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Christian Doctrine

Sin Part 5

How Can We Be on Guard against Sin?

 

Being on Guard

As Christians, we have been set free from the power of sin, and therefore are no longer slaves to sin (Rom. 6:6-7). Being made alive in Christ, we are now able to live lives of godliness (Rom. 6:13). Living godly includes intentionally taking a stand against allowing sin in our lives. In this lesson, let’s see what Scripture says about being on guard.

Temptation

A definition of temptation is “being enticed or allured to do something that is wrong.” James 1:13-14 says that temptation happens when we are drawn away by our own lust and enticed. Temptation can come from three different ways:

➢ The World

The “world” in this sense refers to the things in the world that oppose God. From I John 2:15-16, this includes:

1. Lust of the flesh (desiring things that feel good)
2. Lust of the eyes (desiring things that look good)
3. Pride of life (desiring to make ourselves look good)

➢ The Flesh
his refers to the desires we have within us to indulge in sin. Paul referred to this as the “principle of sin” (Rom. 7:20-21) and the “old man” (Eph. 4:22). It is this inner desire to sin that opposes the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts (Gal. 5:17, note vv. 19-23).

➢ The Devil

The devil is a master at using the world and our flesh to tempt us. He has a strategy (II Cor. 2:11), so we must be prepared for these “spiritual battles” (Eph. 6:11-12), and always be watchful for his attacks (I Pet. 5:8). Facing temptation is not bad in and of itself. What matters is the choice we make in the face of temptation. Let’s be prepared so that our choices reflect genuine godliness.