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2 Keys of Holy Living
Putting Off–Putting On Principle

Disposing of the Old

The preaching of the Word of God is both negative and positive. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16, that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for:

Doctrine: That's what's right.

Reproof: That's what's wrong.

Correction: That's how to get right.

Instruction in righteousness: That's how to stay right.

Thus, when we "preach the Word" both right and wrong are going to be revealed. The truth is most people already know when things are wrong in their lives. God's Word has been ". . . written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness. . . " (Romans 2:15). The preaching of God's Word exposes the error in people's lives and causes them to change their mind about that sin and repent. Often, that is what the invitation is all about – confessing sin and getting right with God

.

However, we must go a step further, because the Bible does. If all we do is empty our life of sin, we leave a void for the devil to fill with something else.

"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." (Matthew 12:43-45)

Replacing the Old

The "old" must be replaced with "new" or it will be replaced by worse "old." Notice carefully this principle in Paul's instruction in Ephesians 4:20-32:

But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let no the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

"Put off" and "Put on." As Paul deals with certain sins, he not only instructs the believers to put them off, but then specifically states what should be put there in it's place. For Christian growth and maturity to take place "dehabitation"—that is, breaking the old habits of sin, and "rehabitation"—that is, establishing the new patterns of thinking and living, must occur.

Someone has said: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Well, first of all we are not talking about "dogs." we are talking about "people." Secondly, we are not talking about "tricks," we are talking about "holy living by the grace of God." Either we believe the Bible or we don't! God is in the business of "changing lives." He changes us at conversion and makes us a brand new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17), and then changes us continually through the process of sanctification (2 Corinthians 3:18).

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The Bible is filled with "instead ofs." For example in James 5:12 it says: "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." What about Psalm 1:1-2? "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." The wrong sin—the wrong habit, being replaced by the right action—the right habit!

Listen to James: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." (James 4:7-10) Or how about Ephesians 5:18? "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the spirit;"

82 Sins and Their Biblical Replacements
Putting off–Putting on Principle

There is no such thing as "instant holiness." "Enoch walked with God." (Genesis 5:24). "So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God" (2 Chronicles 27:6). Paul instructed Timothy to "Exercise thyself rather unto godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7). Spiritual maturity is an on-going process of replacing the old with the new. Enoch didn't get from point A to point B in one step – he walked with God. "1f any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

Thus, as we "preach the Word," we must expose the old and explain the new. We must preach repentance, but also replacement. Denying the old, and dedication to the new. Forsaking sin, and following the Saviour. Starving the flesh, and saturating ourselves with the Spirit. As we feed the flock of God we must serve a "balanced" diet if they are going to be healthy sheep.

Listed below are eighty-two common sins that need to be "put off" from our lives and their counterparts that should be "put on" in their place. With each of these "old" and "new" habits we have listed several verses that reinforce the principle. These are great verses for people to memorize who are struggling with these areas. Jesus confronted the temptations of Satan with Scripture and we are wise to take the "sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" and do likewise. As we preach and counsel people – let's not just "rebuke" the sin, but let's help people "replace" that old habit with a new one.

