Breaking the Habit: How to Overcome Habitual Sin
Introduction:
Hardest thing to deal with after becoming Christian is that temptations do not disappear. Each one of us has weaknesses to certain temptations – even as Christians – which we must deal with. Different sins affect us differently. Some struggle with sinful desires; anger; foul language; drinking; jealousy; hatred; etc. Mk. 14:28 – spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We want to be strong & steadfast – but still prone to sin. Rom. 3:23 How do we deal w/weak flesh?
I. The reality of sin.
A. We will & do sin. Ezek. 18:19-21 Guilt of sin is charged to the one who sins.
B. Sin – habitual sin – is not a new problem.
1. Abraham; Samson; Apostles; Peter
C. Important observations about habitual sin:
1. We must not excuse it in our lives. 1 John 2:1
2. We choose to sin…Js. 1:13-15 It is OUR lust; desire!
3. We must not blame it on others – Ex. 32:24; 1 Sam. 15 – Saul
4. We can become comfortable with sin.
II. What does God think?
A. God hates sin!
1. Continue in sin? Has nothing to do with us! 1 John 1:6-7
2. God’s perspective: not a weakness; shortcoming; character fault
3. it is sin; TRANSGRESSION
B. Gen 3 – How does God punish sin? 1 Sam. 15; Lk. 12, 16; Rom. 2:9
C. Don’t be deceived! What is our view of sin? Do we share God’s view?
1. Psa. 119:104; 113-120; Pro. 6:16-19; Rev. 21:8
D. God’s hatred of sin so great – he paid the highest price to rescue us from it! 1 Cor. 15:3; Heb. 9:28
III. How can I overcome it?
A. Repent! Lk. 13:3; Acts 2:38-42; 2 Cor. 7:9-10
1. Make a decision. Who to serve? God? Self? 1 Kings 18:21
2. We must convince ourselves that the habitual sin we’re guilty of is:
a) wrong; destructive; sinful
B. Seek God’s forgiveness Heb 4:16; 1 John 1:9; Mt. 18:21-22
1. God stands ready to forgive ALL sinners – Js. 4:6-10
C. Mk. 14:38 – Be watchful!
1. We need to be honest with our weaknesses.
a) 1 Kings 18:17-18 – who was the real troubler of Israel?
2. Be aware of what causes temptation & sin!
3. Where are you weakest? What can you do to avoid temptation?
4. It is really that important? Mk. 9:43-48
D. Replace wrong behavior w/right to behavior.
1. Eph. 4:22-24 – Put off/put on principle.
a) Immerse yourself in the word of God! John 8:32
Conclusion:
A. 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9 – God has a vision for us.
B. Breaking hold of sin is a lifelong battle. With each victory you grow stronger.