Struggling With Sin
I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
Romans 7:19-20
Satan is always attacking us in his effort to pull us away from God. He attacks Christians by trying to get a foothold in our lives and then slowly reeling us into more sin. But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; (James 1:14-15). Eventually the sin becomes a struggle to overcome because it has become a habit.
How do we overcome a persistent sin? It may be an angry response in a certain situation, or a knowing sin of omission, or it can be alcohol, drugs, pornography, or gambling. The longer we entertain the sin the more difficult it is to overcome; but all things are possible for God. With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
Overcoming sin is a great step in spiritual growth and we can become spiritual warriors if we have a strong desire to overcome sin and pray for God’s help. The verse in Romans says “I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway,” and this can cause havoc in our minds. Our Godly consciences tell us to avoid the sin while worldly emotions drive us toward the sin. A quote from the book titled “Could It Be This Simple, A Biblical Model For Healing the Mind,” by Dr. Timothy R. Jennings, states: “When people exercise their will to choose and act in a manner that violates reason and conscience, they damage themselves, becoming restless, uneasy, and anxious. But when the will follows the direction of reason and conscience, then even though it might not feel good at the moment, healing occurs, and internal peace, confidence, and contentment result.” When we have victory in Christ we have peace and more confidence, and this victory can become the driving force to overcome. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Some help in fighting sinful behavior can come from having the desire to be victorious and by praying for the Lord’s power to overcome. When we know the temptation is about to occur, pray for the Lord’s strength and protection from Satan’s attack, and pray each day for the Lord’s strength to kill the sinful desire. It is essential that we learn how to fight the sin and to be prepared and proactive in overcoming. If we are communing with the Lord with a heart of praise and thankfulness, he can give us the power to overcome the sinful desire. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). Sin is always an earthly thing, so stay connected to the Lord.
The next step in fighting the sinful desire is to immediately run to the Lord as soon as the thought first hits your mind. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). The longer we entertain the sinful thought the less power we have from the Spirit to overcome, because sin is conceived in our minds. It’s critical that we run to the Lord when the desire first comes to mind.
Today avoid any temptations if possible; if not, walk with the Lord and his power to overcome. Know that you have the power of God to overcome the world and to overcome any temptation. Be in control today by living in Godly wisdom and by taking control of any sinful desires of the flesh. Strongly refuse to let Satan control you through worldly fleshly desires. Walk in victory today.
Let’s Pray: Lord, give me your strength and wisdom to overcome any sinful behavior that Satan is trying to use to destroy my relationship with you. Help me to call on the Spirit who has power over Satan. In Jesus name, Amen