Anchor My Faith

Author: Stephen Weller
Contributors: ChatGPT & Bible Gateway
Lesson Index
Lesson: sls15
733 words, 4 minutes read time

Old/New Man Differences

Our life group schedule showed that we were beginning Colossians chapter 3. Because we usually have around eighty people each Sunday, our teacher always starts by having us break into small groups of three to five students for a period of about five minutes. The question we were to discuss today was, “What thinking/attitude of a Christ follower is different from someone who does not have a relationship with God that leads to behavior that is set apart (holy)?”

Set‑Apart Thinking That Shapes Set‑Apart Living

Holiness begins long before it shows up in behavior. It starts in the mind and heart of a Christ‑follower; where the Spirit reshapes attitudes, desires, and priorities. The following five truths highlight how a believer’s inner life differs from someone who does not yet know God, and why that difference leads to a life that is set apart.

1. A Christ‑follower thinks with a God‑centered mindset, not a self‑centered one.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 ESV) A Christ‑follower thinks with God at the center, not self. Every decision is filtered through the desire to honor Him.

Someone without a relationship with God naturally lives from the self-outward mindset; self‑protection, self‑promotion, self‑fulfillment. But a believer’s mind is renewed by the Spirit. Their starting point becomes: “What honors God?” rather than “What benefits me?”

This shift changes everything:

• Decisions are filtered through God’s will, not personal preference.
• Identity is rooted in Christ, not performance or approval.
• Purpose is shaped by God’s kingdom, not personal ambition.

Holiness begins with this new way of thinking.

2. A Christ‑follower adopts an attitude of surrender, not autonomy.

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’” (Luke 9:23 ESV) Instead of insisting on autonomy, the believer chooses daily surrender to Christ’s will.

The unbelieving heart says, “I decide what’s right for me.” The believing heart says, “Lord, Your will be done.”

This attitude produces:

• Humility instead of pride
• Obedience instead of resistance
• Gratitude instead of entitlement
• Trust instead of anxiety

Holiness grows where surrender replaces self‑rule.

3. A Christ‑follower sees sin differently; grieves it, not excuses it.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17 ESV) The believer sees sin as God sees it; something to turn from, not excuse.

Without God, sin is often minimized, justified, or redefined. With God, sin becomes personal; it is an offense against the One we love.

This leads to:

• Repentance instead of rationalization
• Sensitivity instead of numbness
• A desire for purity instead of tolerance for compromise

Holiness flows from a heart that hates what God hates and loves what God loves.

4. A Christ‑follower values eternal things, not temporary ones.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2 ESV) A Christ‑follower values what lasts forever, not what fades.

The unbelieving mind is anchored to the visible world; success, comfort, reputation, pleasure. The believer’s mind is anchored to eternity.

This produces:

• Different priorities
• Different goals
• Different definitions of success

Holiness is the fruit of living for what lasts.

5. A Christ‑follower is motivated by love for God, not fear or self‑interest.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15 ESV) Holiness flows from love for Christ, not fear or self‑interest.

Holiness is not behavior modification; it is love expressing itself in obedience. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

Love changes:

• Why we obey
• How we obey
• What we desire

Holiness is love in action.

Summary Statement

A Christ‑follower thinks differently because the Spirit has renewed their mind, reshaped their desires, and reoriented their purpose. That new inner life produces outward behavior that is set apart; holy.

Discussion Questions and Extended Answers

1. How does a renewed mind (Romans 12:2) change the way a believer approaches daily decisions?

A renewed mind shifts the believer’s focus from cultural patterns to God’s will. Instead of asking, “What do I want?” or “What seems easiest?”, the Christ‑follower begins to ask, “What pleases God?” This transformation affects choices about relationships, priorities, time, speech, and responses to pressure. Holiness becomes the natural outflow of a mind shaped by Scripture and the Spirit. The unbelieving mind is guided by self‑interest, but the renewed mind is guided by God’s truth.

2. Why is surrender essential to following Jesus (Luke 9:23), and how does it set believers apart from the world?

Surrender is the heart of discipleship. Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves—not in the sense of losing identity, but in yielding control. The world celebrates autonomy, self‑definition, and personal freedom. Christ calls His people to daily submission to His leadership. This surrender produces humility, obedience, and trust—qualities that stand in stark contrast to the self‑driven mindset of the culture. Holiness grows where the will is yielded to Christ.

3. What does it mean to grieve over sin (Psalm 51:17), and why is this attitude different from the world’s view of sin?

To grieve over sin means to see it as God sees it—an offense against His holiness and a barrier to fellowship. The world often minimizes sin, excuses it, or redefines it. A believer, however, feels conviction, not because of guilt alone, but because sin disrupts intimacy with God. This grief leads to repentance, cleansing, and renewed joy. Holiness is nurtured in a heart that refuses to make peace with sin.

4. How does focusing on eternal things (Colossians 3:2) reshape a believer’s priorities and lifestyle?

When a believer sets their mind on things above, earthly concerns lose their controlling power. Success, comfort, possessions, and recognition no longer define identity or purpose. Instead, eternal values—God’s kingdom, people’s souls, Christ’s glory—become central. This shift produces generosity, perseverance, purity, and mission‑minded living. Holiness is the natural result of living for what lasts forever rather than what fades.

5. Why is love for Christ the strongest motivation for obedience (John 14:15), and how does this produce genuine holiness?

Obedience rooted in fear or duty may produce outward conformity, but it cannot produce holiness of heart. Jesus teaches that true obedience flows from love—love that remembers His sacrifice, trusts His goodness, and desires His presence. When love motivates obedience, holiness becomes joyful rather than burdensome. The unbeliever may obey rules for personal benefit or reputation, but the believer obeys because they love the One who first loved them.