Overcoming Sin
A life filled with sin and compromise will never be fulfilling. Unfortunately, addictions such as pornography have even infiltrated Christian homes. So many in the church feel separated from God, miserable and in a dark, downward spiraling, chasm of shame.
Sin starts out as a carrot that is dangled before us by the enemy. It's a trap set for our demise. Just one peak, hit or act won't hurt... right? Then once you've tasted the fruit you create an insatiable appetite for something that gives temporary pleasure, but will never satisfy.
I'm in no way writing this to condemn anyone, but I do pray that He convicts you of any form of compromise in your life. The sole purpose of temptation is to separate you from God and cause you to draw back in shame. There can never be fulfillment in anything that's contrary to His Word and purpose for your life. I know so many who used to serve the Lord, but as they followed after the lusts of their flesh, there lives were ruined and they turned to drugs to numb their shame.
God's not finished with you, and His ultimate desire is not punishment, but reconciliation. He's calling you back to Him and all you need to do to be restored and combat your sin is sincerely repent, focus on Jesus and draw from His strength. He's not trying to get your attention so He can harm you... it's actually the opposite... He knows the enemy is intent on destroying you and He's waiting with arms wide open to hold you close and pull you out of the pit! The way of escape has already been provided. Take your eyes off of the sin and follow Jesus back into the light. He hasn't stopped loving you!
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ASV) There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.
Isaiah 59:1-2 (NLT) Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you,.nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.
1 Peter 1:15-16 As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
1 Peter 2:11 (NKJV) Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.
Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
1 John 1:9 (NKJV) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Acts 3:19 (NKJV) Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.
