Episode #093: How Do You Mortify Your Sin?

How do you mortify your Sin?  How do Christians fight sin and grow in holiness without falling into legalism, discouragement, or the trap of trying to earn God's favor? In this episode of Cage Free Theology, Clint Archer and Will Brannon tackle an essential question for every believer: How do you mortify your sin?

Drawing from Scripture and the wisdom of trusted Christian authors, Clint and Will explain what it means to put sin to death, how sanctification differs from justification, and why the fight against sin must always begin with the gospel and our union with Christ.

They explore the biblical balance between God's work in us and our responsibility to pursue holiness, showing why spiritual growth requires both dependence on the Holy Spirit and intentional obedience to God's Word.

In this episode, we discuss:
     -What mortification of sin means and why it matters for Christian growth.
     -The difference between justification, sanctification, and glorification.
     -How God's work and our responsibility work together in the process of sanctification.
     -What Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:5, and other passages teach about putting sin to death.
     -How to respond when the same sin keeps returning and the battle feels discouraging.
     -Why we pursue holiness out of love for Christ—not to earn salvation or maintain our standing before God.
     -Recommended Christian books for fighting sin and growing in godliness.

The Christian life is not about earning God's love through personal performance. Because we belong to Christ, we have every reason to hate sin, pursue holiness, and grow in obedience. The fight may be lifelong, but it is never a reason to abandon hope in the gospel.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:33 — What Is Mortification of Sin?
02:00 — Justification vs. Sanctification
03:40 — Does God Sanctify Us, or Do We?
06:42 — Why Fighting Sin Must Begin with the Gospel
07:36 — What Does the Bible Say About Killing Sin?
10:02 — Practical Steps for Mortifying Sin
12:48 — Identifying Your Personal Struggles with Sin
14:08 — The Role of the Local Church in Fighting Sin
17:06 — What If You Keep Falling into the Same Sin?
18:29 — Scrupulosity, Conscience, and the Gospel
20:58 — Obeying Christ Out of Love, Not to Earn Salvation
22:45 — Recommended Books on Fighting Sin and Growing in Holiness