Challenge of the Week

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PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARD LIVING A LIFE OF VICTORY OVER SIN

The other morning in a men’s Bible study, the consensus was that victory over sin was, for the most part, a distant hope.  The best we can expect in this life is to sort of muddle through.  I don’t think so!  Sure, life is tough, and we are faced with a constant barrage of trials and temptations, but amidst it all, it is God’s intention that we live victoriously!

“As it is written:  ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”  (Rom. 8:36, 37)

But how?  Consider the following principles and supporting Scriptures:

Surrender your life and will to the Lordship of Christ and His transforming power:  “…Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God…Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  (Rom. 12:1,2 - selected)  (See Rom. 6:13,16, 19)

Surrender your pride and humbly acknowledge your utter dependence upon God:  “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!”... My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." …For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  (1 Cor. 10:12; 2 Cor. 12:9, 10 - selected)  (See Pro. 16:18; Matt. 26:33,34)

Relentlessly pursue God:  “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God…You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  (Pro. 2:1-5; Jer. 29:13)

Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you:  “Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature…Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”  (Gal. 5:16; Rom. 8:2)

Claim and appropriate God’s promises of victory:  “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”  (1Cor. 10:13) (See 2 Thess. 3:3)

Persevere under trials and temptations: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”  “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.”  (Jms. 1:12-15; Pro. 24:16a)  (See Rom. 5:3-5; Jms. 1:2-4)

Avoid people and places that tempt you:  “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way…He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”  (Pro. 4:14, 15; 13:20)  (See Pro. 3:11, 12; 2 Tim. 2:22)

Travel with a band of like-minded brothers for the purpose of support and accountability:  “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!...Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken…Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”    (Ecc. 4:9-12; Jms. 5:16b)  (See Pro. 27:17)

Be aware of the high consequences of living a sinful life, and the rewards of living a righteous life:  Proverbs 1:20-32; Deut. 28; Gal. 6:7, 8

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