99: Stop Sinning

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

If a person is not a Christian, because of sin, their number one need is to start a relationship with God by asking Jesus to come into their life. They don't need to stop sinning - they need God.

For those who are Christians, to have a good relationship with God, we need to stop sinning. I don't mean that we need to be perfect, but we need to stop willfully choosing to sin. It hinders our relationship with God.

Sin is an addiction. An addiction is anything that is unhealthy that you do without thinking about it, or that you find yourself doing without even realizing it. Almost everyone has sin addictions, things that are unholy that you find yourself doing almost before you realize you are doing it.

God is holy. God hates sin. The closer we are to God, the clearer our sinfulness is.

Let's look at a few things in our lives that are in contrast to God's holiness, that might be a sin addition.

•  Complaining ("that person complains a lot")

•  Impatience ("that person is so impatient")

•  Anger, Bitterness

•  Love what does

•  Idolatry (so many things can become more important than God)

•  Hurtful speech

•  Lust

•  Laziness ("he always wants things, but never seems to help others")

•  Cheating ("it always makes me nervous when he is negotiating deals")

o   ("The IRS allows it!")

•  Jealousy ("his wife has no freedom")

•  Little time for prayer (how much is God actually in your life?)

•  Misuse of alcohol or drugs or food (don't tell me you are not addicted, let me ask those around you)

o   (Do you hide things so others don't see you using or consuming it?)

•  Unforgiving, revengeful

•  Lying ("I just can trust him")

•  Pride (don't make excuses for always wanting the best for yourself instead of others)

o   (no focus on others)

•  Making fun of others ("he doesn't know when to stop")

•  Critical of others ("he thinks no one can do things right")

•  Hating certain people

What does God want from us?

1 Peter 1:16 because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

The opposite of holiness is sin. God wants us to stop sinning, to be holy. He wants us to quit choosing sin.

How can we stop willful sinning? We can never be perfect, but God has provided us tools to help.

1. Understanding Sin

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Sin is anything that goes against God's will or disobeys His commands. It can manifest in thoughts, words, actions, or omissions.

We can recognize or see sin, by drawing closer to God.

Pray for God to reveal areas in your life where sin may be found.

2. God's Grace and Forgiveness

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Know that no matter how often we stumble, God's grace is sufficient to forgive us and restore us.

Confess any known sin to God, and know that all your sins are forgiven.

This should give you more resolve to avoid sin, so He does not need to forgive you, and you can have a strong relationship with Him.

3. Know that God always give you a way out

1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

People sometimes make the excuse that "the devil made me do it." Don't make excuses. God always give you a way to avoid sin. Look for it.

4. Rely on the Holy Spirit

Galatians 5:16 Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to resist sin.

Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance when you start to feel temptation.

Begin each day by praying for the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, decisions, and actions.

5. Renew Your Mind

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

The world will make you ignore sin, and even seek sin. Be different.

Avoid things that draw you into the world's way of thinking, and seek the things that build up you thinking to align with God's.

Recommit to prayer and reading the Bible.

6. Flee Temptation

Proverbs 4:14-15 Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on.

When faced with temptation, quickly make a decision to run, to go in the other direction, to get as far away as you can.

Picture ahead of time what it's like when you are tempted, and then picture yourself going in the other direction.

7. Memorize Key Verses

Psalm 119:9, 11 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.

Let the Holy Spirit bring memorized verses to mind when faced with temptation. This is one of the strongest ways to win.

If you don't have memorized verses, you are missing out on this avenue to success.

8. Accountability and Community

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

Accountability and prayer with someone you trust helps a lot.

9. Submit to God

James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

When we bring God regularly into our lives, the devil actually runs away. When we are close to God, we don't have to worry about the push from the devil.

10. Focus on Jesus

Hebrews 12:2 Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Christ's life shows us the way to victory over sin.

 

Stopping sin requires help from the Holy Spirit, and focused efforts. Though we may falter, God's love is steadfast, but God's desire is for us to walk in holiness.

Victory over sin is a journey, not a destination.