Our Common Struggle With Sin

Our Common Struggle With Sin

A Christian must learn how to keep sin from ruling his life.
If we are able to keep the sin of pride from ruling us then we can readily acknowledge this battle. (1 Cor 10:12-13)

1 Corinthians 10: Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

I have run across “experienced” Christians that speak of living for years without sinning. How can this be? Some have quit serving God because of these false concepts. Zacchaeus was shocked to learn that it was possible for him to serve God! Why? Others said that he could not! (Lk 19:5-7)

Luke 19: And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner." B. How should we deal with our own personal struggle with sin? 1. We can live in bondage or we can be free! (Jn 8:32-36) John 8: "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 33 They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?" 34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 "And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 2. We can live an abundant life in Christ!

How should we deal with our own personal struggle with sin? We can live in bondage or we can be free! (Jn 8:32-36)

John 8: "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 33 They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?"

34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 "And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

We can live an abundant life in Christ!

Let the knowledge of God humble you
When I am beat down by a problem bigger than me I need help! It is good when we cry out in despair to God. (Rom 7:24-25)

Romans 7: O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

Pride is an ever present issue in this struggle. Gain strength in knowing that God knows you! (Psa 139:1-6)

Psalm 139:1-6 - O LORD, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.

5 You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.

Our God knows us and yet still loves us! Look at how well God knows us. (Mt 10:30-31)

Matthew 10: "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 "Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Let God teach you about you! (Heb 4:12-13)

Hebrews 4: For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

There are “inconvenient truths” about myself that I need to hear. God has also blessed me with good friends who also often tell me what I do not want to hear. The end result is a humble and tender heart that is willing to be taught!

Be careful, pride can even enter at this point. We can acknowledge these truths and be arrogant. (Ex. “I am a recovering Pharisee”)

Let the forgiveness of God strengthen you
Forgiveness can only come from truth and light. (1 Jn 1:7-10)

1 John 1: But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

I must know what sin is and admit it. I must fight sin rather than in pride attempt to manage it. Satan will never be honest. He will call good, evil and evil, good. Please do not let pride turn you to darkness. (Isa 5:20-21)

Isaiah 5: Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!

Let the forgiveness of God keep you looking to Him for help. (Heb 12:1-3)

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

How many of you would take on a professional fighter without any help? Without God’s wisdom we will turn to “cycles of failure.” We must be born again to be freed from sin. (Jn 3:3-5)

John 3: Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

This new birth wipes away in forgiveness all past sins! (Acts 2:38; 3:19)

Acts 2: Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 3: "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

How do we know this has occurred? It starts with the knowledge of the promises of God. It is not based on how we feel alone. The new birth is painful. We must see our sins and turn from them. A brutal honesty is involved. (Mt 5:3-4)

Matthew 5: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

We must walk in the light and confess our sins. (1 Jn 1:5-10; 3:9-10)

1 John 1: This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us

1 John 3: Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

God is faithful so all we need to do is stand by faith on His promises. A person is not a hypocrite who repents and gets back up to fight sin.

Common but fatal mistakes men make in fighting sin.
Many try to beat sin by willpower and guilt alone. Both willpower and guilt are tools that God uses. They are also instrument of slavery without God’s wisdom. Have you ever been in a battle that you could never win, but kept fighting anyway? Many Christians have made this mistake.

Learning from Paul’s struggle before he became a Christian. (Rom 7:14-20)

Romans 7: For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

Learning from Paul’s struggle before he became a Christian. (Rom 7:14-20) Romans 7: For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 1. Here is a treadmill that will always bring failure. 2. Sometimes our teaching may sound like this: “Try Harder!” 3. In this cycle you will be beat-up, get up and try harder and then fall again and keep repeating the cycle. Eventually you will quit. You are a slave! 4. Why keep doing the same thing over and over again? C. We need more than willpower. We need God’s grace. (Rom 8:1-3) Romans 8:1-3 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 1. With God’s grace we can heal and grow in our love for God! (Rom 8:31-35) Romans 8: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 2. We must see God and battle sin through this relationship!

Our God wants us to have life!
John 10: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 1: He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

Jesus showed how we can live by dying! How we receive by giving! The Christian life is full of meaning but to the world it is filled with frightful paradoxes. (2 Cor 6:9-10)

2 Corinthians 6: as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

I want to exhort those who are looking to the future to start here.

Life must be given and sustained in Christ
Life in Christ we start with death. (Rom 6:3-4)

Romans 6: Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

This is a death of the will and complete submission to Jesus. It reflects a lifetime of “eating ……His flesh and blood.” (Jn 6:53-58)

John 6: Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. 54 "Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 "For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.

56 "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 "As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58 "This is the bread which came down from heaven -- not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever."

