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How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 4:21:49 PM
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insndreamer
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I've been struggling for quite some time with habitual sins, and am discouraged to the point that getting out of bed is difficult to do. The truth is, I don't know how to overcome sin. I know that we can't do anything without the power of the Holy Spirit, but I'm not sure how to use that power.
From what I've read in the Bible, obedience by definition is allowing the Holy Spirit to lead your actions. So if I've given it over to God, and prayed for His strength and guidance, and for my willingness and ability to accept it, why do I still not live by the Spirit?
How do I die to myself? I know that it's a daily thing, but I can't even do it for one day, let alone every day! I know that God has already given me the grace to do it, and I certainly desire to do it (my spirit does, not my flesh), so what am I doing wrong?
Can anyone lay it out for me, exactly how you go about using the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome? I'm looking for a more detailed answer than just trust and obey.
Thanks!
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 4:39:09 PM
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drmark
Posts: 4632
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Romans 12:1-2 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
_____________________________
Jeremiah 31:31-34. The time is NOW, fellow saints!
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 4:49:52 PM
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chrisb743
Posts: 154
Joined: 10/21/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: insndreamer
I've been struggling for quite some time with habitual sins, and am discouraged to the point that getting out of bed is difficult to do. The truth is, I don't know how to overcome sin. I know that we can't do anything without the power of the Holy Spirit, but I'm not sure how to use that power.
From what I've read in the Bible, obedience by definition is allowing the Holy Spirit to lead your actions. So if I've given it over to God, and prayed for His strength and guidance, and for my willingness and ability to accept it, why do I still not live by the Spirit?
How do I die to myself? I know that it's a daily thing, but I can't even do it for one day, let alone every day! I know that God has already given me the grace to do it, and I certainly desire to do it (my spirit does, not my flesh), so what am I doing wrong?
Can anyone lay it out for me, exactly how you go about using the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome? I'm looking for a more detailed answer than just trust and obey.
Thanks!
you couldn't have worded it better for me. Know this.. Your not alone.. Satan may want you to think you are, but your not.. I struggle too.. Man do I struggle.. 1st Corinthians 10:13 tells us that no temptation has seized us except what is common to man. And God is faithful he will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear, and he gives us a way of escape... The truth... We dont take that way... I believe if we did every time the temptation comes God would make it easier.. I think He's just waiting on you and I... Saying trust me... It's tough... very tough... It's the whole renewing of the mind thing... What we take in is what we will live... We need to get some garbage out of our lives, and living in the sprit would be much easier...
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 5:10:45 PM
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insndreamer
Posts: 44
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quote:
ORIGINAL: drmark
Romans 12:1-2 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
This tells me what I need to do, but not how to do it. I've offered my life in prayer countless times, so it seems that it takes something more than that. Not sure how to renew my mind other than read the Bible.
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 5:20:41 PM
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insndreamer
Posts: 44
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quote:
ORIGINAL: chrisb743
you couldn't have worded it better for me. Know this.. Your not alone.. Satan may want you to think you are, but your not.. I struggle too.. Man do I struggle.. 1st Corinthians 10:13 tells us that no temptation has seized us except what is common to man. And God is faithful he will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear, and he gives us a way of escape... The truth... We dont take that way... I believe if we did every time the temptation comes God would make it easier.. I think He's just waiting on you and I... Saying trust me... It's tough... very tough... It's the whole renewing of the mind thing... What we take in is what we will live... We need to get some garbage out of our lives, and living in the sprit would be much easier...
Thank you for your support! It is always nice to know that I'm not alone. I know I don't take the right way out of temptation many times. I wonder why it is so tough to resist, if it is not in our strength anyway. It doesn't make sense to me why it is hard to use someone else's strength.
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 5:21:03 PM
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drmark
Posts: 4632
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quote:
This tells me what I need to do, but not how to do it. Proverbs 3:6 - In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
_____________________________
Jeremiah 31:31-34. The time is NOW, fellow saints!
