Pastor Sam Crosby
San Saba’s First Baptist Church
February 18, 2020
I wrestle with temptation every day. Sometimes it deals with my attitude or words. Sometimes it stirs up my pride. Sometimes I covet what other people have. John seems to divide sin into three categories: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (I John 2:16).
The lust of the flesh is our sensual bodily desires. The lust of the eyes is the desire for the material things we see in this world. The pride of life is that desire to be honored, recognized or exalted. These three types of sin are opposed to God’s will and hinder our fellowship with Him.
The Bible teaches that Jesus died for sins. He died in order to pay the price for sin, because sin brings death. His Spirit has come to live in us in order to give us power over sin so that we no longer have to obey it. He is coming again to take us to heaven so that we will be delivered from the very presence of sin. In summary, in salvation He delivers us from the penalty of sin. In sanctification He is continually delivering us from the power of sin. In glorification He will deliver us from the very presence of sin.
Followers of Jesus Christ still struggle and will struggle with sin as long as we live in this fallen world. It was this struggle with sin that so frustrated Paul in Romans 7. He sadly confessed, “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice” (Romans 7:19, NKJ). It is every Christian’s battle.
So how does the follower of Christ handle sin?
First, confess to the Lord that it is wrong. Agree with God that the sin violates God’s will for your life. Never boast about sin. Never justify your sin. Weep over the fact that you have allowed this sin into your life. The Bible says, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation…” (II Corinthians 7:10, NKJ).
Second, accept God’s forgiveness. The promise of Scripture is, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9, NKJ). Jesus died in order that we could be forgiven. He is faithful to forgive us every time we ask.
Third, turn from the sin. This is the word “repent.” Stop it. Tell a trusted Christian friend of your struggle so they can pray for you and encourage you. Memorize Bible verses for strength. Stay actively involved in worship, fellowship and Bible study. Refuse to let sin rule your life! Instead, continually submit yourself to the rule of God. The Bible says, “But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life” (Romans 6:22, NLT).