1That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life 2(and the life was revealed, and we have seen, and testify, and declare to you the life, the eternal life, which was with the Father, and was revealed to us); 3that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.
5This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie and don’t tell the truth. 7But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
In Romans 8:13 and Colossians 3:5 the apostle Paul commands believers to “mortify” or “put to death the misdeeds of the flesh.” Used figuratively, “put to death” means to execute, to make die, to render extinct sinful desires and fleshly appetites. Mortification, which is different from the acknowledgement of sinful deeds (1 John 1:9) is necessary because it focuses on weakening, breaking, and eliminating sinful desires, actions, and habits. Romans 8:13 makes it clear that it is our responsibility to execute the misdeeds of the body. The verb “put to death” is present tense implying continuous action in moment-by-moment Christian living. Notwithstanding, we must be dependent upon the Holy Spirit, for self-discipline alone is insufficient. The Greek tense of the command in Colossians 3:5 “Put to death” entails decisive action.
Therefore, we must refuse to yield to a particular temptation, for every time we give ourselves to it, the stronger the sin will become as it takes hold of our lives. When faced with a particular temptation, consider the (1) dangerous consequences which may follow such as personal guilt, regret, ruined testimony, pain and harm in the lives of others, and grieving (Eph 4:30) and smothering the Holy Spirit’s ministry (1 Thess 5:19), (2) God’s goodness, (3) future judgment of eternal rewards (cf. 1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:9-10; 2 John 8), (4) the majestic beauty of God, (5) the wonder of Calvary, and (6) God’s potential chastisement. (7) Remember sin corrupts, distorts, and changes who we are; (8) Immediately flee from the temptation to sin; (9) Go to the source of the sin seriously probing why we are attracted to this particular sin; (10) think right thoughts; (11) diligently practice noble deeds; (12) prayer; (13) submit ourselves to transparent accountability (James 5:16); (14) Trust God.