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 5:24:25 PM
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chrisb743
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It's like I said... The renewing of our minds requires us to get rid of some things... Get rid of the garbage... My struggles are with lust... So I should stay away from lustful things... which is hard in these days.. God makes a way, but we still have a part to play too... And it is obedience... even though that is hard... Because we are selfish people... Your wanting someone to make it clear to you... The word does make it clear... In the end it's between you and the Lord... And it is a life long battle.. I've overcome some things in my life, and there are other things I haven't, but I'm not going to give up. Whatever your habitual sin is.. Steer clear of the things that make you fall.. That in a sense is renewing your mind... It takes literal action, prayer isn't enough.
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 5:25:39 PM
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insndreamer
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Thank you, I needed to be reminded of that verse.
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 5:35:29 PM
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insndreamer
Posts: 44
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quote:
ORIGINAL: chrisb743
It's like I said... The renewing of our minds requires us to get rid of some things... Get rid of the garbage... My struggles are with lust... So I should stay away from lustful things... which is hard in these days.. God makes a way, but we still have a part to play too... And it is obedience... even though that is hard... Because we are selfish people... Your wanting someone to make it clear to you... The word does make it clear... In the end it's between you and the Lord... And it is a life long battle.. I've overcome some things in my life, and there are other things I haven't, but I'm not going to give up. Whatever your habitual sin is.. Steer clear of the things that make you fall.. That in a sense is renewing your mind... It takes literal action, prayer isn't enough.
I struggle with lust too, although it has nothing to do with things around me (I'm female but not sure that's relevant). I don't have to see anything to have temptation, I have quite the imagination. One of my sins is overeating, and I can't steer clear from food so that's a tough one, lol.
I do agree that prayer isn't enough, because if it was I would have overcome already. I know it's all in the Word, but unfortunately there is still a lot in the Bible that I don't understand. Just when I think I know what it means, I read something else that seems to be saying the opposite. God will show me in due time. In the meantime, I'm just trying to get some perspective from others.
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 5:35:33 PM
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Liveloved
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. . . work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Phil 2:12-13
Read the verse and then ask 'who is doing the work'?
It is God Who is at work in you. . . you 'work' out your salvation by believing His work in you.
And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you recieved from us the word of God's message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. I Thess 2:13
And what does this verse tell you? It is God's word which performs its work in you. What's your part? To believe.
Unbelief is our biggest struggle. Those who triumphed in the faith (from Hebrews 11's hall of faith) triumphed because they believed.
Read Hebrews 12:1-3 for the remedy for unbelief. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Stop looking at yourself. You are His workmanship. He is able and His promise is that He will accomplish all for you (Ps 138:8).
Saturate yourself in His word. Believe. Love Jesus. And He will do all for you. Your sin is no match for His resurrection power! Bless you, brother! Thank Him for the work He is doing in you and for you. He is Victor!
_____________________________
Liveloved
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Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 5:44:20 PM
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LCannon
Posts: 1129
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
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(too)Often we obsess, indulge or are so disappointed in our disobedience rarely to even think the antidote to disobedience and failure is obedience and victory ; the same Victory Jesus exhibited in His obedience to His sacrifice. Print, 'Because of the surpassing greatness of [His] revelation, there was given me a limitation to keep me from exalting myself! For He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you for My power is refined in weakness." Most gladly then, I will glory in my weakness so that the power of Christ may contrast in me. Therefore, I can be content with my lack, my insult, distresses and difficulties for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.'(2Corithians 12:7,9,10 ) on a card put it where you can see it frequently, near your monitor, on bookmarks, carry it on your person...until you have memorized it. At the first notion of 'disappointment/disobedience' however slight recite it preferably, aloud; daily, hourly, by the minute...and don't be shy.(Of course take notice your audience.)
