"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21)."
All Christians are duty bound to fight against sin, in the world around them and within their own hearts. This latter contest is often the harder. One of the chief means of defeating sin on our own home turf is to never fall into it to begin with. To develop the skills and disciplines of sin-avoidance is therefore crucial to defeating sin and growing in holiness.
Like Joseph in Potiphar’s house we must learn to dodge and flee from temptation’s grasp. Like Daniel we must endeavor to choose the lion’s den of faithfulness rather than the temporary security of conformity to sin. Like our Lord Jesus we must learn to throw a stiff arm in the face of the tempter by the ready use of God’s Word. All of these examples, and many more like them, show how it is that we might be delivered from evil in our daily lives.
The final and most important tactic in avoiding sin is to fill your soul with beauty, goodness, and truth. No one is tempted by a greasy day old donut when they have recently feasted on prime rib. In the same way, the soul that is filled with the good things of Christ will not be an easy mark for the temptation of sin.
The following resources develop and demonstrate strategies for overcoming sin in the life of the believer. Be prepared to be convicted of your sins. Be prepared to find hope that you can overcome them!
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