Victory over Sin
1. Christians sometimes commit sins. In fact the Bible says that he who says he has no sin is a liar. So this brings up some questions. If Christians commit sin, what is the difference between a Christian and a non Christian? and Is there any hope in Christ? How can I get victory over sin? (One of the main differences between Christians and non Christians is that Christians are at least concerned about their sins and shortcomings - while many non Christians are not - or maybe they just gave up.)
2. First, let me say this, that there is hope in Christ, and plenty of it. In fact, there is victory. Christians can overcome the sin that is in their lives. When I was young, I met a wise man whom I will never forget. He said, "This is a fact - that if you continue to abide in Christ, your greatest weakness - will someday become your greatest strength." I never forgot that. I saw the man as one of the strongest men I had ever known. He was one of my Bible school teachers, and the president of the Bible school. He was nearly eighty years old, but he still had great joy and vigor. He had the life of Christ in him, and he was strong. I knew that he knew what he was saying. He had lived it.
3. That is the difference between a Christian and a non Christian. The believer has Christ living in him- the non believer does not.
4. Since the believer has Christ, he also has the Spirit of Christ, and fellowship with our Heavenly Father. This makes all the difference. And it is a BIG difference.
5. But my Bible school teacher did not tell me all his secrets. I never found out, exactly, how he had overcome the sins of his youth, or how he had become so free. I was left to search out those answers for myself.
6. Then one day I happened across this verse...
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins - and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:98-9
I found out that this verse works. I confessed my sins to God, and I found out that He really does cleanse from all unrighteousness! If you ask Him to, He will take away all your wrong desires. He will give you HIS righteousness, and fulfill your life. He will wash away all your sin, and give you - Himself!
7. But it is difficult to always love people the way God wants us to. In fact, Jesus told us to love our enemies, and to love one another as He loved us. We are also told to "Do all things without complaining and disputing." (Philippians 2:14) and "Speak evil of no man." (Titus 3:2) These all seem like impossible commands. No one can keep them.
8. Then, by a pleasant surprise, God showed me yet another startling verse.. Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
Now that makes sense. A person who is walking in communion with God will not have time for sin - or even be thinking about it. Such a person is so busy praising God, and going about the business of God, he can think of nothing else! And he is so full of the love of God that - he just loves people. What a wonderful and joyful way to defeat the sin that is in our lives. And its so easy! It's FUN. As somebody once said, "Don't try to drive the darkness out - just turn on the light." Now why didn't I think of that when I was much younger! Somebody else would say, "You've been born again. You now have the nature of Christ in you. Just let His nature take over! Stop resisting the Holy Spirit. When He convicts you of sin, you need to confess, and repent, and let Him cleanse you from all unrighteousness, and from all unloving things.
9. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. That's why we can get the victory over sin. Christ dwells in us.
10. And if anyone sins we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous. I John 2:1b
In other words a Christian may still fall into sin, but Jesus will help him out of it. I have seen Christians fall into sin. But they do not wallow in it. They get up and go on. And they turn more to Christ. But if a person does not have the Spirit of Christ, he might fall into sin and just lie there, like a pig wallowing in the mire.
As your Advocate, Jesus does many things. He is like a lawyer pleading your case to God. He pleads for mercy. But I think it is much more than that. Jesus is not just your legal counsel, He is also your Advocate in the sense of general advocacy - meaning He is always speaking in your defense and coming to your help. He sends people to correct and encourage you. He allows negative situations and positive events to change you - in positive ways. He sends teachers and pastors who bring God's Word, and comfort. He sends fellowship. He sends His angels to walk with you, and protect you. And He sends His Holy Spirit to lead you into everlasting life.
11. If you do not see the Spirit of Christ at work in your life in this way, chances are good you are not a Christian. As Paul said, "... if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His." Romans 8:9 You need to repent and put your faith and trust in Jesus.
see also the lesson "Demolishing Strongholds."