Colossians 3:9-10

Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with its evil practices and have put on the new (spiritual) self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self.

Paul is not talking to unsaved people here, but the Christians in the Colossian church. They were working through and learning about salvation and following Jesus as believers. We, as believers, need to continually renew ourselves in the word and deepen our knowledge of Jesus. Whether long-time believers or new, there is an enemy trying to steal our faith and causing us to sin.

Colossians 3:6

Because of these (sinful) things, the (divine) wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience (those who fail to listen and who routinely and obstinately disregard God’s precepts) and in these (sinful things) you also once walked, when you were habitually living in them (without the knowledge of Christ).

Jesus didn’t come to this earth focusing on Himself, but to save others from sin and the absence of God in their lives. The Law gave rules and regulations, but not the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we follow the precepts of God, we leave the sins of the old self behind. Jesus frees us through salvation to live without the condemnation of sin.

Colossians 3:5

So put to death and deprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body (with its sensual, self-centered instincts) immorality, impurity, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry (because it replaces your devotion to God).

The things of this world will never satisfy as much as a relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. If we are self-centered, we will never be satisfied and will constantly be looking to fill a void. Jesus came to save us from our sinful nature, evil desires, and greed. Without Jesus providing a way to escape, we would be trapped in them, with no way out.

Colossians 3:2

Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above (the heavenly things), not on the things that are on the earth (which have only temporal value). For you died (to this world) and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

We don’t have to settle for the ungodly standards of the world for our lives. Our born-again spirit was given to us so we could rise and live according to Godly standards. The Bible is our power source for a renewed mind, a healthy life, and healthy relationships. The Holy Spirit is our guide and our helper, steering us away from any pitfalls that arise.

Proverbs 4:23-24

Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful (lying and misleading) mouth, and put devious lips far from you.

It matters what we let into our minds and what we let out of our mouths. If we are not at peace and unsettled, check in on what we are thinking and what we are saying. When we test our current situation, and if it is negative, then we need to test our conversation with ourselves and others. We have the greatest impact on our future by what we speak about today.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things.

If we continually judge our thoughts by these standards, our minds would find greater peace. When our thoughts do not line up with these standards, we are to reject the thought. We are the gatekeepers of what enters our brains. We can’t ruminate over a negative thought and expect to have peace. Don’t give negative thoughts any time to settle in our thought process.

Galatians 5:23

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. If we live by the Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit (with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage-our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit).

The flesh (mind, will, and emotions) does not retain the wisdom of Christ. Our born-again spirit does through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We need to question our emotions and not follow them when they lead us into anger, sadness, depression, hopelessness, and more. It takes training and focus to learn to use the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit as our life filter.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit (the result of His presence within us) is love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such a thing there is no law.

The fruit of the Spirit lives in our spirit, and we can tap into it anytime. We cannot go by our feelings and emotions and expect to have the list above. Feelings change constantly depending on our circumstances. Our spirit remains constant.  If we want peace, we must choose to follow our spirit, not our flesh.

Mark 8:34

Jesus called the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, “if anyone wishes to follow Me (as My disciple), He must deny himself (set aside selfish interest), and take up his cross (expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come), and follow Me (believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, I need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me).

When we understand that we gain eternal life by taking up our cross and following Jesus, it is not a burden. The benefits of being a follower of Jesus outweigh our selfish interests and desires. When we conform to and live our lives according to Jesus’ example, we gain the ability to endure.

James 1:14-15

But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited (to commit sin) by his own (wordily) desire. Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death.

The Holy Spirit’s conviction and keeping our eyes on the word will keep us from the temptations of sin. When we maintain our guard against worldly desires that do not satisfy, God can keep us protected. All good gifts come down from God, and God will help us find satisfaction in this life that doesn’t lead to sin.