Luke 12:1-12
Luke 12:1-12
Over the last few years, we have seen verses 2-3 played out. Some of the most established and well-known pastors have had stories of hidden sin come out. Things they tried to keep in the dark, but it was brought to light. At times, it can be heartbreaking to hear story after story of man’s sinfulness. But this should give us all the more reason to fight against secret sin.
If there is a secret sin you are trying to fight, whatever it is, let me give you a few practical steps on how to overcome it:
1. Recognize the severity of your sin.
Sin will always bring hurt. It always hurts your relationship with God, but it could also be harming yourself, your marriage, or people you love.
2. Tell somebody.
You do not need to try and fight this alone. If this sin has been a struggle for multiple years, don’t think you can just stop by yourself. You need people in your life who love you and will hold you accountable so that you can overcome this sin.
3. Change your mind.
You do not stop sinning by thinking about not sinning, because when you think about not sinning, you are thinking of the thing that makes you sin. (You might have to reread that sentence). Instead, you need to replace your sinful thoughts on something new, something godly. It could be memorizing Scripture, listening to a podcast, etc.
4. Have gratitude.
I was reading a book the other day about dealing with sin, and the author talked about having gratitude for the things we have as a way to fight sin. Oftentimes, when we sin, we are desiring for something we do not have. So instead of always desiring what we do not have, we need to be grateful for what God has given us.
These are a few practical steps you can take to fight sin, but the power to overcome sin comes through the Holy Spirit. Ask for His wisdom and guidance in overcoming whatever sin you may be struggling with.
And if there is a secret sin you are dealing with and want help, email me at brice@cpclex.org and we can set up a time to meet and talk through things.
By: Brice Stockton
Over the last few years, we have seen verses 2-3 played out. Some of the most established and well-known pastors have had stories of hidden sin come out. Things they tried to keep in the dark, but it was brought to light. At times, it can be heartbreaking to hear story after story of man’s sinfulness. But this should give us all the more reason to fight against secret sin.
If there is a secret sin you are trying to fight, whatever it is, let me give you a few practical steps on how to overcome it:
1. Recognize the severity of your sin.
Sin will always bring hurt. It always hurts your relationship with God, but it could also be harming yourself, your marriage, or people you love.
2. Tell somebody.
You do not need to try and fight this alone. If this sin has been a struggle for multiple years, don’t think you can just stop by yourself. You need people in your life who love you and will hold you accountable so that you can overcome this sin.
3. Change your mind.
You do not stop sinning by thinking about not sinning, because when you think about not sinning, you are thinking of the thing that makes you sin. (You might have to reread that sentence). Instead, you need to replace your sinful thoughts on something new, something godly. It could be memorizing Scripture, listening to a podcast, etc.
4. Have gratitude.
I was reading a book the other day about dealing with sin, and the author talked about having gratitude for the things we have as a way to fight sin. Oftentimes, when we sin, we are desiring for something we do not have. So instead of always desiring what we do not have, we need to be grateful for what God has given us.
These are a few practical steps you can take to fight sin, but the power to overcome sin comes through the Holy Spirit. Ask for His wisdom and guidance in overcoming whatever sin you may be struggling with.
And if there is a secret sin you are dealing with and want help, email me at brice@cpclex.org and we can set up a time to meet and talk through things.
By: Brice Stockton
1 Comment
Very wise words today, Brice! Thank you!