This is the bottleneck of conversion! How many really repent and give their will to the Lord? True life comes at a high cost! (1 Cor 3:11-13)

1 Corinthians 3: For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.

A living faith will put the best into service to God. No junk is allowed! Those of you who receive a degree, did it come easy? Did you pick and choose when you felt like going to class or if you wanted to take a test? We despise that which is cheap and easy. (1 Chron 21:24; Mal 1:13-14)

1 Chronicles 21: Then King David said to Ornan, "No, but I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing."

Malachi 1: You also say, 'Oh, what a weariness!' And you sneer at it," Says the LORD of hosts. "And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; Thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?" Says the LORD.

14 "But cursed be the deceiver Who has in his flock a male, And takes a vow, But sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished -- For I am a great King," Says the LORD of hosts, "And My name is to be feared among the nations.

Churches can be filled with members who have stopped fighting the good fight and have stopped putting God first. They have no abundant life. Do not join with or be led by those like the “Laodiceans.” (Rev 3:15-17)

Revelation 3: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' -- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked --

Give great attention to the teaching you receive! (1 Tim 4:13-16)

1 Timothy 4: Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.

16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

We must demand the truth especially when it hurts. Have you had a friend complain about negative preaching? What do they mean? Many churches are appearing to decide that less preaching and teaching is better. What did Laodicea need? (Rev 3:18-19)

Revelation 3: "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Your generation may have to start over in many places in this country!

Life continues or perishes as the heart is maintained
The heart is like soil where the word of God may grow or perish! (Lk 8:15)

Luke 8: "But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

This is not just true in conversion. We must discern! (Heb 3:12-13)

Hebrews 3: Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

There is a real test in how we respond when rebuked. Do you respond in integrity or in anger and scoffing? (Psa 1:1)

Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

Satan plants bitterness and pride so that you might lose control of your mind. Please do not “give place to the devil.” (Eph 4:25-26)

Ephesians 4: Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. 26 "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.

You have been warned concerning many things that the world promotes. Make honesty an absolute priority. (James 3:17)

James 3: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

God will test us to see if we really want truth. The easy way out is there.

Give Me The Truth by Bill Crews

If you are my friend, if you are concerned about my soul, give me the truth. Do not flatter me. Do not praise my virtues while remaining silent about my vices. Do not fear that the truth will offend me. Do not treasure our friendship, our friendly relations, above my salvation. Do not think that by ignoring my sins you can help.

Do not think that being blind to my sins will prove yourself charitable. However I may react to it whatever may be my attitude toward you after you have done it, give me the truth! For the truth, and only the truth, can make men free from the shackles of sin, strengthen me in the pathway of righteousness and lead me to the joys of heaven.

If I am wavering, weak, lukewarm, indifferent, neglectful; if I have been overtaken in a trespass, if I have been drawn into the pleasures of the world; if I have left first love; if I have been led astray by error; or if I have done none of these, but simply need to grow in knowledge and be edified, give me the truth!

“Do these verses describe me?” (Mt 5:6; Amos 5:14-15; Prov 11:27)

Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

Amos 5: Seek good and not evil, That you may live; So the LORD God of hosts will be with you, As you have spoken. 15 Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the LORD God of hosts Will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

Proverbs 11: He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, But trouble will come to him who seeks evil.

Hungering and seeking the truth is an “acquired” taste. We must maintain this desire. (Rom 12:9; 16:19)

Romans 12:9 - Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

Romans 16: For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.

An evil heart also comes from a lifetime of choices. (Jer 4:22)

Jeremiah 4: "For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, And they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge."

I have known Christians who later adapted a lifestyle that they would have never dreamed of. This did not happen overnight. Your choices will become your character. (Jer 13:23 NIV)

Jeremiah 13: Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.

The lazy, unchallenged person will in time be found in Satan’s camp.

Maintain a heart of thanksgiving. (Col 2:6-7; 4:2)

Colossians 2: As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2 - Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

I have not known of a thankful, discerning person to fall away. When we really see God, we see how small we are and how small our problems are!

Life never quits Our God will allow us to go through the fires of tests. (1 Pt 1:6-7)

Life never quits 1 Peter 1: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

Life never quits My dad’s greatest example to me was his fight to provide for the family. God often has his people face their worst fears so that they can see themselves as God does. Wise parenting learns how to use tests rather than run from them. Peter needed to learn some very difficult lessons. (Lk 22:31-32)

Life never quits Luke 22: And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."

Life never quits What was Peter like when he returned to God?
What tests might you face in your future? You will face them! Peter knew who Jesus was and where eternal life is found. (Jn 6:66-68)

Life never quits John 6: From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

Life never quits It is my prayer that your time here has prepared you for the life ahead!

Our Common Struggle With Sin

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