OVERCOMING SIN
Do you know that feeling when no matter how hard you try, it seems like you simply can’t overcome a particular ‘thing’, bad habit or sin. I’m sure you’ve just been reminded of that particular ‘thing’ right now! Be it lying, judging, sinful thoughts, lust, greed, etc, all sin is sin in God’s sight. Regardless of each time you said you would stop doing that ‘thing’, sooner or later you always find yourself back in the cycle.
There’s 5 things I want to let you know today:
1) You have been freed from sin through Christ Jesus - sin can no longer control you.
He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.
- Romans 8:3b (NLT)
2) Once you become a believer, God does not condemn you. No matter how many times you sin, His love is far greater.
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. - Romans 8:1 (NLT)
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)
So STOP shutting yourself down! Don’t listen to the accusations of the devil. He is trying to make you doubt your salvation and give up living for God. Whenever you sin and you realise it, quickly repent in your heart and ask God for forgiveness. Don’t dwell in guilt forever!
3) Decide not to continue in sin - it will draw you away from God! Strive to live a life that pleases God.
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? - Romans 6:1-2 (NLT)
4) You have POWER over sin
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. - Romans 8:12-14 (NLT)
Yes, you read that right. Whenever you are tempted to sin you always have two choices: a) follow your flesh (what feels right) or b) follow the Spirit (what God says is right). No matter how tempting the sin is you always have a choice, it’s up to you to decide what to do.
5) You CANNOT overcome sin without the help of the Holy Spirit
Overcoming any sin is a journey. By choosing to follow the Spirit over and over again you will begin to conquer that sin, just like God wants you to. He sent His son Jesus to die for us so that we won’t be living as slaves to sin but instead will have freedom in Christ to live for Him alone.
So today don’t wait any longer, Ask to Holy Spirit to help you overcome sin.
With Love,
Priscilla / YAFC Team