82 Commom Sins to Put Off and the Counterpart to Put On
Put Off
Put On
1. Lack of Love; 1 Thess. 3:12; 1 John 4:7,8,20 1. Love; John 15:12; John 13:35; 1 Peter 1:22
2. Judging; 1 Cor. 4:5; Rom. 14:4; James 4:12; Matthew 7:1-5 2. Search my own sin; John 8:9; John 15:22; Psalm 139:23-24; Jer. 17:10
3. Bitterness; James 3:14-15; Eph. 4:31; Heb. 12:15 3. Tenderheartedness; Col. 3:12; Rom. 12:10; 2 Peter 1:5-7
4. Unforgiving spirit; Matt. 6:14; Mark 11:25-26 4. Forgiving spirit; Matt. 6:14; Luke 17:4; Col. 3:13
5. Pride; Prov. 11:2; Prov. 21:4; Prov. 28:25; Prov. 16:18 5. Humility; James 4:6; Prov. 16:19; Prov. 22:4; Prov. 29:23; Matt. 18:4
6. Selfishness; 1saiah 5:8; Matt. 25:43; Phil. 2:21 6. Death to self; John 12:24; Matt. 16:25; 1 Cor. 10:24; Phil. 2:4; Gal. 2:20
7. Boasting (conceit); Gal. 6:3; Prov. 17:19; Prov. 25:6-7; 1 Cor. 4:7 7. Humility; Prov. 27:2; Matt. 23:12; 1 Pet. 5:5-6
8. Stubbornness; 2 Chron. 24:19; Acts 7:51; 1 Sam. 15:23 8. Submission; Rom. 6:13; Matt. 6:10; Matt. 26:39
9. Lack of Submission; Matt. 6:10; Psalm 40:8; Matt. 12:50; 9. Broken will; Matt. 6:10; Psalm 40:8; Matt. 12:50
10. Rebellion; Jer. 44:16; Zech. 7:11; 1 Sam. 15:23 10. Submission; Joel 2:12-13; Luke 1:38; James 4:7
11. Disobedience; Eph. 5:6; 2 Thess. 1:8; Heb. 2:2-3 11. Obedience; Heb. 5:9; Deut. 26:16; 1 Sam. 15:22; Acts 5:29
12. Ungratefulness; Luke 17:17-18; Deut. 32:6: Rom 1:21 12. Thankfulness; Eph. 5:20; Deut. 8:10; Psalm 100:4; Col. 3:15
13. Impatience; Ecc. 7:8; Psalm 40:1; James 1:2-4 13. Patience; Luke 21:19; Rom. 12:12; Heb. 10:36; James 1:4; James 5:7
14. Discontent; Prov. 15:16; Deut. 32:32; Phil 4:11-12 14. Satisfaction; Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:6
15. Covetousness; Jer. 6:13; Hab. 2:9; Luke 12:15; Exodus 20:17 15. Yielded rights; Col. 3:5; Rom. 13:14; Gal. 5:16
16. Murmur; John 6:43; Phil. 2:14; Prov. 19:3 16. Gratefulness; 1 Cor. 10:10; 1Thess 5:18
17. Complaining; Psalm 77:3; Jude 15-16 17. Contentment; Heb. 13:5; Psalm 142:4
18. Sassing; 1saiah 57:4; John 6:43 18. Respect for authority; Eph. 5:21; Heb. 13:17; 1 Cor. 16:16
19. Irritation to others; Prov. 17:14; Prov. 26:17; Prov. 25:8 19. Preferring in love; Phil. 2:3-4; 2 Tim. 2:14
20. Jealousy; Gen. 37:4; Prov. 27:4 20. Trust; 1 Cor. 13:4; Prov. 3:5-6
21. Strife; Prov. 3:30; Prov. 20:3; James 3:16 21. Esteem others; Luke 6:31; Mark 12:31; Rom. 13:10; Rom. 15:1-2; Gal. 5:14
22. Losing temper; Prov. 14:17; Prov. 16:32 22. Self control; Rom. 5:3-4; Prov. 19:11
23. Bodily harm; Acts 16:28; Prov. 16:29 23. Gentleness; 1 Thess. 2:7; 2 Tim. 2:4; James 3:17
24. Anger; Ecc.7:9; Prov. 14:17 24. Self control; Gal. 5:24-25; 1 Cor. 9:25
