Romans 7:15 … For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
When it comes to sin, as Christians we should desire to put it in the rear view mirror, then rip the mirror off the windshield and toss it out the window. Once we have accepted Jesus death as payment for all of our sin (past, present and future), and invited Him into my heart we should be resisting sin in every form. But, sadly we far too often stumble into transgression.
Sometimes we are surprised that we are still bombarded by so many temptations. But the Bible warns us that this will happen.
1 Peter 4:12 … Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
As children of God, we are given Jesus strength to help us in the battle against sin. It is available to us the moment we accept Him as Savior and choose to make Him our Lord. However, because of our former nature, we frequently attempt to attack temptation in our own strength. Mercifully, God only allows temptation into our lives that He knows we can withstand.
1 Corinthians 10:13 … No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Additionally, in those times that we choose not to rely on Jesus and fall into sin, He does not abandon us.
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.
1 John 2:1 … My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
We must not allow ourselves to let guilt destroy us, we need to get on our knees and confess our sins and ask God for forgiveness.
1 John 3:20 … For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.
As 1 John says, God already knows we have fallen into sin and doesn’t need us to tell Him, but rather wants us to unburden ourselves by confessing.
The most amazing part of this battle we have against our flesh, is that the war has already been won and we need only allow that truth to ease our anxiety about sin.
1 Peter 2:24 … He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
John 16:33 … I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
~~ a befreeinChrist writing ~~