Struggling with Sin?

A couple of years ago, I witnessed the testimony of a Pastor who narrated his salvation story. He recounted that he was an adulterer. He met with Jesus and became born again, however, he continued to struggle with adultery. One day he went to his Pastor and asked why he found it difficult to stop committing adultery. The man asked, “Why can’t I stop sinning. I thought when I gave my life to Christ, I would automatically stop committing adultery. Doesn’t the Holy Spirit automatically stop me when I am about to commit a sin?” His Pastor told him that it did not work that way, but, advised that it will take a conscious effort on his part for him to stop sinning. The man listened to the advice, overcame his struggle with adultery, and ultimately stopped living in sin.

Today, so many of us are asking the same question the man asked. “Now that I have given my life to Christ, why can’t I stop sinning?” Indeed, we love God, want to serve Him, and take our walk of faith seriously, but we find it hard to stop sinning. If you find yourself in this situation, you are not alone. The scripture for this teaching makes us understand that even Apostle Paul struggled with sin. In Roman 7: 21, Paul laments, saying, “I have discovered this principle of life-that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong” Paul testified of his love for God but spoke about how he battled with the power of sin. However, there is good news for us in Romans 7: 25, “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ Our Lord….”

In 2019, God taught me a vital lesson. God said to me, “Never condemn yourself, even when you sin don’t be afraid to ask me for mercy.” Hence, if you find yourself struggling with sin, you should never forget that Romans 8:1 says, “So now there is no condemnation for those who are belong to Christ.” Always remember that you belong to Jesus, and you now enjoy grace, which allows you to seek God boldly for mercy. Psalms 130:3–4 NLT “Lord, if you kept record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.” God does not keep a record of your sins; even when you are struggling, remember that you can always go to God, your father.

Tips to Help Overcome Your Struggle

A. Enforce your Victory over sin

As a child of God, you are not fighting for Victory, but you are fighting from Victory. No matter who or what your opposition is (i.e., principalities, wickedness in high places, rulers of darkness, or powers, such as the power of sin), you already have Victory over them. As a child of God, you do not battle to attain Victory, but you enforce the Victory you already have through Christ. John 16:33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrow. But take heart because I have overcome the world.” So, in your battle against the power of sin, you have the Victory already ENFORCE IT.

B. Empty the “old man” in you

2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that we become new when we give our lives to Christ, and our old sinful nature is gone. As a Christian, for you to manifest your Victory over sin, you must consciously get rid of your “old man.” The old man represents every sinful thing you used to do before being saved by Christ. Colossians 3:9–10 “Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your creator and become like Him.” Conscious effort is required for weaning yourself sinful habits. Some ways to empty your old man are:

1. Pray for the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is our greatest ally. For us to get rid of the old man, we must have the Holy Spirit in us. Once you give your life to Christ, you are automatically entitled to have the Holy Spirit. He takes the place of the old man and helps us to live holy. Galatians 5: 25 “since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” To overcome the power of sin and its struggles, you must pray without ceasing for the Holy Spirit to fill you.
2. Consistently study the word of God: Psalms 119:11 “Your words have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin” Victory over sin requires the renewal of the mind. Most of us struggle with sin because we have been in it for so long; we are almost dependent on it. However, your orientation needs to change. Renewal of the mind comes from knowing God’s words, His standards, His instructions, and His promises for you. Jesus said in John 15:3 KJV, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto.” The word of God purifies us. Lastly, the word of God helps us to check ourselves. 2 Timothy 3: 16 NLT “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

C. Flee from Sin

The Bible encourages us to flee all appearances of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5: 22 AMP “Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it].” Do not tempt yourself. Distance yourself from people, things, and situations that will cause you to sin. Do not be afraid to cut off sinful/corrupt friends. Remembers the Bible says, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” 1 Corinthians 15: 33 KJV.

D. Ask God for Help.

David, in Psalm 19:13, cried to God, saying, “Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free guilt and innocent of great sin” If you find yourself struggling with sin, ask God to help you. Moreover, the Bible tells us that God has created a way of escape from every temptation that we may come across. You are the son or daughter of God; ask your father for help today.

Conclusion

When we give our lives to Christ, we do not automatically stop sinning. Hence, we must take steps to ensure we live a sinless life. It will be a struggle to break free from old habits, but Bible reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Tap into the Holy Spirit’s resources, be proactive with cutting ties with things and associations that lead you to sin and be sure to find an accountability partner (preferably a Christian) to walk with you on this sin-free journey. Remember always, that you have Victory in Christ Jesus.

Remain in Christ,
House of Levi.