Chapter 4
Pages 106-111
We Can Experience Consistent Victory...
...But Not On Our Own!
The last lie of chapter four deals with our attitude toward sin. As believers, we have been given the Holy Spirit and a brand-new life. Even though we will struggle with our sinful flesh until the day we die, we must recognize that we are no longer in bondage to sin.
We can experience victory over sin, because of what Christ has done for us!
17. The Lie: I cannot walk in consistent victory over sin.
The Truth: I am a child of God, I don't have to sin.
Romans 6:14, "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace."
The Truth: I am not a slave to sin. Through Christ, I have been set free from sin.
John 8:31-32, "Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'"
Any person who is a true child of God has been given a new nature - a nature that desires to obey God. Deep down, every true believer wants to live a life that is pleasing to God.
However, according to God's Word, even after we are born again, our natural inclinations continue to wage war against the Spirit of Christ living within us.
The Spirit says: Forgive.
The flesh says: Hold a grudge.
The Spirit says: Be temperate (self-controlled).
The flesh says: Eat whatever you want, whenever you feel like it.
The Spirit says: Give that money to someone in need.
The flesh says: Spend that money on yourself.
The Spirit says: Spend some time in the Word and prayer.
The flesh says: You've had a long day; chill out on front of the TV for the evening.
The Spirit says: Hold your tongue. What you are about to say is not kind or necessary.
The flesh says: Tell it like it is!
Final Thoughts About Sin
Ladies, it's healthy for us to reflect once in a while. Today, I'd like you to reflect on these final two important facts about sin:
Every time we choose to give in to the flesh, rather than yielding to the Spirit of God, we allow sin to gain mastery over us.
The following is just as true and gives us immense hope:
1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He [God] is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
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