Most of our sins are repetitive. What unique sin have you committed recently? We all tend to repeat sins, because we are born imperfect and have inherited weak, sinful tendencies. (Psalm 51:5) Some struggle with anger, others with selfishness, others are lustful. This is the “sin which clings so closely” or “so easily ensnares” (Hebrews 12:1).
We will fight against sin until we die. The Apostle Paul wrote of his own battle in Romans 7:15, 18-19 (NKJV), “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do…For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.”
Thankfully, Jesus took Adam’s punishment upon himself. Therefore, all of our inherited sins from Adam are forgiven through Jesus’ sacrifice. (Romans 5:18, 1 Corinthians 5:22).
Nevertheless, there is an element of individual willfulness in most sins. What happens then? 1 John 1:9, (NKJV), “If we (true Christians) confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God will cleanse us with disciplines.
Hebrews 12:5-6, 8,11(ESV), “‘My son, do not…be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son whom he receives’…If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children (not true Christians) and not sons…For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
These disciplining experiences teach us wisdom and give us strength to reduce to frequency and intensity of our repetitious sins. We develop the fruit of the spirit. Galatians 5:22-24 (ESV), “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” This crucifixion of our sinful flesh will be our lifelong battle.
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1289: “How Do I Know If I Have Really Forgiven Someone?”
The depth, power and appropriate applications of true forgiveness
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Episode #1082: “How Do I Live a Life of Repentance?”
Learning what repentance is and is not and how it changes lives
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
For children, parents and Bible Class teachers:
Animated video: Why should we forgive others?
