Tag: Sin

The Struggle Against Sin in Christian Life

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

A true follower of Christ detests sin. It disrupts worship, damages relationships, and obstructs the path to holiness. Sin is the greatest enemy of a believer. Although Jesus has removed both the power and the penalty of sin through His sacrifice on the cross, its presence remains a daily struggle. The Bible tells us in Romans 8 that those who live according to their sinful nature will face death, but those who, through the Holy Spirit, reject sinful actions will experience life.

This process, known as putting to death the deeds of the body, requires a daily commitment. A Christian must intentionally seek holiness, pursue righteousness, and resist the devil. This means actively looking for the way out of temptation whenever it arises, as Scripture promises there is always an escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Though believers are covered by Christ’s righteousness, they still live in a fallen world. The full redemption of the body has not yet taken place. Paul describes this struggle in Romans 7, explaining that while his spirit delights in God’s law, another force within him still desires sin. This inner battle leads him to cry out, “O wretched man that I am!”

Victory over sin is only possible through the Holy Spirit, the guidance of God’s Word, and a heart motivated by love for the Lord. The key is what fills the mind. As David wrote in Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Immersing oneself in Scripture strengthens the believer’s resolve, allowing them to honour God and reject sin daily.

Misuse of Noble Pursuits

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DAVID INGRAM

Throughout history, leaders have committed atrocities in the name of religion. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that all religion is inherently evil. A parallel can be drawn with science, where unethical experiments like the Tuskegee syphilis study have been conducted in the pursuit of knowledge.

The issue lies not with religion or science themselves, but with flawed individuals who use these noble pursuits to justify their immoral actions. Often, it’s a lack of morality and an overwhelming desire for success that drives such wrongdoing.

It’s interesting that these individuals may not always be consciously deceiving others; they might be blind to their own malevolent actions.

Consider what is written in Proverbs 21:2, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”

The Problem of Sin

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TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA STAFF

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” – Romans 5:12

Have you ever wondered why everything feels broken? Why relationships strain, why we hurt each other, why nothing seems to work quite right? The Bible gives us a straightforward answer: sin entered our world and broke everything.

This isn’t just about breaking rules. It’s about a fundamental disconnect from our life source—God Himself. Like unplugging a lamp from its power source, our separation from God left us in darkness.

But understanding our brokenness isn’t meant to leave us in despair. It’s the backdrop that makes God’s solution so breathtaking.

The Harmony of Word and Spirit

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DAVID INGRAM

Many Christians make the mistake of separating the Spirit from God’s Word, thinking that spiritual life can exist apart from the truth of Scripture. But true spiritual living requires both the guidance of the Spirit and the grounding of God’s Word. The two must work together to transform our lives.

The Spirit brings the Word of God to life in us, showing us the truth and helping us live by it. Without the Spirit, the Word remains a dead letter, and without the Word, we lack a solid foundation of truth. As David prayed, “Give me life according to your Word,” we too must seek to be transformed by the Spirit working through Scripture.

Some may claim to have deep spiritual insights apart from the Word, but Jesus warned that the Spirit would not bring new teachings. Instead, He would remind believers of everything Jesus taught. Therefore, the Spirit always works in harmony with the Bible, never contradicting it.

Christians must test every spiritual teaching by the Word of God. Only when the Spirit and the Word are in harmony can we truly live according to God’s will.

Outward Religion vs. True Spirituality

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DAVID INGRAM

One of the greatest dangers for Christians is confusing outward religion with true spirituality. Many believe that as long as they avoid major sins and engage in religious activities, they are walking by the Spirit. However, being spiritual is not just about avoiding obvious wrongs or doing good deeds in public.

True spirituality involves living by the Spirit, not just following religious routines. The flesh can still dominate a life that looks religious on the outside. If a person’s heart is filled with pride, greed, or anger, they are still living according to the flesh, regardless of how good they may appear to others.

Walking by the Spirit requires more than outward actions—it demands a heart that is devoted to God. This means daily communion with Him, not just in formal prayers or church services, but in every part of life. It is about letting the Spirit shape every thought, every word, and every action.

Christians must continually ask themselves: Are my religious actions truly spiritual, or are they just outward forms with no heart behind them?