The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Romans 13:12-14 NAS95).
Sometimes you might struggle with particular sins. Nagging sins that rob you of joy and give place for the devil to insert his prybar as he seeks to pry you away from Christ. Of course, nothing can pry you away from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). For Christ will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
However, sin, particularly stubborn sins, will have a devastating impact on you spiritually. These are sins you don’t seem able to control. You repent, but victory only lasts a short time. You must ask yourself, “Have I truly repented?”
Could it be that you are making provisions for the flesh? Jesus said, If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell (Matthew 5:30 NAS95). Jesus was speaking metaphorically here, as cutting off your hand would do nothing to prevent you from sinning. This was how Jesus said, "make no provision for the flesh," albeit in an emphatic way.
Whatever your nagging sin is, see if you are setting yourself up to commit that sin. James is clear that each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust (James 1:14b NAS95). You sin because you want to. Recognize that and you will be well on your way to victory. Then, take note, if you fail again, what led up to that sin. Manage or remove those destructive patterns, influences, or people from your life.
Pray without ceasing for God’s grace. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses (2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NAS95).
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:3-5 NAS95)?
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