Overcoming Sin

[NicoCorea]

Great thread. Sadly, just browsing the first page alone, I already see what you were talking about in action.

Nevertheless, I guess the strategy for countering sin depends on which area of sin each person struggles with.

I think one area many Christians struggle with is sexual sin, and I'm no exception. What has worked for me is this:

- devotion to God's word, and to prayer. Daily renew our minds with God's word and fill it with thoughts and meditations of his word and his person, and our minds will likely not stray to think of other things. Pray for strength from God to overcome, for wisdom on what to do and to remind ourselves that "His kingdom come, His will be done."

- avoid idleness. fill our days with hard, joyful work.

- Remove all sources of temptation ruthlessly. Every time I fall into sin, I trace back and recall how it all started.

Was it from something I saw or read while browsing a particular site which gave me ideas (I'm talking about legit sites like online newspapers or social/news forums where people discuss social issues and latest happenings), was it from pictures in a magazine, newspaper, TV show, movie, etc.?

When you see a pattern forming, gouge out the eye, cut off the foot. I don't visit certain social forums anymore because the conversations sometimes turn suggestive or flirtatious, or have lewd humour on them, although I like those sites very much for the entertainment and the social chit chat. I also don't watch certain TV shows, and am very careful what movies I watch. I do this not because I'm religious, but because I recognize my own vileness, weakness and falleness.

- be alert to control your thoughts and imaginations. Be mindful of what you're thinking of. When you catch yourself thinking of something that is not right and not pure, stop immediately. James tells us that sin starts from our desires. So kill it before they can form. This is one of the most useful things I've learnt from God's word.

- be quick to repent if I fall. Keep a short account with God. Repent and renounce and turn away immediately after I sin, break the pattern straight away. One sin can lead to two (the 2nd time is much easier), then to 4 and very soon you'll find yourself enslaved by sin.

- have faith and believe in the mighty power of God to deliver, even when circumstances don't seem to suggest that I'm having much victory. Believe in the promises of Jesus, that when he promised he'll set us free, he can and will do it.

- when in bondage, pray for God's power to break free. I really believe in this. I have experienced this a number of times, where I fall into sin and then have no way in my own strength to break out of it (talking about after regeneration) because my whole being, my thoughts, body, etc. are just aching to sin. When we go to God in humility, sorrow and repentance, God literally will "give us a new heart" and I come out feeling different, without the desire to sin anymore, as if the shackles of bondage were taken away, and my mind renewed. And the longer the interval between now and the last sin, the less desire I have to break that pattern and sin.

- pray for a hatred of sin. To hate sin, we need to understand what it is and what it does. We're born in sin and do not recoil at it's heiniousness. Pray and ask God to give us a glimpse of how God views sin. Remember what sin did to one we love, Christ. When our loved one is unjustly hurt, punished or defiled in anyway, it makes us angry and we have a natural hatred for whatever or whoever it was that caused that hurt. If we love Christ, we should think of what sin did to Him, and hate sin because it was sin that caused Christ to suffer all He did. For us.

I'm glad to say these things have worked for me. I'm not perfect and will never be in this life, but there is a growing sanctification by the grace and mercy of God.

There is no simple universal answer to the original question. If there were, the Christian walk would be a walk in the park, so to speak. But I think ThyWordIsTruth has the closest thing to a practical answer so far. I think it starts with a sincere will to quit the sinful behavior, whatever it is. A genuine hate of it. Then the repentant sinner analyzes the behavior, looking for patterns, stepping stones to sin, weaknesses, etc. He devises a strategy, tailored to that analysis. He executes the strategy. He is realistic and expects failure. He re-analyzes and adjusts the strategy as needed. He fights, and steadies himself up when he slips. All this is done prayerfully and knowing that God said (paraphrasing) "It's possible. You can escape from this. I have made a path for you." It's a war, the emeny is your own sinful desires. So you must think like a General, analyze your enemy, mashal your forces, identify the most promising path to victory, and execute.

