Why You Should Stop Trying Not to Sin

A lot of people are trapped in a lifestyle of sin and idolatry; whether subtly with things like coffee and cigarettes or in outright addictions like drugs and pornography. Of course there are times that call for a, “You need to put the pipe down”; but a person will never be delivered from sin and idolatry by trying to stop.

Let’s do an experiment…I want you to picture an image of Jesus in your mind; when you have that image then continue reading. Okay, you have the image of Jesus in your mind; what I want you to do now is NOT picture yourself punching your mother in the face; once you're done not thinking about punching your mother in the face, continue reading…What just happened? You pictured yourself punching your mother in the face didn’t you?

1 Corinthians 15:56 tells us that the strength of sin is the law. To break that down in our language; it means when you tell somebody “no”, it will only lead them to do it more. Sure, there may be times where by self-methods we’re able to force ourselves into not doing something we shouldn’t; but ever since Adam and Eve ate off that tree, sin in the “flesh” has a natural tendency to rebel.

This is why your belief system is vital and crucial to overcoming idolatry, temptation, and all other forms of sin; your mind needs to be renewed and consistently fed the truth about your identity in Christ. Your freedom will not come from alterations in your actions; all that would be is behavior modification. Later on you’d get snared again and find yourself in a repetitive cycle, wondering why you keep doing it. Scripture doesn’t say, “You shall stop sinning and this shall make you free”; no, it says, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”!

Your heart needs to be established in who you are; your standing before God because of Jesus, not because of your actions. Once you’re redeemed, you are NOT a sinner anymore; you are a SAINT. Sin the "flesh" has been condemned and it no longer has power over you. You are righteous and there is no condemnation to you because you are in Christ. 

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