_____________________________
'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' (Joshua 1:5)
''Let the very worst thing come to pass[and]even there,
especially there; His hand will hold.' -Elisabeth Elliot-
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 5:47:56 PM
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insndreamer
Posts: 44
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Thank you, Liveloved! I've always thought that I had great trust in the Lord, but the truth is that I'm always worried that I'm going to mess things up (because that's what keeps happening), and I need to learn that that is unbelief. He is greater than my mess ups.
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 6:16:47 PM
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richartrod
Posts: 189
Joined: 4/21/2009
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quote:
ORIGINAL: insndreamer
I've been struggling for quite some time with habitual sins, and am discouraged to the point that getting out of bed is difficult to do. The truth is, I don't know how to overcome sin. I know that we can't do anything without the power of the Holy Spirit, but I'm not sure how to use that power.
From what I've read in the Bible, obedience by definition is allowing the Holy Spirit to lead your actions. So if I've given it over to God, and prayed for His strength and guidance, and for my willingness and ability to accept it, why do I still not live by the Spirit?
How do I die to myself? I know that it's a daily thing, but I can't even do it for one day, let alone every day! I know that God has already given me the grace to do it, and I certainly desire to do it (my spirit does, not my flesh), so what am I doing wrong?
Can anyone lay it out for me, exactly how you go about using the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome? I'm looking for a more detailed answer than just trust and obey.
Thanks!
insndreamer,
What you are describing is essentially the daily struggle all Christians face. The apostle Paul describes the struggle with sin in Romans 7:
"It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me." (Romans 7:21-23, New Living Translation)
So even the mighty apostle himself struggled with doing what is right. But he also knew where his help came from:
"Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin." (Romans 7:24-25)
In the world we live in, it's difficult to live a godly life with all the distractions the world throws at us and especially with the sinful nature within us. I agree with chrisb743's quoting of 1 Corinthians 10:13, which reminds me that no matter how overpowering a tempation is, someone else has gone through it before. But when I'm in the middle of that temptation, it always feels like I'm the only person who ever felt it.
I don't know what habitual sins you are struggling with, but sometimes our "habitual sins" are actually addictions or dependencies. As a recovering addict and enabler in Celebrate Recovery and Overcomers Outreach, your opening posts sound to me like myself or others coming to grips with our addiction and realizing they need help. Forgive me if this is not your case, but that has been my experience in fellowship in those Christian support groups the past 10 years.
All that being said, what has worked for me is to immediately surrender the temptation to the Lord the moment it hits you. I pray words like these which I learned from another believer. His struggle was with sexual sin, and this prayer helped him a lot:
Lord, I am absolutely powerless over this temptation. I don't want any part of it. And so I give it up to You. I thank you for this trial, and I thank you for the victory--the victory you have given me through Christ Jesus. Amen.
When we fight the temptation, that only makes it harder to resist. But when we surrender it or turn it over to God, He takes up the fight for us. It's a spiritual discipline that I had to learn by trial and error. For me that kind of prayer is bringing in the power of the Holy Spirit to do for me what I cannot do for myself.
Martin Luther, who championed salvation by grace in the Protestant Reformation 500 years ago, drove himself insane with endless confessions, physically mutilating himself in the name of killing the flesh, and repetitive accusations from the enemy of all the sins he ever committed, and in stark terror if God really loved him. Then he read the book of Romans, where he learned that he indeed was a rotten sinner through and through (Romans 7:18), but that God loved him so much that He had His Son Jesus Christ die on a cross for all those sins.
The same Jesus who died for Luther and for you is aware of your struggle with habitual sin. It neither shocks nor shames Him. He desires that you walk in His grace as well as His power, but knows that you will stumble and fall. And that's where His amazing grace comes in. When God looks at you, He defaults to Jesus; the Son's righteousness covers your unrighteousness and you are seen through Christ-filtered glasses. Of course it's not a free license to deliberately sin, but when we do fall and are aware of it, we have a Savior who died for them all.
While this was lengthy, I hope that this helps you in your struggle. Remember that God has raised up pastors, ministries and Christ-centered support groups to help you; all you have to do is ask.
