In the same way that a child has to be taught how to behave, the Christian disciple has to learn how to live in such a way that Jesus is glorified.  Old habits have to go and new life patterns must be established.  In 1st Century Rome, heavy drinking and sexual temptation were a powerful cocktail to numb the conscience and find temporary pleasure.  

Although Jesus ministered to such people in Israel, He was never like them (Matthew 9:10-13).  The Apostle Paul said that those who follow Jesus must be different from the world in which they live – like dirty clothes, they must take off the old life and put on a new way of living.  That may bring us into conflict with our culture; those around us will think it strange that we do not rush into sin with them and they may ridicule and isolate us because we stand with Jesus (1 Peter 4:3-5).

Sinful behaviour starts when a tempted heart lets the mind work out how to achieve the heart's wrong desire (James 1:13-18).  Clearly, if we do not consider how we might do what is wrong, then the temptation loses its power.  So, Paul's advice is to "put on" the Lord Jesus: so that we think about Him, His purpose and His glory.  That should put our petty selfish desires into a very small perspective.

That is why Paul wrote to the Philippians, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9).  We are protected from evil planning when we fill our minds with good things.  Then we must refuse to consider ways to satisfy sinful appetites.  These are essential disciplines of the Christian life.