"VICTORY OVER SIN"
11). For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12). Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13). Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; 14). Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all inequity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
TITUS 2:11-14 KJV
Sin works its way into everyone’s life. And regardless of the form it takes, the goal is always the same: to tempt us to choose our own way over God’s.
The descent into a pattern of disobedience begins in our mind. Once our thinking is involved, the influence extends to our behavior until we are more involved with the sin than we ever imagined. And oftentimes, we deceive ourselves, soothing our conscience by saying, There’s no harm in what I’m doing—after all, other people behave the same way.
Sin’s demands keep increasing, and yet its benefits are short-term. Eventually, we experience emptiness instead of satisfaction, pain in place of comfort, and loss rather than gain. Habitual sin divides the mind and confuses emotions. Our care and concern for others diminish, too. Over time, feelings of guilt can take their toll and lead toward negative results we never anticipated.
Faith in Jesus Christ sets us free from the power of sin in our life. The road to freedom starts with confession, followed by an admission that we cannot stop on our own. Committing to follow God’s direction is next. It’s not always easy, but Scripture promises,
“But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 CORINTHIANS 15:57).
-IBC
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