[Firstfruits]

I don't sin all the time so does that mean I'm partly righteous and partly unrighteous, partly holy and partly unholy? To be considered either righteous or unrighteous is determined by God, not us, isn't it? God sees us as righteous and holy because we believe in His Son, not because we are sinless. Nowhere does scripture teach that we are not acceptable to God unless we get to a point where we never sin. Abraham wasn't justified and acceptable to God because he was sinless, he was justified and accepted by God because of his faith:

Romans 4
1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Can you see that it is faith that counts for righteousness and not sinlessness? If Abraham could have been justified by his own sinlessness then he would have had cause for boasting of himself and glorying in himself, but this says that he was not justified for his works and for being sinless but was justified and counted righteous because of his faith.

This is what Jesus says if we are not one one way or the other.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Firstfruits

[andrew_no_one]

Shall we begin the task of clearly and definitively answering the opening questions?

[Firstfruits]

Shall we begin the task of clearly and definitively answering the opening questions?

How do we overcome sin?

According to the following when we are tempted God makes a way for us so that we are able to bear the temptation and therefore overcome the temptation to sin.

1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

The down side of it all is that instead of overcoming sin, we are overcome with sin.

Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Firstfruits

[John146]

This is what Jesus says if we are not one one way or the other.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Firstfruits

Once again you are misinterpreting scripture. The reference to hot or cold is not a reference to being either sinless or entirely evil. It has to do with having one's complete faith in Him or not. Those who are lukewarm are those who say they believe in Christ but their actions don't show it. They are not believing in their heart. Scripture doesn't say we have to be sinless to be a Christian it says we have to have our faith in Jesus Christ. Your false doctrine denies this. Your doctrine is all about man earning his salvation by his own righteousness. God's grace and faith in Christ are secondary in your doctrine.

[Firstfruits]

Once again you are misinterpreting scripture. The reference to hot or cold is not a reference to being either sinless or entirely evil. It has to do with having one's complete faith in Him or not. Those who are lukewarm are those who say they believe in Christ but their actions don't show it. They are not believing in their heart. Scripture doesn't say we have to be sinless to be a Christian it says we have to have our faith in Jesus Christ. Your false doctrine denies this. Your doctrine is all about man earning his salvation by his own righteousness. God's grace and faith in Christ are secondary in your doctrine.

So what is the difference, if we have faith in him are we saved? If we have no faith in him or doubt him are we saved?

How do we overcome sin?

According to the following when we are tempted God makes a way for us so that we are able to bear the temptation and therefore overcome the temptation to sin.

1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

The down side of it all is that instead of overcoming sin, we are overcome with sin.

Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Is this also not in context?

Firstfruits

[John146]

So what is the difference, if we have faith in him are we saved?

Yes.

If we have no faith in him or doubt him are we saved?

No.

How do we overcome sin?

According to the following when we are tempted God makes a way for us so that we are able to bear the temptation and therefore overcome the temptation to sin.

1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

The down side of it all is that instead of overcoming sin, we are overcome with sin.

Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Is this also not in context?

Firstfruits

It depends on what you are saying that these verses are teaching. Are you trying to say that they are teaching that we must be sinless in order to be saved? If so then you are not reading them in the proper context.

[Firstfruits]

Yes.

No.

It depends on what you are saying that these verses are teaching. Are you trying to say that they are teaching that we must be sinless in order to be saved? If so then you are not reading them in the proper context.

Well you tell me what you believe is written, and according to the scriptures.

Firstfruits

[John146]

Well you tell me what you believe is written, and according to the scriptures.

I have many times already. You haven't read my posts?

[ProjectPeter]

Ultimately, the logic is this... I can't stop sinning therefore it is impossible for anyone else to stop sinning because I can't do it myself. With that logic... no one will overcome sin because there is no one that sin hasn't overcome. We can slice it, dice it, excuse it away, etc... but in the end there is Scripture that sure enough contradicts our logic. It is certainly something folks should ponder and be less quick to slice, dice, and discard.

Truthfully, I think we're asking the wrong question. Our question should instead be; "why can't I seem to overcome sin?" Honest assessment on this should be quite eye-opening for folks who take it seriously, regardless of your doctrine on the issue of sin.

