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.