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 6:32:06 PM
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mysteryofgospel
Posts: 63
Joined: 8/12/2009
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insdreamer,
You are actually quite close to the truth because you recognize that something is missing, or not right and have a desire to change and that the Holy Spirit is now poking.
Jesus said in John 8:34, "-Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin." And Peter writes in 2 Peter 2:22, But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit." (Proverbs 26:11)
The world draws us to sin, but it is slavery; to pornography, to sexual immorality, over indulgences, gambling, whatever. Notice they are all a temptation to the flesh.
We become obedient to Christ by turning from these, taking the first step away, running if necessary to the things of the Spirit.
Paul writes extensively about being a slave in Romans 6 and he writes in v. 16, "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slave whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience, leading to righteousness."
He gives us the answer to defeat sin in verse 17, "But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered."
Obeyed from the heart. It is our heart that draws us to Christ, our love for Him that compels us to want to turn from sin, and yes to even stop overeating, one agonizing step, one agonizing day at a time. As we begin to turn the other way, He is there to lead us to that new life in Him.
What does your heart want? Obedience to Christ or obedience to self and its desires?
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 8:19:46 PM
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insndreamer
Posts: 44
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quote:
ORIGINAL: LCannon
(too)Often we obsess, indulge or are so disappointed in our disobedience rarely to even think the antidote to disobedience and failure is obedience and victory ; the same Victory Jesus exhibited in His obedience to His sacrifice. Print, 'Because of the surpassing greatness of [His] revelation, there was given me a limitation to keep me from exalting myself! For He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you for My power is refined in weakness." Most gladly then, I will glory in my weakness so that the power of Christ may contrast in me. Therefore, I can be content with my lack, my insult, distresses and difficulties for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.'(2Corithians 12:7,9,10 ) on a card put it where you can see it frequently, near your monitor, on bookmarks, carry it on your person...until you have memorized it. At the first notion of 'disappointment/disobedience' however slight recite it preferably, aloud; daily, hourly, by the minute...and don't be shy.(Of course take notice your audience.)
I'm trying to understand what this means but I don't. I can see how overcoming sins shows Christ's power, but not the sins themselves. Since I haven't overcome, I'm not displaying the power of God. I will pray that God will open my eyes to these verses. Thank you.
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 8:49:30 PM
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insndreamer
Posts: 44
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Richartrod, mysteryofgospel, and wawhoo73112, thank you for your responses, all are helpful.
Richartrod, you are not wrong in suggesting I have addictions. Breaking the cycle is the hardest step, so at least I know it won't always be this bad.
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 9:04:59 PM
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evry1needsgod
Posts: 1757
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How do you overcome sin?
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
God promises that every single temptation will include a way for you to escape it. It does not tell you that the way to excape will be the same in every instance. With that said, concider the following passage:
Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
If you allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you, He will show you the right way when temptation arises. And by God's grace and power, you can overcome sin.
In Christ,
ZG
_____________________________
< Don't make fun of my deer. It's spethal!
Believers are saved from their sin, not merely in their sinning!--drmark
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 9:13:11 PM
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ldlrmtle
Posts: 4
Joined: 11/3/2009
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Hello,
In a raw testimony and step by step of my sinful life, despite believing in God since childhood, I've just released my 1st book, for those with questions like yours. SEPARATED FROM GOD, by Laura Dawn w/AuthorHouse. You'll read how I was changed by God in Christ, in an 'tell all' description from a very big sinner, breaking all the commandments to a born-again child of God; bearing the fruit of His Spirit in all that I am; giving Him the glory, even on the books cover. It's on Amazon.com, B&N.com, Borders.com, or e-format w/AuthorHouse Publishers for $4.00 It's an easy read, w/biblical text between each paragraph, only 165 pgs. I pray it helps!  God Bless!
< Message edited by ldlrmtle -- 11/3/2009 9:20:15 PM >
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 9:13:55 PM
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richartrod
Posts: 189
Joined: 4/21/2009
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quote:
ORIGINAL: wawhoo73112
All I know is that when I am in His presence that any desire for sin is gone...apart from HIM we can DO nothing...that with every temptation, He has promised a way of escape in order that we can bear it.