25. Wrath; Psalm 37:8; James 1:19-20 25. Self control; Gal. 5:24-25; Rom. 6:12
26. Hatred; Matt. 5:21-22 26. Kindness; 1 Cor. 13:3; Matt. 22:39
27. Murder; Matt. 19:18; Rom. 13:9; Ex. 20:13 27. Love; Rom. 13:10; 1 Peter 1:22
28. Gossip; Titus 3:2; James 3:6; James 4:11 28. Speak with praise; Rom. 14:19; Eph. 4:12; Eph. 4:29
29. Lying; Prov. 12:19; Psalm 5:6; Psalm 101:7; Prov. 12:22; Col. 3:9 29. Speaking truth; Zech 8:16; Eph. 6:14
30. Bad language; Eph. 4:31; Eph. 4:29 30. Edify; 1 Tim. 4:12; Prov. 16:14; Col. 4:6
31. Profanity; Ecc. 10:12; Psalm 109:17 31. Edify; 1 Tim. 4:12; Prov. 25:11
32. 1dle words; 1 Tim. 6:3-4; Matt. 12:36 32. Bridled tongue; Prov. 21:23; James 3:2-3
33. Evil thoughts; 1 Chron. 28:9; Prov. 15:26; Prov. 23:7 33. Good thoughts; Phil. 4:8; Rom. 8:6; Phil. 2:5
34. Bad motives; Prov. 6:18; Rom. 1:21; Psalm 38:12; Gen. 11:6 34. Meditation; Psalm 19:14; Psalm 119:59; Prov. 12:5
35. Complacency; Rev. 3:15; James 4:17 35. Diligence; Col. 3:23; Deut. 6:5; Psalm 119:2; Jer. 29:13; Ecc. 9:10
36. Hypocrisy; Matt. 23:23-25; 1saiah 29:13; Job 8:13 36. Honesty; Eph. 4:25; Luke 6:46; Rom. 2:21; James 3:10
37. Other gods; Josh. 24:14-15; Deut. 11:16 37. Christ in first place; Eph. 4:6; Matt. 6:33; Acts 3:26
38. Loss of first love; Hosea 10:2; Matt. 24:12; Rev. 2:4 38. Meditate on Christ's love; 1 John 4:10,19
39. Lack of rejoicing; Psalm 85:6; Phil. 4:4 39. Rejoicing; 1 Thess. 5:16; 1 Peter 1:8
40. Worry; Matt. 6:25-34 40. Trust; 1 Peter 5:7; Phil. 4:6
41. Doubt; Luke 18:8; 1 John 5:4; 1 Thess. 5:24 41. Faith; Heb. 11:1; Luke 17:5
42. Unfaithfulness; Prov. 20:6; Prov. 25:19; 1 Cor. 4:2 42. Faithfulness; Psalm 31:23; Rev. 2:10; Luke 19:17
43. Copping out; Prov. 24:10; Matt. 24:26 43. Discipline; Luke 14:27; 1 Cor. 9:24-27
44. Neglect of Bible study; Psalm 119:9-11; 2 Tim. 3:14-17 44. Devotions; Josh. 1:8; 1saiah 34:16; 1 Tim. 2:15
45. Neglect of prayer; Luke 18:1; Eph. 6:18; 1 Chron. 16:11 45. Prayer; Psalm 55:17; Heb. 4:16; Mark 1:35; 2 Chron. 7:14
46. No soulwinning; Ezekiel 33:8-9 46. Soulwinning; Prov. 11:30; Dan. 12:3; James 5:20; Matt. 4:19; Jude 22-23
47. Burying talents; Matt. 25:14-30 47. Perfecting abilities; Luke 12:48; 1 Cor. 4:2
48. Irresponsibility; Prov. 24:30-34 48. Responsibility; Eph. 4:1; Prov. 6:6-11
49. Procrastination; James 4:13-15; Prov. 27:1 49. Discipline; John 9:4; Psalm 95:7-8
50. Laziness; Prov. 13:4; Prov. 20:4; Prov. 21:25; Eph. 5:15-16 50. Diligence; 1 Cor. 10:31; Prov. 22:29; 2 Peter 3:14
51. Not doing your best; Prov. 14:23; Ecc. 9:10 51. Doing your best; Col. 3:23; 1 Cor. 14:12
52. Misconduct in church; 1 Tim. 3:15; Psalm 122:1 52. Reverence; Ecc. 5:1; Psalm 26:8; Psalm 27:4