[Slug1]

Ultimately, the logic is this... I can't stop sinning therefore it is impossible for anyone else to stop sinning because I can't do it myself. With that logic... no one will overcome sin because there is no one that sin hasn't overcome. We can slice it, dice it, excuse it away, etc... but in the end there is Scripture that sure enough contradicts our logic. It is certainly something folks should ponder and be less quick to slice, dice, and discard.

Truthfully, I think we're asking the wrong question. Our question should instead be; "why can't I seem to overcome sin?" Honest assessment on this should be quite eye-opening for folks who take it seriously, regardless of your doctrine on the issue of sin.

When I asked God that question He answered me through a prophet a few weeks later. He told me much as He spoke through that prophet but in short (summed up) God said.... "Because you don't battle on your knees!"

Since then, I battle on my knees.

[VerticalReality]

Truthfully, I think we're asking the wrong question. Our question should instead be; "why can't I seem to overcome sin?" Honest assessment on this should be quite eye-opening for folks who take it seriously, regardless of your doctrine on the issue of sin.

You bring up a good point, which is why maturing in the Lord is how carnality is worked out of us. The answer to a sin problem is solving the relationship problem. If we do not draw nigh to Him we are going to have a very difficult time overcoming sin. If He gives the grace in our time of need, we need to be close to Him to get it.

[Slug1]

You bring up a good point, which is why maturing in the Lord is how carnality is worked out of us. The answer to a sin problem is solving the relationship problem. If we do not draw nigh to Him we are going to have a very difficult time overcoming sin. If He gives the grace in our time of need, we need to be close to Him to get it.

Yep, and if anyone wants to be real close to God... communicate with Him always!

[ProjectPeter]

When I asked God that question He answered me through a prophet a few weeks later. He told me much as He spoke through that prophet but in short (summed up) God said.... "Because you don't battle on your knees!"

Since then, I battle on my knees.

You bring up a good point, which is why maturing in the Lord is how carnality is worked out of us. The answer to a sin problem is solving the relationship problem. If we do not draw nigh to Him we are going to have a very difficult time overcoming sin. If He gives the grace in our time of need, we need to be close to Him to get it.

Yep, and if anyone wants to be real close to God... communicate with Him always!

It turns into the classics that we've seen countless times.

"Do you sin?" is what folks will ask and they do so as if what I do or don't do even matters in the grand scheme of their eternity. Here is a promise that I can make to everyone reading. It doesn't matter a whit if I sin or the neighbor down the street or the pastor of your church still sins. When we stand before God we will be only there answering for our own sins or lack thereof.

"Isn't it hypocritical for someone not perfect to point out the need for perfection?" See above.

Truth is truth and Scripture is truth. No one will be judged by the words of man, mine or others, but you'll be judged by that book we carry called the Bible. It says what it says and we'll stand convicted or pardoned based on those words. Here is what it says in 1 Corinthians... become sober minded as you ought and stop sinning for some of you don't know God and I say that to your shame." Now all that being said... I can tell you that Paul really didn't mean that the way it sounds. I can tell you what I think it really meant to say. I can hack up the Greek and search the Internet to find scholars to support my hack job thus showing you why I don't think it really meant to say "stop sinning". That's easy to do now days and it's done all the time. Problem is... the hacker won't be your advocate come judgment day. Let God be true and every man a liar eh? It says what it says and we need ask ourselves... "WHY CAN'T I overcome sin?" The truth will set you free.

[Firstfruits]

Ultimately, the logic is this... I can't stop sinning therefore it is impossible for anyone else to stop sinning because I can't do it myself. With that logic... no one will overcome sin because there is no one that sin hasn't overcome. We can slice it, dice it, excuse it away, etc... but in the end there is Scripture that sure enough contradicts our logic. It is certainly something folks should ponder and be less quick to slice, dice, and discard.

Truthfully, I think we're asking the wrong question. Our question should instead be; "why can't I seem to overcome sin?" Honest assessment on this should be quite eye-opening for folks who take it seriously, regardless of your doctrine on the issue of sin.

I agree,

God bless you!

Firstfruits