How can I resist doing the wrong things?
How can I learn to say 'NO' to the wrong things, to not be mislead? Sometimes, I feel very lost and spiritually dry. This practically draws me to worldly things.
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Asked July 12 2013
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Janice Teo
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Kelli Trujillo
Supporter
The moment we're saved, we have access to the grace that God has provided for us to walk away from sin and to live a life that pleases Him. However, our sin nature still works against us and we need to learn to grow in the Spirit and resist the flesh. Paul talks about this struggle in Romans 7, "14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature[d] a slave to the law of sin." This struggle against the sin nature can be frustrating, but we have this wonderful promise in 1 Cor. 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." There is no "magic formula" for growth in Christ, but here are some practical steps that you can take to grow in God and to resist sin: 1) Develop a love for the Word of God. 1 Peter 2:2 says: "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." 2) Give yourself to the process of renewing your mind according to the scriptures. Romans 12:2 says: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." 3) Develop your love relationship with Jesus. John 14:15 says: "If you love me you will keep my commandments." You can do this in a number of ways, such as spending daily time with God in devotions, giving yourself to prayer, fellowshipping with other believers, and entering into praise and worship. The more we love Jesus, the less we will be tempted to sin. 4) Ask people you know and trust to hold you accountable in areas in which you stumble. Prov. 27:17 says: "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." James 5:16 says: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." God bless you as you give yourself to growing in Christ!
Nanners Blank
The easiest most simple way, prayer and daily study of scripture. When you write Gods word on your heart, it not only encourages you, but speaks to you when temptations arise.
Johnnatta Giles
I will be praying for you! Always know that the Word of God changes us. I am going through something right now that I really don't know how to change and i found scripture that focuses on my problem. I read it every day without fail I open my heart up to God and allow His word to transform me. Stay close to God and keep in deep prayer. Your heart will began to move toward Godly things.
Nancy Hoffman
There's a battle going on inside every Christian. The Holy Spirit wants to lead us into obedience to God, but our flesh desires its own way. Satan tries to convince us that freedom is achieved by doing whatever we want, but in realty, that ends in bondage. God promises that if we'll walk by the Spirit letting Him lead the way we won't carry out the desires of the flesh that threaten to enslave us. The question is, who's going to be in control of your life: you or God? Nancy Hoffman
Chris Eleam
Satan strikes where we are weak. He accordingly makes our fleshly inclination to sin a favorite target. (Psalm 51:5) The Greek word translated sin is ha·mar·ti′a. The verb is ha·mar·ta′no, which basically means “to miss the mark.” (Romans 3:9, Ref. Bi., footnote) The more we miss the mark and fail to keep God’s commandments, the more we draw away from God’s love, for “this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments.” (1 John 5:3) Adultery, fornication, sexual perversions, drunken bouts, wild parties, free rein of fleshly passions, jealousies, fits of anger, materialistic covetings—all such things separate us from God’s love, and “those who practice [them] will not inherit God’s kingdom.”—Galatians 5:19-21. 11 Movies, books, plays, TV programs—peppered with materialistic, me-first, sexually oriented commercials—promote the pursuit of unrestrained and uninhibited pleasure. The first sin makes the second easier, the third and fourth follow, and soon the plunge into worldliness is at full speed. Ultimately, those who are “lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God” become preoccupied with “planning ahead for the desires of the flesh.” (2 Timothy 3:4; Romans 13:14) Both old and young are swept into the maw of sin, and their consciences become totally seared. “Having come to be past all moral sense, they gave themselves over to loose conduct to work uncleanness of every sort with greediness.”—Ephesians 4:19; 1 Timothy 4:2. 12 Those determined not to be separated from God’s love must fortify themselves against sin’s grip on the fallen flesh. It is a formidable foe, as the Bible repeatedly stresses: “Every doer of sin is a slave of sin,” “all [are] under sin,” “all have sinned,” “do not let sin continue to rule as king in your mortal bodies,” “you are slaves of him because you obey him,” “the wages sin pays is death,” and all are in “the custody of sin.” (John 8:34; Romans 3:9, 23; 6:12, 16, 23; Galatians 3:22) Paul was “sold under sin,” a “captive to sin’s law,” causing him to lament: “The good that I wish I do not do, but the bad that I do not wish is what I practice.” (Romans 7:14, 19, 23) So he cries out: “Miserable man that I am! Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death?” Then comes the joyous answer: “Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”—Romans 7:24, 25. 13 Until Christ Jesus came, “sin ruled as king with death.” (Romans 5:14, 17, 21) But with Jesus’ death and resurrection, king sin was dethroned for those who respond to God’s loving gift of His Son. He saved us from our sins, washed them away, cleansed us from them, loosed us from them, and completely blotted them out for us. (Matthew 1:21; Acts 3:19; 22:16; 2 Peter 1:9; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5) Thus not only the apostle Paul but all those putting faith in the shed blood of Christ Jesus should give thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord for opening the way for release from the miserable fleshly bondage to sin and death. 14 So it is imperative not only to avoid any separation from God’s love but also to remain in the love of Christ. The formula for remaining close to Jesus is the same as it is for drawing close to God. Jesus pointed this out, saying: “Just as the Father has loved me and I have loved you, remain in my love. If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have observed the commandments of the Father and remain in his love.”—John 15:9, 10.
