Let’s talk about sexuality.

In his letter to the Colossian church, the Apostle Paul explains an important aspect of transformation in our lives with a “put off, put on” principle. It’s not enough to say, “I want to stop engaging in a certain behavior”. Instead, we must also say, “I want to stop engaging in a certain behavior and I want to replace it with a new one.” If the goal is to no longer live a life of sexual immorality, we should also have a clear sense of what behavior we’d like to undertake in its place.

Colossians 3:5–17

[5] Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. [6] On account of these the wrath of God is coming. [7] In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. [8] But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. [9] Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. [11] Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

[12] Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, [13] bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. [14] And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. [15] And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [17] And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (ESV)

Consider these questions about this passage. Take some notes about your answers.
1. Does this bring to mind a sin to confess?
2. Is there a promise here to claim?
3. Is there a command to obey?
4. Is there an example to follow?
5. Is there an error to avoid?
6. Is there something here to praise God for?

If you’d like to learn more about Colossians 3 utilize the commentary at Bibleref.com: Colossians 3