Every Christian should be in a fight against sin. When it doesn’t feel like a battle it is because we don’t recognize the sin in our hearts, not because it isn’t there.
We all need help in this fight
A few weeks ago my husband preached a sermon about the gifts the Lord gives to fight sin. Today the need for that message was fleshed out in my own house.
This morning when my daughter threw the seventh millionth fit for the day I went to speak to her about it. We spoke about the fruit of the spirit and how one of them is self-control.
This is the conversation I had with my sweet 4-year-old.
Me: What is it called when we don’t do what the Bible tells us to?
Jules: Sin.
Me: We are not supposed to sin, right?
Jules: I know, but it is so hard!
She is right. It is hard.
As a repentant, Spirit-indwelt, adult believer it is hard for me.
As we talked and prayed together I could see myself clearly in this 4-year-old frame. I have thrown the adult version of a temper tantrum many times. I have lacked self-control in my interactions with my children and others. That doesn’t even touch on my failures with the other fruit of the Spirit.
I am weak and often struggle with sin. I don’t think I’m the only one.
We are in a battle with sin. Sin lives in us (Romans 7:17) and we must fight it.
In order to fight sin though, we first have to recognize it for what it is.
I must see the depth of my sin, and the way I readily choose the very things that hung my Savior on the Cross. I must not think lightly of my sin. The truth is, I am easily ensnared by its lures and it hangs on with ferocious strength.
But that is not reason to despair!
5 Gifts that Make Us Ready for the Fight
When we recognize our sin for what it is, a deep offense against our great God, we are able to see the beauty of the Cross and the resurrection with new appreciation.
Sin is serious. We must do battle with it. But we are not alone as we fight.
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” – 2 Peter 1:3
God has given us everything we need for the fight against indwelling sin. Though sin easily ensnares us, we are able to throw it off and run our race with perseverance (Hebrews 12:1).
Though it is hard – as my daughter so honestly stated – as believers, it is possible.
Praise God He has given all we need for life and godliness! Here are 5 specific gifts the God has given to help us in the battle.
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Scripture
God has spoken to us in His word. It is reliable, infallible, and available for our growth. We need only dig into Scripture to find rich wells which heal and restore our weary souls, give us passion and purpose, and strengthen us against the temptations that come our way.
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The Spirit
The Spirit lives inside us, applies Scripture to our hearts, and gives us comfort and aid to flee temptation. He is our ever present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). He comforts and helps those who call upon Christ.
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Christ
Christ lived, died, and rose from the dead to save sinners. Now He is sitting in the heavenly places and praying for His people (Romans 8:34). He came to make a way for His bride to be eternally in His presence and even now is caring for her needs. Spurgeon’s words ring true.
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Prayer
Pouring out our hearts to God in prayer we meet a compassionate, kind, Father Who always shows us a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). He cares for His children and is ever accessible. We go directly to His throne boldly and there we meet mercy and “find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
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The Church
We have a physical resource to show us God’s love and grace in the church. We can pray for one another, share Scripture and insight together, fellowship, and even provide positive peer pressure. This race cannot be run alone. We need the people of God to show us His character. While we await the day we are united with Christ in Heaven we need the church to be His arms to embrace us, His shoulder to cry on, His hands to pick us up, He smile to greet us, His love to surround us.
We Have All We Need for the Fight
What a beautiful truth that God, in His mercy, has given us ALL we need for life and godliness. We need not seek another means. He has already provided everything we need. We need only to seek Him.
For more on how God is proving to me everyday that He has given us all we need for life and godliness check out The Blessings of Exhaustion!
Check out this article and other encouraging posts at the Tuesday Talk Link Party!
Thank you for the reminders! I think people forget or get uncomfortable acknowledging that we are in a very real spiritual battle against evil! We are called to fight with the armor God provides! God Bless!
Thats definitely true! We need to acknowledge it so we can encourage one another!
The Holy Spirit transforms us as we yield to Him each area of sin. Sometimes it’s a sudden transformation, but often it takes a while.
That is definitely true!!!
That is definitely true! I’m very thankful the Lord does not reveal every area to us at the same time. We would easily become disheartened I think.
I love this! It reminds believers that God has given us so many resources and tools to help us on our journey. The problem is that sin gets in the way of us utilizing them; it discourages, distracts, and destroys. Thank you so much for sharing this post! A beautiful reminder that God is great!
That is so true!! Sometimes we just need a reminder of what is available to us because sin does indeed cloud our perspective. Thank you for the encouragement!
We do still struggle with sin every single day! It is only through the grace of God and the gift of the Spirit that I’ve been able to change and grow. But it makes my heart happy when my husband sees how much I’ve changed!
It is so encouraging when other people notice! Thankful God is the One who causes growth in our lives!
This is so very true. I am so glad I don’t have to fight this battle alone!
Amen!!
Love the Charles Spurgeon quote you used! These are all great points! It is so easy to get caught up in sin. Yet we do not have to stay there! You are so right – God will provide all our needs, even in the area of conquering the sin that is in us.
There is a reason Spurgeon was called the “Prince of Preachers” 😉 Thank you for the input!
We do struggle with sin constantly, but we are able to overcome through Jesus. Thank you for the encouragement today!
Amen!
Fighting sin definitely takes everything you mentioned. Each one of those prods our hearts and helps us on the healing path. But more importantly, if we never recognize sin in our life, we will not do anything about it. I’m so thankful to friends and family who are willing to be honest with me when sin comes popping up and I’m deciding to ignore it.
That is so true! The only time it doesn’t feel like a battle is when we don’t recognize our sin because it is always there. Often we cannot see it on our own though and that is where good friends and family are a tremendous blessing!