Fanny Essamuah
Dear friend, many Christians struggle with this. so you are not alone. Here are a few help points try to be around Godly people. If possible try to get involved in church activities whenever you can. Read and study the bible everyday and pray for the Lord to give you understanding. pray, pray, pray Dont watch TV programs, or movies that promote wordly things. even if it means canceling your cable TV you can also fast about sin if your church has prayer hour, or bible studies, or midweek service, make it a point to attend every chance you get. I hope this helps. God bless you!
carolynn markiewicz
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7. I believe the key to successfully Resist the devil is to see the order of this scripture, Submit yourselves... First we are told to submit to God. Then resist and then the victory is ours. Just as Jesus always submitted to God, then resisted and, on his way went that nasty one. If our hearts are in agreement with the Word of God then we should not have a problem submitting to God.
Lynn Willis
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Proverbs 3: 5 - 8 ESV I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:1 - 2 ESV
Jess English
I agree with Nanners Blank - getting the Word of God into your mind helps counter the garbage of this world. "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" ~ 2 Timothy 3:16 "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. " ~ Psalm 119:11 "continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." ~ 2 Timothy 3:14,15 And prayer. When your mind is set on God, it doesn't have all that time to ponder sin. It doesn't mean that you will not get attacked, because this is the tactic. But you should again look to the Word, which tells you to OVERCOME. Prayer also gives us a channel to ASK God for knowledge, of which He gives generously and abundantly to those who ask. Ask for understanding of Scripture, not just of its meaning, but how to apply it. It is the work of the Spirit to bring us to regeneration, so that He teaches us and convicts us of His ways. "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." ~ John 3:6 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. " ~ James 1:5 "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." ~ 2 Timothy 1:7 "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness." ~ 1 John 3:4 " No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13 "Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." ~ Luke 9:23 "For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ" 2 Thessalonians 3:2-5
Ruffa Felicilda
Focus yourself to God. Pray and pray and pray. Cease not to pray. Resist evil and it will flee you. Remember 1 Peter 5:8-9.
Tom howard
How can I resist doing the wrong things? This very much ties in with, How do we resist the devil? First, we must know that according to, 1 Samuel 17:47 (KJV), “ And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear (Ephesians 6:12): for the battle is the LORD's, ….” The battle is the Lords, as He has already defeated our enemy. All glory goes to Him, But, we have ‘our part’ in dealing with our adversary, and it lies within our faith. 1 John 5:4,”For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.” 1 Peter 5:9,”Whom (the devil) resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” Again, Paul tells us that our faith is like unto a shield, Ephesians 6:16 “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” So, it would seem that faith is the key and being that, the devil works hard to destroy it! Its said that, "the devil is in the details”. Sure, as he has been there from the beginning and is the instigator of the three enemies of the Christians life, “Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life.” 1 John 3:8 tells us plainly, “ He that committees sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” Therefore, in order to get an overcoming stance against the devil, we must fully submit to God and his word. James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. And the best way to be in that submission is to do those things that are pleasing to Him, 1 John 3:22 “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” It is also impossible to 'please' God without faith! Hebrews 11:6. Our flesh does not, therefore, please God, as it is contrary to the Spirit. Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would.” But, the only way one can over come the flesh is to Mortify it (kill it) Colossians 3:5. “If we (claim to) live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” Galatians 5:25.Because, “…Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” Galatians 5:16. This warning is sure, Galatians 6:8! But know this Saints, “…we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37! Amen!
Ruffa Felicilda
Hi! Goodafternoon! I would like to share this answers with you from a book that I am reading. Here are some ways to overcome sins: 1. Know and DEPEND COMPLETELY ON GOD'S WORD. 2.Believe in God's goodness and His generosity. 3.Trust God's commands as expressions of utmost LOVE. 4. Do not experiment with sin. 5. Focus your desires on what is godly and acceptable 6. Follow God's warning. 7. Reject every temptation to be independent to God.
Hairy Animals
How can I resist doing the wrong things/sinning? You can choose to resist temptation. What works for me is memorizing Bible verses that encourage me to fight against the devil's tempting. Whenever I feel tempted to sin, I say the verses that I memorized in my head. A good one is James 4:7. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." We can also use the advice given in Philippians 4:8. Concentrate on something other than the sin you wish to commit. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." KJV And the number one way is prayer. Ask God to "deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:13) and give you strength and courage.
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