Game On! Satan let’s get ready to rumble!

  

QUOTATION

 

“Godly wisdom comes from daily prayer and the study of the Bible. When we study the inspired Word contained in the Bible, the Holy Spirit guides us and instructs us on what we should do, in order to do God’s will for our lives. Because of free choice, we can either except that guidance or not. When we accept God's challenge, then we make him happy.”

 

 

Barry Denzil Haney

 

SCRIPTURE

 

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

Galatians 5:19-21

 

REFLECTION

 

Game On! Satan let’s get ready to rumble!

 

Like Jesus when he cleared the temple of the moneychangers and animal-sellers, I am now angry! Satan managed to break through the Armor of God protecting me from his temptations! I sinned again! 

 

Why do people keep committing the same sin over and over again when they don’t want to? 

 

Is there a connection between sin and psychopathology?

 

In his article “Sin and Psychopathology: What’s the Connection?”, William Mckenna tells us this:

 

“The connection between sin and psychopathology is that within both categories the person is choosing to perform a misled good with the idea that such a good will bring him happiness and peace. However, even once she realizes that her actions are harming her, she finds it difficult to cease performing such actions. It becomes hard for her to imagine a life without such actions.”

 

This conundrum affecting mankind can be summed up by Paul in Romans 7:15-20:

 

“For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”

 

It would seem, repetitive sin is not a “character defect, but it is a part of our brokenness as mankind”.

 

What can we do to break this vicious cycle of repetitive sin?

 

In his article, “Why Do I Keep Doing the Same Sin Over and Over Again?”, Rick Thomas offers this advice for conquering repetitive sin in your life:

 

“If you apply these five simple biblical truths to your life, you can get help for the repetitive sins in your life:

#1 – Humility – The road to change always begins with a humble heart.

#2 – Transparency – You must intentionally and appropriately reveal yourself to a caring community of Christlike disciple makers.

#3 – Honesty – Only the whole truth and nothing but the truth about who you are will help you.

#4 – Repentance – While all of the previous keys are part of repentance, it is imperative you know how to walk through the 13 steps to repentance.

#5 – Contexts – Place yourself in the community of faith. A small group setting is ideal for habituated sinners like you and me.”¹

 

The bottom line: sin becomes sin when we act upon a temptation coming from Satan. We need to prepare ourselves to fight this battle with Satan, through daily prayer and daily reading of God’s word. The Holy Spirit will provide us with the “Armor of God” to withstand Satan’s attacks. Then, and only then, will we be triumphant!

 

ILLUSTRATION

 

A legend says that the Devil once came to a sinner during confession, saying that he came to make restitution. On being asked what he would restore, said: “Shame. For it is shame that I have stolen from this sinner, making him shameless in sinning; and now I have come to restore it to him, to make him ashamed to confess his sins.”

—Foster²

 

PRAYER

 

Our Heavenly Father,

 

Help me Lord Jesus, I am a sinner!

Like Paul, I don’t know why I keep 

Doing the things I don’t want to do, things

I know displease You! 

 

Help me to withstand the attacks by Satan!

Please God, help me to understand, it’s time

To rumble with Satan, not pull any punches!

For what is at stake is my eternal salvation!

 

I stand to lose spending an eternity with You

In Heaven, and instead spend an eternity in Hell!

A place of nothingness, of eternal separation from

Your love and kindness. Thanks you for the hope 

You Give me by Your Promise that I am saved 

by grace through faith!

 

In the precious name of Jesus our Lord and Savior,

 

Amen!

 

SONG OF WORSHIP

 

Three Bells – The Isaacs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO3zPtsn9yI

God Bless You,

Barry

 

 

1Thomas, Rick. “Why Do I Keep Doing The Same Sin Over And Over Again?,” n.d. https://rickthomas.net/why-do-i-keep-doing-the-same-sin-over-and-over-again/. 

 

2 Tan, Paul Lee. Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times. Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc., 1996. Print.