendencies and their stronghold, the flesh.

DISCOVERING THE PRINCIPLE IN SCRIPTURE

Let’s look at a passage that will help us understand more about the role and importance of mortification in our lives. The passage we are going to read is Colossians 3:5 – 17. As we read this, look for what we learn about the importance of putting sin to death.

  1. Make a list of the sins Paul describes in this passage.
  2. What is the consequence of not putting these sins to death?
  3. What is the key to putting off or putting to death these sins?
  4. Make a list of the new articles of clothing we must put on.

 

APPLYING THE PRINCIPLE

The diagnostic questions below are designed to help you apply the principle of mortification. They will help you think through how you can work toward mortification in specific situations in your life. Remember the ground rules: 1) Be as specific as you can about your real life. 2) Listen to each other. 3) Don’t give advice unless asked.

 

  1. What sins from the list above do you struggle with specifically?
  2. What practices, habits, seasons, locations, feelings, etc. act as triggers of temptation for you in your sin?
  3. What new articles of clothing do you need to pursue that counteract the sin you struggle with?
  4. What aspects of God’s goodness do you need to meditate on as make war against your sin?
  5. Who do you need to invite into your struggle to provide accountability?

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT FOR GOING DEEPER

Continue to take inventory. Continue to take stock of your emotions (particularly anger, fear, and lust) and watch for sinful behavior, both throughout the day and at the end of your day. If time permits, try to prepare a written inventory, which we have found is more e ective than a mental inventory in terms of helping us recognize our part and admit it to God. The most important thing is simply consistency: build a habit of watchfulness and self-examination and you will be well served in your battle against the flesh.

Continue to ask God for help. Whenever we catch ourselves slipping into sin, we at once ask God to deliver us from temptation and remove any sinful desires at play. Do not give your sin time to fester.

Continue to confess your sins. God’s commands to acknowledge your sins and be reconciled to others have no expiration date. As you continue to sin, continue to acknowledge your sins to God and to others (sponsors, small-group members, spouse, etc.) and continue to try to set right any wrongs you commit. At first, these practices are strange and difficult, but in time they will become routine and easy.

Reflect daily on Romans 7:21 – 25