Growing in HopeSample

Overcoming Sin 

The Apostle Paul warns us here that practicing impurity (sin) leads us down a path of evil that eventually leads to darkness, and ultimately death. If we continue living a life of sin, and fail to turn from our sin, we become “excluded from the life of God.” 

Paul discourages us from continuing in sin because it makes our hearts “hard” and we become callous. If you ever have seen someone’s skin who is calloused, it is very hard. This often comes from work and is a natural reaction to using a tool. The only way for the skin to return to its normal softness after it has already become calloused, is to stop working with the tool. 

Sin has this same effect on our hearts. Over time, as we continue to live in sin, sinning becomes normal for us. At first, we may recognize a sinful thought or behavior as bad.  As we continue to allow that sin in our lives over and over again, that sin becomes acceptable and normal. According to Paul, to continue in sin is giving yourself over to sin. If we give ourselves over to sin, we become slaves to sin instead of being slave to the righteousness of Christ. Our hearts become hard and we become unwilling and unable to hear the truth of God from His Word. 

Eventually, an unwillingness to turn from sin leads to death. Jesus said in Luke 13:3, “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

In verses 22-24, Paul tells us to “lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,  and put on the new self, which is in the likeness of God.”

As children of God, we are to leave behind our sinful ways and pursue the new life in obedience to Christ through His word and His Spirit. Sin in our lives cannot be left alone. Overcoming it is a battle and we must fight like your life depends on it. 

Here are some ways you can practically address the sin in your life that won’t seem to go away: 

1. Confess this sin to God. Ask Him to forgive you for it.

2. Admit to God you are weak and ask the Holy Spirit to help you overcome this sin. 

3.  Spend time in prayer and read the Bible to start your day. In this way, you fill your mind with His truth as you begin your day.

4.  Memorize verses like 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” Then begin to take every thought captive.

5.  When you commit the sin, trace it back to its origin. 

a.  Were you hanging out with the wrong people?

b.  Were you drinking alcohol?

c.  Did it happen because you were alone with a computer?

d.  Were you gossiping?

e.  Were you watching TV or a movie?

6. Find someone who follows Jesus and who you can trust completely to talk to about this sin. Pray for God to send you the right person. Then ask that person to hold you accountable and pray for you regularly. Ask them to call you up and ask you how you are doing in regards to this sin. It may need to be daily at first, then weekly and eventually monthly. 

Take your focus off of sin and start focusing on Jesus, His word, and His love for you. The more of Jesus you put in your life, the less room there is for sin and your selfish nature. Spend more time around others who love and follow Jesus. Do whatever it takes to turn from sin in your life.

Prayer:
Father, I love You and I thank You for pursuing a relationship with me even though I sin. Thank You for forgiving me of my sin. Thank You for Your love that will not give up on me. Help me overcome (name the specific sin). Teach me Your word and show me that with You I can overcome this sin. I am trusting that Your word is true, and as I confess my sins, You will forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I am eternally grateful for You, Jesus. Be honored by my life. In Your name, I pray. Amen.