Breaking the Habit: How to Overcome Habitual Sin
2004018
Topic # 8022
Introduction:
A. Hardest thing to deal with after becoming Christian is that temptations do not disappear.
1. 1 Cor. 6:9-11. Could Paul be dealing w/some at Corinth who still struggling with sin?
2. After coming to Christ – perhaps there were some who felt they would have to struggle w/the temptation to sin.
3. 6:11 – these were sins they were engaged in before.
B. Each one of us has weaknesses to certain temptations – even as Christians – which we must deal with.
1. Different sins affect us differently.
a) some struggle with sinful desires; anger; foul language; drinking; jealousy; hatred; etc.
b) There are sins that can drag us down & the temptation has a clear effect on us.
2. The Struggle to be best Christian possible gets difficult when we repeatedly commit the same sin.
3. Can you identify w/the despair & guilt this causes?
4. How many come near the breaking point?
C. Mk. 14:28 – spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
1. We want to be strong & steadfast – but still prone to sin.
a) Rom. 3:23
b) How do we deal w/weak flesh?
2. Today’s lesson, I hope, will be a source of great encouragement to us – as we suggest some very practical ways to deal with this problem.
I. The reality of sin.
A. We will & do sin. Not because we have to – but because we choose to.
1. Ezek. 18:19-21
a) Guilt of sin is charged to the one who sins.
b) 1 John 3:4 – sin is an action against the law of God.
2. It is a condition we choose!
B. Sin – habitual sin – is not a new problem. Our generation not the only one to struggle with it.
1. Abraham – lying – Gen. 12:14-20 (Pharaoh); 20:1-14 – Gerar
2. Samson – lust – women of the night
3. Apostles – pride & ambition – Mt. 20:20-26; Lk. 9:46; 22:24
4. Did Peter battle prejudice? Gal. 2:11-14 – some time after Cornelius
5. We are not unique! Temptations we experience are nothing that others have not faced! 1 Cor. 10:13
C. Important observations about habitual sin:
1. We must not excuse it in our lives.
a) 1 John 2:1 – it is not to be accepted or held on to.
2. We choose to sin…
a) How often do we say…couldn’t help it – devil made me do it.
b) Contrast w/Js. 1:13-15
1) It is OUR lust; desire!
2) It is OUR fault when lust/desire carries us away!
3. We must not blame it on others – Ex. 32:24; 1 Sam. 15 – Saul
a) Yet this is the culture we live in.
b) No one’s fault for anything wrong in their life….
4. We can become comfortable with sin.
a) It’s the only thing I’m hanging on to.
b) I’ll do it this one time & then never again.
c) Look at others. I’m not near as bad as them.
d) Each time we violate our conscience – easier to make these statements.
e) When we do this – how far are we away from fitting the description in Heb. 10:26?
5. How long before we say – what’s the use?
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 treat Adam/Eve’s sin? Slap on the wrist?
1. 1 Sam. 15 – Saul’s disobedience – removed the kingdom.
2. Lk. 12:16-21 – rich man – required his soul of him
3. Lk. 16 – rich man – eternal punishment
4. Rom. 2:9 – This is a description of the person who continually turns himself against God!
C. Don’t be deceived!
1. What is our view of sin?
2. Do we share God’s hatred of lying? Drunkenness? Cursing? Lusting? Outbursts of anger? Failing to forgive? Divorce? Abortion?
3. 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
E. Let us develop distaste for sin! A hatred sin!
III. How can I overcome it?
A. Repent! Lk. 13:3
1. Is a simple, I’m sorry enough?
a) Acts 2:36-38 – true repentance is a deep sorrow & anguish of spirit over what we have done.
2. Involves making things right where possible.
3. Involves changing the way we think.
a) Thoughts lead to action – Pro. 23:7
b) Determine from scripture as to what is wrong with your thinking.
c) Memorize a bible passage that deals with what are wrong w/your problem.
4. 2 Cor. 7:9-10 – repentance leads to godly sorrow – which leads to…
B. Making a decision.
1. Who to serve? God? Self?
a) 1 Kings 18:21 – Elijah calls for a decision.
b) Either continue sinner or follow God!
c) Overcoming habitual sins starts with our taking a stand!
2. We must convince ourselves that the habitual sin we’re guilty of is:
a) wrong; destructive; sinful
b) Must want it out of our body/soul!
c) Do whatever it takes to do it!
3. Until this happens – we will never have success!
4. Inventory your life. Is there a constant/nagging sin? Make a decision NOW to overcome it!
C. Seek God’s forgiveness Heb 4:16; 1 John 1:9
1. Not a Christian?
a) Believe & repent! Confess His name! Rom 10:9-10
b) Be baptized for the remission of sin! Acts 2:38
c) All determination & repentance in world w/o these will not remove your sin!
2. There is powerful forgiveness in God!
a) He’ll forgive us multiple times – if we seek Him w/a pure heart w/pure motives!
b) Mt. 18:21-22
c) If God calls upon us to do this – will He not do it for us?
3. God stands ready to forgive ALL sinners – Js. 4:6-10
a) Those who will humble themselves before Him.
b) 2 Sam. 12:13 – when we realize all sin is against God!
4. Not only does God forgive – He forgets!
D. 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?
b) As long as one lies to himself – he will never change!
2. Be aware of what causes temptation & sin!
a) Where are you weakest? What can you do to avoid these temptations?
b) Will it involve surrounding yourself w/new friends? Then do it!
c) Quit job? Leave boyfriend/girlfriend?
3. It is really that important?
a) Something hindering spiritual service – better remove it!
b) Mk. 9:43-48
c) Nothing as important as soul! Lose it – lose it all!
E. Replace wrong behavior w/right to behavior.
1. Eph. 4:22-24 – Put off/put on principle.
a) Christianity is much more than a collection of “Thou Shalt Nots”
b) 4:28-32 – must put on Christ!
c) Don’t put on new qualities – FAILURE will happen!
2. Get active in this church!
a) Stop associating w/worldly people – start spending time w/the people of God!
b) Exchange worldly activities for godly ones!
3. scriptural precedent for this:
a) Acts 9:20 – after obeying gospel – Saul got busy – IMMEDIATELY!
F. Immerse yourself in the word of God!
1. John 8:32 – can’t walk according to the spirit if you don’t know what the spirit revealed!
2. Effort? Certainly? Always easy? Not necessarily making real & lasting change can be difficult at first.
3. Grow in your dependence in prayer!
a) Communication w/God is a great source of strength!
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.
1. With each victory you will grow stronger.
2. Rom. 13:10-14
C. I N V I T A T I O N
