EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2020.
SUBJECT: DEALING WITH SIN THAT SO EASILY ENSNARES YOU!
Memory verse: ”Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12 vs 1).
READ: Hebrews 12 vs 1 - 4:
12:1: T
herefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,12:2: looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
12:3: For consider Him who endured such hostility of sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
12:4: You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
INTIMATION:
The Christian life involves hard work. It requires us to give up whatever endangers our relationship with God, to run with endurance, and to struggle against sin with the power of the Holy Spirit. True Christian life is a battle against the filthiness of the flesh and the spirit; ensuring we are cleansed—turning away from sin, and turning toward God. The things that are in this world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life, easily ensnares believers. To live effectively, we must lay aside every weight and sin which easily ensnares us, keeping our eyes on Jesus. In the wilderness, Satan also tempted Jesus away from a His destiny through the same lusts and pride. He tempts all people today through the same means in order to draw people away from God.
Following the carnal desires of the flesh, to live after our selfish ambitions, and satisfy the desires of our flesh, is one of the sins that easily ensnares us. We must always choose between the will of God and our own will. We must discipline our bodies and bring it into subjection to the will of God. In the world there are temptations that are produced wherein one is drawn away from the love of God to satisfy the desires of the flesh in an ungodly manner. Resist such temptations with all your stamina, and seek the Holy Spirit help.
The starting point of dealing with sins that easily ensnare us is self-discipline. It requires an honest look at your strength and weaknesses, with emphasis on the later. It means building the will to say no when a powerful appetite inside you screams yes. For example, when you have self-discipline, you can (1) say no to friends or situations that will lead you away from Christ, (2) say no to casual sex, saving intimacy for marriage, and the like, and (3) say no to laziness in favor of ‘can do’ and ‘will do.” Self-discipline is a long, steady course in learning attitudes that do not come naturally, and channeling natural appetites toward God’s purposes. Recognize your weak points and guard against breaking at them. It takes determination and prayers for Holy Spirit guidance or leading to redirect weakness into strength.
Christians should not relish their sinful past—remembering or memorizing their sinful past lifestyle—which can have great urge to go back to the old ways. We have all done things for which we are ashamed, and we live in the tension of what we have been and what we want to be. Because of our hope in Christ, we can let go of the past guilt and look forward to what God will help us become. Don’t dwell on your past. Where possible, relinquish any relationships that can take you back the old paths, including anything that can call the old days back to memory. Make a strong commitment to break away from that past, including refusing contacts such as phone calls from such partners in crime.
To run the race that God has set before us, we must also strip off the excess weight that slows us down. How can we do that? (1) Choose friends who are also committed to the race. Wrong friends will have values and activities that may deter you from the course. Much of your own weight may result from the crowd you run with. Make wiser choices. (2) Drop certain activities that culminates into weight for you. Try dropping them for a while; then check the results in your life. (3) Get help for addictions that disable you. If you have a secret “weight” such as pornography, gambling, social media chats and friendships, alcohol, etc. admit your need and get help today.
Sometimes trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves us drained and discouraged. We may feel so far from perfect that we think we can never please God with our life. God knows our imperfections hence His sending His Sin as a propitiation for us. However, He expects to mature or be complete in our Christian race, not flawless in every detail. Those who are mature should press on in the Holy Spirit’s power, knowing that Christ will reveal and fill in any discrepancies between what we are and what we should be. Christ’s provision is no excuse for lagging devotion, but it provides relief and assurance for those who feel driven.
All sin hinders one’s faithfulness in running the Christian race. One must be actively consistent and enduring in the race. If one is not actively engaged in the race, then he or she is in a state of falling away. The Christian must look forward to the glory that is yet to be revealed (Romans 8 vs 18). His hope of heaven should be strong enough to motivate him to remain in the race regardless of the sufferings of the present world. One’s physical life is surely of little value in comparison to the eternal life that one will receive in the presence of God.
Prayer: Abba Father, give me the grace to deal with the sin that easily ensnares me. Help me to run with stamina and vigor the Christian race that I may receive the crown of glory prepared for those who endured to the end, in Jesus’ great Name I have prayed.
PRAISE THE LORD!
