How To End Habitual Sin?
All sin including habitual sin can be overcome by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Does Sin Really Lead To Death?
At some point, each one of us has experienced what the Bible calls conviction. In other words, the “prompting or nudging” by the Holy Spirit, it is a real heaviness of conscience, as God leads us to change our behavior and thinking. There are times when we choose not to obey the promptings of God, but then what happens? Many Christians have wondered, “Will the Holy Spirit continue to lead me if I keep on sinning?” Some people have also fallen into the trap of Satan into habitual sin. If that sounds like you, the videos and text on this page can be of great help to you!
To be very frank and honest, all Christians continue to sin. 1 John 1:9 was written to Christians, and it promises God’s forgiveness to those who confess their sins. Scripture teaches that a born-again person doesn’t lose salvation if they sin. But the Bible is clear that while we may struggle with temptations, weaknesses, and sins, Christ’s followers must not willingly and repeatedly yield to those sins.
Is There Help For Habitual Sin?
Habitual Sin And What Does The Bible Say About It?
Scriptures indicate we are not to harbor sin in our lives. Romans 6:14 says that “Sin shall not have dominion over you.” 1 John 3:9 indicates that habitual sin should not be characteristic of the believer: “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.” (see also Psalm 19:13; Romans 6:12; Ephesians 4:30; I Corinthians 10:13; James 4:7).
Overcoming Sin
Can we recognize sin and with God’s help overcome it? We must know that:
- Bad habits must be replaced with good ones. Like the story about Joseph, we have to run from the things that tempt us (Genesis 39:15).
- Christian maturity does not happen instantaneously.
- Making the choice to walk closely with God each day takes prayer, discipline, and commitment.
- Without the help of the Lord, sin will creep into our lives. Not probably, but will.
What Consequences Are There If I Continue To Ignore God?
- Less of ability to understand and apply God’s Word (that is if the person is reading their Bible at all).
- Setback and derailing of progress in our spiritual growth.
- Void of intimacy with God.
- Weakness in our prayer life.
When a believer self will begin to override what the Lord teaches over a period of time, the Bibles say that their conscience or heart is becoming “calloused.” The Biblical words used to compare this to tissue in the body that is “dull” or unresponsive to feelings, such as, fat around the heart or intestines (Psalm 17:10; 119:70). The longer we remain in a state of disobedience, the more our ability to recognize the Holy Spirit’s voice becomes harder to hear (see Matthew 13:15; Mark 6:52; Ephesians 4:17-19).
How Can I Change A Habitual Sin?
Habitual Sin Can Also Bring On Very Bitter Consequences.
In relationships, it can cause hurt feelings, loss of trust and respect, and many other emotional and personal repercussions. There can also be physical consequences such as stress, anxiety, and despair. And sins such as gambling and lust for material things will create financial consequences.
Some habitual sins can exist hidden from view of others, at least for a time. Sins such as anger, lust, jealousy, pride, hatred, racial prejudice, unwarranted discouragement, etc. can be kept from public view, but they are at no time ever hidden from God; and eventually, their effects will be visible to others.
What Are Some Things I Can Do?
- Avoid the things that can cause us to fall into sin.
- Consciously making God-honoring choices.
- Exchange bad habits with good ones.
- Flee from temptation.
- Keep on loving Jesus with our hearts, souls, and mind; and neighbors as ourselves.
- Proactively pursue spiritual growth.
- Think about Jesus, read His Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide us
