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 ____.

B.     Sin – habitual sin – is not a new problem.

1.      Abraham; _____________; Apostles; _____________

C.    Important observations about habitual sin:

1.      We must not ________________ it in our lives. 1 John 2:1

2.      We _____________ to sin…Js. 1:13-15 It is OUR lust; desire!

3.      We must not ____________ it on others – Ex. 32:24; 1 Sam. 15 – Saul

4.      We can become _____________________- with sin.

II. What does God think?

A.     God ____________ sin!

1.      Continue in sin?  Has nothing to do with us! 1 John 1:6-7

2.      God’s perspective: not a _____________; shortcoming; character fault

3.      it is sin; ____________________________-

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 __________ 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.     __________!  Lk. 13:3; Acts 2:38-42; 2 Cor. 7:9-10

B.     Make a ______________. Who to serve? God? Self? 1 Kings 18:21

1.      We must convince ourselves that the habitual sin we’re guilty of is:

a)     ______________; destructive; sinful

C.    Seek God’s ___________________ Heb 4:16; 1 John 1:9; Mt. 18:21-22

1.      God stands ready to forgive ALL sinners – Js. 4:6-10

D.    Mk. 14:38 – Be ________________!

1.      We need to be honest with our ______________________.

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

E.     Replace _______________ behavior w/____________ to behavior.

1.      Eph. 4:22-24 – Put off/put on principle. 

F.     Immerse yourself in the ____________- 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.