The way of escape is the same as the walk -
WITH HIM all things are possible,
and WITH HIM, lies a way of escape in EVERY temptation,
and APART from Him, we can do nothing...
So the real question is not how can "you" do anything,
the real question is how do you & I live closely enough with Him that His presence dispells the desire of the flesh?
"if you walk in the Spirit you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh..."
...my only advice for you is that your answer is going to be found in HIM, and not in how "you" can do anything...
Wahoo, wawhoo!  You hit the nail right on the head! The solution is indeed in God Himself. When we are living in and guided by the Lord, all lesser desires are displaced.
It's best described by step 11 of Alcoholics Anonymous: "We sought to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out." It's also echoed in Principle 7 of Celebrate Recovery: "Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will."
I don't get myself worried or wacked out over how close I am to God and His presence; when I do the focus pulls back on myself instead of Him, and I fall back into anxiety and guilt. I just do my prayer, read my Bible and listen for His will and He does the rest. When and if I slip or fall, God's grace picks me back up and I get back on the horse and keep riding.
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 9:15:57 PM
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richartrod
Posts: 189
Joined: 4/21/2009
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quote:
ORIGINAL: insndreamer
Richartrod, mysteryofgospel, and wawhoo73112, thank you for your responses, all are helpful.
Richartrod, you are not wrong in suggesting I have addictions. Breaking the cycle is the hardest step, so at least I know it won't always be this bad.
You're welcome. You're going in the right direction.
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 9:27:51 PM
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insndreamer
Posts: 44
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quote:
ORIGINAL: richartrod
I don't get myself worried or wacked out over how close I am to God and His presence; when I do the focus pulls back on myself instead of Him, and I fall back into anxiety and guilt. I just do my prayer, read my Bible and listen for His will and He does the rest. When and if I slip or fall, God's grace picks me back up and I get back on the horse and keep riding.
Anxiety and guilt, yes! And I know it comes from the devil yet it's so hard to get rid of! You know, it has gotten harder and harder to pray or read the Bible anymore because I am so burdened by my failure. I cannot let the devil win anymore!
To everyone who has responded so far: I'm sorry that I'm not able to point out all the details of how much you have each helped, but I really do appreciate all the time and effort put into your posts!
I don't have any friends, and due to circumstances my family and I have barely gone to church at all in the last couple of years, so I'm definitely in need of fellowship. The funny thing is, I've read other posts where people would be so happy just to get responses, and I didn't get it. Well now I do, because it means a lot more than I could have imagined. Thank you so much all of you!
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/3/2009 9:57:31 PM
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drmark
Posts: 4632
Joined: 7/10/2006
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quote:
What you are describing is essentially the daily struggle all Christians face. Romans chapter 7 is about living with the sinful nature still in control. Thankfully, Paul did not stop at chapter 7 and neither should we! God wants us to live according to the Spirit - Romans 8:5-6. Those who live according to their sinful nature can never please God - Romans 8:8. But when Christ lives in us, we are alive because of His righteousness - Romans 8:10. So those who are led by God's Spirit are His children - Romans 8:14. That is why you don't want to focus on Romans 7, insn, but live every day in Romans 8!
Romans 8:37 - In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us!
_____________________________
Jeremiah 31:31-34. The time is NOW, fellow saints!
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/4/2009 6:58:36 AM
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cposey
Posts: 298
Joined: 8/20/2009
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: insndreamer
I've been struggling for quite some time with habitual sins, and am discouraged to the point that getting out of bed is difficult to do. The truth is, I don't know how to overcome sin. I know that we can't do anything without the power of the Holy Spirit, but I'm not sure how to use that power.
From what I've read in the Bible, obedience by definition is allowing the Holy Spirit to lead your actions. So if I've given it over to God, and prayed for His strength and guidance, and for my willingness and ability to accept it, why do I still not live by the Spirit?
