Day 29

Faith and Diligence

If the power of sin has been broken through Christ, and it has, why do so many Christians remain stuck in sexual bondage? There are two main reasons.

The first reason is lack of faith. We have to believe the promise of God.

“For the death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” - Romans 6:10-11

When I was in college, I couldn’t break free from masturbation. The turning point for me came when God showed me through this verse that He calls us to believe His promise. We are told "consider [ourselves] dead to sin." We must believe the power of sin has indeed been broken.

When I began to believe this promise and claim it in the midst of temptation, it made a difference. I began to walk in freedom as I reminded myself that the power of this sin was broken. The power of sin was broken not just in general but for me in that moment for that sin.

Much like the gospel’s power is not unleashed until it is believed, the promises of God require faith to be experienced. 

But the Bible says faith in God’s promises to overcome lust is still missing something. Today’s lesson will unpack this critical truth.

Today’s Challenge:  

1. Watch the video Faith and the Promises of God.  
2. Answer the reflection questions below.

Reflection Questions:  

1. Why do you think God requires adding these seven qualities to supplement one’s faith to overcome sin?  
2. Which of the qualities mentioned do you need to seek in your recovery (virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love)?  
3. What would it look like for you to "make every effort" to add these qualities to your faith?

When I experienced freedom in college, it wasn’t just because of faith in God’s promises. That faith was supplemented with a small group, spiritual disciplines, a pursuit of holiness, accountability, and living out the other qualities God calls us to. Faith and diligence bring freedom.