ARMED AGAINST HABITUAL SIN

Being armed against habitual sin is the focus of this blog, otherwise known as being stuck in a rut. Or perhaps it has more to do with a rebellious spirit and breaking free from our rebellion. Why? Sin steals our joy. It keeps us from enjoying deep fellowship with our loving heavenly Father. God knows us intimately and no matter how hard we try, we cannot hide our sin. The Lord not only knows everything about us, He sees everything we do… And He knows our thoughts. But be encouraged, His love extends beyond our messed-up lives. By His grace, He pours His loving kindness upon us. He offers us a safe refuge from the storm, often a storm of our own making. Let’s allow His peaceful waters to wash over us and cleanse us. His power is able to help us break free from sin’s’ grasp, but it takes work. So put on your gloves and get ready for battle! Ephesians 6:10-18

SIN AND SHAME

What exactly is habitual sin? It can look differently for each one of us. Perhaps it’s lust, envy, self-pity, alcoholism, a porn addiction, anger, hatred, jealousy, bitterness, etc. Is it possible, you think your sin isn’t so bad? Or perhaps you think that you are the worst of sinners. The fact is we all sin. Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God is so holy even our righteousness (our best) is as filthy rags—the Greek for filthy rags refers to menstrual rags. No matter how seemingly small, all disobedience/sin, brings death. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin prevents us from enjoying deep fellowship with our Savior. It’s why we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and remember to put on His whole armor each day upon waking. Carrying our faith as a shield extinguishes all the flaming arrows of the enemy–and yes, he’s out to get us!

After all, sin is fun…for a season!

So, how do we escape sins grasp? By walking in obedience to the Lord, daily asking Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit (and throughout the day!). When we stop living according to the flesh, habitually sinning. By getting out of the rut. By stepping away from an immoral lifestyle, which causes us to lose power and direction, trashing our ability to live out God’s perfect plan for our lives. The Lord showed us how to fight the enemy. How? In the same way that He did when tempted by Satan. With the sword of the Spirit–the Word of God. We must learn how to wield that sword for it to have the desired effect. Freedom! Freedom from sin. We find scriptures that speak to our need, and claim them. They become like a security blanket for our soul. If you don’t know what scriptures to claim, ask the Lord to show you, open your Bible and start reading.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY

We are given the responsibility to act on what His word says. We can’t act unless we know the Word, through a pastor, teacher, mentor, or through personal study. Here are three keys that help us battle against habitual sin:

• Memorization: memorize scripture that speaks to your need. (These two scriptures have helped me tremendously: l Corinthians 10:13, and ll Corinthians 10:3-5)
• Personal study: read God’s Word daily
• Spend time in prayer – not just asking, but listening
• Application: when temptation comes, we need to recognize it at the first sign and rebuke it in the name of Jesus, quoting the scripture/scriptures He gave us to overcome our disobedience and rebellion

These actions empower us, but we also need to give the Lord room to teach us how to wield our sword effectively against the enemy.

Beware of the enemy’s tactics

But beware, once we gain control over that compulsive sin, the devil won’t be happy. He is sure to come at us. How? He dangles that sin over our head, seeking to replace that sin  with fear. We fear what others will think should they learn of said sin. Whatever sin entangled us; we must reject Satan’s accusations if we are to live in freedom. The Lord tells us repeatedly in scripture not to be afraid. Fear is a close companion of shame. Sharing our struggle with two trusted Christian friends and asking them to pray for us and hold us accountable has the power to break that spirit of fear! … That skeleton in the closet will skedaddle (James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed”). The Lord’s directives have power when we appropriate them in our lives.

Finally…

In conclusion, when we persevere, breaking free from the entanglements of sins web—from rebellion—spiritual muscles are developed which strengthens our faith. Jesus brings us safely through our trials when we focus on Him. And once we are free, He can powerfully use us. So let’s give Him free reign, confident as we proclaim the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and allow Him to use the thorns of our sin to create blossoms that refresh the hearts of others   Lord, please forgive our sins, that we might fully serve you without hindrance, in Jesus’ name. Amen Blessings Friends, Danie Marie I’d love it if you’d follow my page. Also, leave a comment, and share my blog with your friends!