53. Not tithing; Mal. 3:7-10; 53. Tithing; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2
54. Inhospitable; 1 Peter 4:9 54. Hospitality; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2
55. Temporal values; Phil. 3:8; Hag. 1:5-7; Prov. 13:7; Matt. 6:19-21 55. Eternal values; 2 Tim. 2:4; Col. 3:2; 1 Tim. 6:19
56. Following the crowd; Prov. 29:25-26; 1 Cor. 15:33; Psalm 1:1; Prov. 4:14; Ex. 34:12 56. Following Christ; Matt. 6:33; 1saiah 55:6; Acts 17:27
57. Cheating; 1 Peter 2:12; Prov. 15:3 57. Honesty; Luke 8:15; Rom. 12:17
58. Stealing; Ex. 20:15; 1 Peter 4:15; Eph. 4:28 58. Giving; Luke 6:38; Prov. 3:9-10
59. Lack of moderation; Col 3:13; Phil. 4:5 59. Balance; 2 Peter 1:5-10
60. Over-eating; Prov. 23:21; Prov. 23:1-2 60. Self control; 1 Cor. 9:27; Luke 21:34; Luke 12:22
61. Speeding; 1 Peter 2:13-14 61. Obedience to civil law; Ecc. 8:2; Rom. 13:1
62. Improper dating relationships; Gen. 39:9; 1 Cor. 15:33 62. God's standards; Phil. 1:20; 1 Cor. 6:19-20
63. Dating the wrong people; 2 Cor. 6:14 63. Equal yoke; 1 Cor. 6:12; Amos 3:3
64. Lust of the flesh; Gal. 5:24; Rom. 6:6; 1 John 2:16 64. Pure desires; 1 Peter 2:11; Rom. 13:14; Col. 3:5
65. Lust of the eyes; Psalm 101:3; 1 John 2:16 65. Pure thoughts; Phil. 2:4; 1 Tim. 5:22
66. Fornication; 1 Thess. 4:3-8 66. Purity; 1 Cor. 10:8; Matt. 5:8; Psalm 24:3-4
67. Necking / Petting; Prov. 5:20; 1 Cor. 7:1 67. Abstinence; 1 Thess. 4:4; Heb. 13:4
68. Immodest dress; Prov. 11:22 68. Modesty; Ex. 20:14; Prov. 5:18
69. Adultery; Matt. 5:27-28 69. Fidelity; Ex. 20:14; Prov. 5:18
70. Homosexuality; Rom. 1:26-27 70. God's purpose; 1 Tim. 5:22; Gen. 2:24
71. Worldly hair styles; Phil 1:27 71. Glorify God; 1 Cor. 11:14-15
72. Worldly music; Psalm 95:1; 1 Cor. 14:15; Prov. 23:7 72. Edifying music; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
73. Dancing; 1Thess 5:22 73. Glorify God; 1 Cor. 10:31
74. Drugs; Rev. 21:8 74. God's Temple; 1 Cor. 3:16-17
75. Drinking; Prov. 20:1; 1saiah 5:11; Rom. 13:13; Prov. 23:20 75. God's Temple; Prov. 23:29-35
76. Smoking; 1 Cor. 6:19-20 76. God's Temple; 1 Cor. 3:16-17
77. Witchcraft / Astrology; Deut. 18:10-11 77. One true God; Micah 5:12-15
78. Gambling; Luke 15:13 78. Stewardship; 1 Cor. 4:2
79. Movies; Matt. 6:22-23; Prov. 23:7 79. Example; Psalm 101:3
80. Stumbling block to others; 1 Cor. 8:9-12 80. Stepping stone; Rom. 14:21; Rom. 15:1
81. Preferential treatment; James 2:1-6 81. Fairness; Luke 6:31; 1 Tim. 5:21
82. Presumption of the future; James 4:13-14 82. Patience; Prov. 27:1

Article by: Dr. John Goetsch
Executive Vice President of West Coast Baptist College