How do I die to myself? I know that it's a daily thing, but I can't even do it for one day, let alone every day! I know that God has already given me the grace to do it, and I certainly desire to do it (my spirit does, not my flesh), so what am I doing wrong?
Can anyone lay it out for me, exactly how you go about using the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome? I'm looking for a more detailed answer than just trust and obey.
Thanks!
I think there is a lot of scripture that tells us what to do. For me personally the one scripture that has been the cornerstone for overcoming sin, doesn't even talk about sin. Matthew 6:33
33.But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
So this is where i've found freedom in Christ. Sin can have a devastating hold over us, even as Christians. This verse says seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness. What does that mean for me? The first thing I do is start my day with HIM. I pray, meditate, study HIS word, before the things of the world even come into the picture. i have to get up a little earlier, but the reward is well worth it. There is a great power to be had by this disipline. The power over bondage of sin, when we physically and mentally put HIM first.
Here is another great truth that I've found in my walk. When we spend the majority of our time focusing on whether we've sinned that day, if we are going to sin, the sins we've committed in the past, here is a great question to ask yourself. What did I focus on the most today? Sin is the answer. While your heart might be trying to say i don't want to sin, it is still focused on the opposite of God. Focus on God and the attributes of God. There you will find freedom. Sin will no longer be able to bind you up in deception. Stop focusing on the idea of sinning, it will only keep you down and in chains. Start focusing all of your time and energy of Jesus and the attributes of HIM. Instead of saying I want to stop being a glutton, or I want to stop the lust in my mind, or whatever you think your shortfall may be, start saying I am going to be washed clean, I will be self-controlled, I will loving, I will be kind, I will be all of the fruits of the Spirit. While sin may still exist in your life, it will no longer control you. Focus only on Jesus and God will then be able to transform you into a new person, not controlled by your sinful nature, into the child of God HE has called you to be.
Hope this was helpful
Your brother in Christ
cposey
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RE: How do I overcome sin? - 11/4/2009 12:02:56 PM
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insndreamer
Posts: 44
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: cposey
I think there is a lot of scripture that tells us what to do. For me personally the one scripture that has been the cornerstone for overcoming sin, doesn't even talk about sin. Matthew 6:33
33.But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
So this is where i've found freedom in Christ. Sin can have a devastating hold over us, even as Christians. This verse says seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness. What does that mean for me? The first thing I do is start my day with HIM. I pray, meditate, study HIS word, before the things of the world even come into the picture. i have to get up a little earlier, but the reward is well worth it. There is a great power to be had by this disipline. The power over bondage of sin, when we physically and mentally put HIM first.
Here is another great truth that I've found in my walk. When we spend the majority of our time focusing on whether we've sinned that day, if we are going to sin, the sins we've committed in the past, here is a great question to ask yourself. What did I focus on the most today? Sin is the answer. While your heart might be trying to say i don't want to sin, it is still focused on the opposite of God. Focus on God and the attributes of God. There you will find freedom. Sin will no longer be able to bind you up in deception. Stop focusing on the idea of sinning, it will only keep you down and in chains. Start focusing all of your time and energy of Jesus and the attributes of HIM. Instead of saying I want to stop being a glutton, or I want to stop the lust in my mind, or whatever you think your shortfall may be, start saying I am going to be washed clean, I will be self-controlled, I will loving, I will be kind, I will be all of the fruits of the Spirit. While sin may still exist in your life, it will no longer control you. Focus only on Jesus and God will then be able to transform you into a new person, not controlled by your sinful nature, into the child of God HE has called you to be.
Hope this was helpful
Your brother in Christ
cposey
You are so right, and that verse used to be a big one for me too. Satan has used my sins as weapons against me for so long that I've forgotten how to seek God first. In my heart I know what I need to do, and that's where the question comes in on how to use the power of God. It is so hard for me to look away from my failures and focus on Him, I can't do it alone. I will spend more time in prayer and Bible study. Thank you that was indeed helpful.
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