I know to some of you today’s message sounds like we are beating a dead horse, yet the points still need to be made.

We are still in Colossians, now to 2:20-23 which says:

²⁰ Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ²¹ “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. ²³ Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Our default setting in dealing with sin is to try to manage it ourselves. We know though that it never works. It may work on a temporary basis, but eventually we slide back into old behaviors.

Like dieting. Eating too much is a sin, just like drinking too much, gambling, etc. Instead of restricting ourselves, we should be replacing those needs with healthier things.

Galations 2:24-24 says: So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

We’ve learned that legalism, mysticism, and exestentialism are all false teachings, and we add one more today and that is asceticism- external repression of physical desires through one’s own strength.

The goal may be not to sin, but the methodology is all wrong.

1. Fighting sin with self-effort is unnecessary due to our new identity in Christ.
2. Fighting sin by man-nade rules or external restrictions is counterproductive.

God changes us from the inside out.

The need to sin is replaced by our faith in Christ.

We all want the things in the left column but the way to get them is not in the right column. The way to get them is in Jesus.

Those who feel angry all the time need to focus on what they should be grateful for.

Those who seek the need for fulfillment should not find it in immorality but in healthy heterosexual relationships.

Seeking peace through God replaces the need to abuse drugs or alcohol.

So it seems that we do need to have it beaten into our brains that faith alone in GOD ALONE is all we need. We cannot control sin and we dont need to because He did that for us.

He sent His only son to die in the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

Let it go now, and focus on strengthening your bond with Jesus. Read and study the Bible. Find ways to serve in your church. Take the focus off yourself so much and help others.

It’s almost impossible for us to understand that we cannot do what is needed alone but we must.

Thank you for being here, for reading and responding. I appreciate you! ❤️🙏