Struggling with the same sin is like the feeling of drowning. You splash around frantically trying to find your footing, but you still sink under the water. Believers who struggle with the same sin over and over feel like failures. You know the truth of God’s word, but can’t overcome the sin long enough to walk in the freedom granted by the blood of Jesus.
This sinful stronghold keeps it grip over your life choking out destiny that God wants for you. You have a love/hate relationship with sin. There’s hatred of the rope tied around your neck, yet (be honest) you love the pleasure of it. Should you just give up and give in? Or is there hope for deliverance? Begin by answering the right questions for breaking free of the same old sin.
Question #1) Are you a believer?
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5, NIV).
Many people think they are saved even though they can’t attest to rebirth through the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Salvation doesn’t have to be a dramatic outward event, but there does need to be a time when you moved from darkness of sin to the light of salvation. Take a few moments to reflect on how your salvation. Use Romans 10:9-10 as a guide.
Question #2) Do you really want to be free?
“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD” (Proverbs 16:2, NIV).
We may not like the consequences of our sin such as guilt, shame, or regret. Many of us can appear remorseful in front of others (especially if we get caught), but we may remain inwardly unrepentant especially if our pleasure in the sin is greater than our desire to please God. Reflect on the price of your sin on the Lord Jesus Christ. Use Philippians 2:6-8 as a guide.
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21, NKJV).
Question #3) Have you confessed your sin to God?
“When I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD” (Psalm 32:5, NIV).
Something happens within us when we verbalize our sin to the Lord. Our spirit agrees with the Spirit of God that we’re living in error and our relationship with God can be compromised. The Lord wants us to come to Him in repentance with a desire to be changed in the likeness of Jesus. Spend time talking to God about how you first became ensnared in sin. Use James 1:13-15 as a guide.
Step #4) Have you confessed your sin to another believer?
“Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done” (Acts 19:18, NIV).
Confessing your sin to a mature believer provides human accountability. Every believer regardless of their spiritual growth needs someone to confess to. You’re not alone—every believer has to overcome temptation and sin as a personal struggle. Ask the Lord to direct you to the right person of faith. Use Psalm 37:30 as a guide.
Step #5) Have you removed yourself from your “temptation triggers”?
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14, ESV).
You may need to make the courageous, but tough decisions of separating yourself from certain people, places, or things that keep you in bondage to sin. It’s not easy to break off a relationship, get rid of cable/TV/internet, or to move to a different job and/or location. However the refreshing hope and freedom in Christ makes it well worth it. Start a list of what needs to be out of your life in order to be free. Use 1 Corinthians 10:13 as a guide.
Step #6) Are you prepared to set aside a time of prayer and fasting to loosen the grip of this sin on your life?
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21, NKJV).
Sometimes the power of sin is so strong that you need a time of prayer and fasting. This typically requires an abstinence of eating food for a certain period of time. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps you gain control of sinful desires instead of being controlled. Decide on a period of time to fast and pray. Use Mark 2:18-20 as a guide.
Step #7) Do you have the mind of Christ?
“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16, ESV)
You have the mind of Christ as you memorize, recite, meditate, and apply the scriptures in faith. The word of God is powerful enough to break all sinful strongholds in your heart and mind. You will develop the ability to see your sin as God sees it—destroyed by the blood of Jesus. Set up a schedule that puts your Bible reading as an integral part of your day. Use Hebrews 4:12 as a guide.
Did you answer yes to all the questions?
If not, don’t skip a question that was difficult—deal with it and be free. You didn’t get into this situation overnight and it may take time to complete the perfect work of God in your life. At the moment of salvation, you were made in the image of Christ to be free from all bondages of sin. Never give up on the power of God to deliver you and use your experience to snatch others out of the fiery pit of a sinful life.
Have you read Crystal’s testimony? Take a look:
Resources – The Holy Bible, English Standard Version “Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. New International Version Bible THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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