Once a person has been saved and born again the next problem that they must deal with is to stop committing sins. Getting rid of sin does not automatically guarantee that they will start doing what is right. The saving sanctification process has begun in their hearts but the question is how far are they willing to let it go in their actions.
The power to do right starts in our mind, if we yield to the Holy Spirit then the power for doing right moves to our will. We must understand that our will controls our desires and actions. If we have not understood that Christ has given us His righteousness, then we will be deceived into thinking wrong.
We must know that it is His righteousness and not ours that will only be pleasing to God the Father (St. John 8:29). We must know only Christ can live this perfect life, so we must let Him. How you may ask? By exercising our power to choose and select.
Learning to stop sinning is like the two little boys that did not like girls but were slowly growing up. They were playing marbles when a pretty little girl walked by. "I’ll tell you said Jake to J.D., "when I stop hating girls, that’s the one I’m going to stop hating first." We must learn to choose God also.
By making up your mind to be His disciple. Once you have made that choice then apply St. Luke 9:23- "And He said to them all, If any person will come after me, let them deny themselves, and take up their cross daily, and
Each person must:
- (Desire) Be willing
- (Deny) Self
- (Daily) take cross
- (Direct efforts) Follow.
1 Peter 4:1 gives us a principle for victory over sins. It says, "Forasmuch, then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind (purpose); for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin."
We must know that Christ died for our sin and that He takes away our Sins. The good part is He takes our sinfulness and gives us His righteousness. It all comes from His holy righteousness. He took away our sin and clothed us with His perfect clothes.
Therefore we should never lower our standards for the sin of this world. A sign in a restaurant reads, "If our food, drinks, and services aren’t up to your standards, please lower your standards."
Well, lowering our standards is what the world, flesh, and the devil wants us as Christians to do. God has saved us so that we can stop sinning. Paul asked, Shall we continue in sin so that God’s grace will increase? (Romans 6:1,2). Verse two gives us the answer and it is No! (God forbid).
Do you realize that sin has been defeated at the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? The question is, Do you believe God or you believing what you see and feel? If you don’t believe God then you are calling Him a lie. Even if you are not saying it directly, because calling God a open lie is not wise, that is what you are doing indirectly.
Why do you want to call God a lie? Well not trusting Christ’s work on the cross is like calling God the Father a ball face lie. It is subtle and a non-obvious way of trusting our way instead of God’s way. Remember the bible says that Christ was manifested to destroy the works of the devil, 1 John 3:8.
It says, "The one who practices sin is of the devil: for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God (Jesus) appeared for this purpose to destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8). The question worth you answering, "Is God destroying the Devils work through You? Is God able to eliminate sin through You?
Well if Christ Jesus has not been allowed to be your Lord then God can not destroy the devils work through you. If you have not confess you are a sinner and have asked for his forgiveness, then you cannot be used by God to destroy the devils works.
Don’t deceive yourself into thinking that deeds and all kinds of activity will get rid of sin. Helping the poor is good but it can not erase sin. Building houses for the homeless is great but it can not illiminate sin. Feeding the hungry is wonderful, but it can not erase sin. Donating time and money can not make sin disappear.
The only way of getting rid of Sin is trusting God’s only provision and that is Jesus Christ finish work on the cross. Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection must be believed from your heart before sin can be eradicated. Believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth that Christ has been raised from the dead is the only way, (Romans 10:9,10).
When anyone does that they will be saved and make themselves availible to stop sin from being done by them. Are you allowing God to get Rid of sin through you? The next time you feel compelled to lie yet you don’t, then you are destroying sin.
The next time you feel compelled to take that pencil or pen from work yet you don’t, you are destroying sin. The next time you decide not to look at that porno magazine or movie you are destroying sin.
The next time you lust for some one elses house or car but stop, you are destroying sin. Remember God wants you to be getting rid of Sin.