Overcoming Sin-Staff

Proverbs 17:12

“Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly.”

Q: What does this verse declare about the severity of the practice of sin?

It is important to recognize that “…the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Sin turns us into somebody we don’t want to be. It is nothing less than addictive and painful and brings shame, guilt and regret.

Psalms 32:3-4

“When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.”

Q: How does unconfessed sin defeat you?

Sin kept hidden will continue to keep you in bondage. Freedom can only be found through confession, repentance and reconciliation. (John 3:21)

Psalm 32:5

“I acknowledge my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and You forgave the guilt of my sin.”

Q: Describe confession that leads to forgiveness, repentance and victory.

Confession is the first step towards a process of repentance and consistent victory. By confessing our sins, we are acknowledging our need for grace. “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Roman 3:23) Once we receive that forgiveness, we must then turn 180 degrees in the opposite direction and run towards a life of righteousness. In a consistent walk with the Lord through His word, prayer, and fellowship, you will be able to experience freedom in Jesus.

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Proverbs 26:11“Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.”

Q: What does Jesus say about sin? How can you personally relate?

Sin is missing the mark of God’s perfection and lacks conformity to God’s character. For example, someone could have stepped away from porn (by the grace of God) but over time became lukewarm and slipped back into the same sinful routine; this is similar to a dog returning to its vomit. Have you experienced a similar situation with repeating a past sin?

Luke 5:31“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick.’

Mark 1:15“…and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’

Q: If “repent” means “turn 180 degrees” and walk away, what is Jesus asking you to do today?

Turning 180 degrees from a life of lust or dishonesty or bitterness might look like finding accountability partners, setting up protection on your phone, eliminating your access to the internet, getting a flip phone, etc…

Matthew 7:21-23“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’”

Q: What does Jesus want from you today?

Total commitment. It’s not about what we say we are; it’s about what we do. Jesus wants obedience. True faith is following Jesus in the sincerity of your heart.

Paul 

Romans 8:1-2“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”

Q: What is Jesus saying to you in this passage?

(2 Corinthians 5:17) If you have received the gift of salvation through Jesus, you are also sealed with the Holy Spirit. (Psalm 103:12) You are a new creation. If your faith is real, you can go live like that.

Hebrews 9:22“And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

Q: How did Jesus obtain the forgiveness he offers you? Why was His crucifixion necessary?

God’s law has always demanded a blood sacrifice. (Hebrews 9:22) We obtained forgiveness through Jesus’ blood. (Ephesians 1:7) A sacrifice was necessary because, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Because of the separation that existed between us and the Father through sin, Jesus came to bridge that gap for us.

Peter

1 Peter 1:14-16 “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”

Q: What is your goal regarding the practice of sin?

To stop sinning! By the power of the Holy Spirit who lives inside of me, I can overcome sin!

1 Peter 1:17-19 “If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”

Q: Describe the motivation for avoiding sin that this passage brings to your heart.

The “fear of God” is to respect Him greatly and stand in awe and reverence before Him. That fear is based on His great sacrificial love displayed by the crucifixion of His son. Love is the greatest motivator of all time.

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes do they bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM: Is there anything this week that you have been enslaved to, and how we can help you?