Obtaining Victory Over Sin - NetBibleStudy.com

Victory Over Sin 39The Bible puts an end to such vanity. “All” have sinned; all by nature fulfill thedesires of the flesh and of the mind.” We may think our sin is minor, but it needs the samedrastic treatment as that of a criminal whose whole life has been twisted by perversion.Our flesh and his are essentially the same; he may not have had our advantages -- orperhaps God’s grace has restrained us.If this sounds discouraging to those who think their sinful habit is of littleimportance, it ought to be encouraging to those who see themselves as beyond hope.Our sinful pattern is no different in principle from that of any other person. Somehabits are more ingrained than others, but God’s remedy for each is the same!The flesh, or the self-life, is so much a part of our thinking that we often do noteven recognize its presence. Just in case we get to thinking that we may have escapedthe influence of our self-life, let’s ask our self some questions:Are we ever conscious of . . . A spirit of pride, perhaps an exalted feeling in view of success or position -- ortraining –- maybe appearance –-or, our natural gifts and abilities! Do we have animportant independent spirit? A stirrings of anger or impatience, that some might excuse as, “nervousness.” or“holy indignation – a touchy, sensitive spirit – a disposition that dislikes beingcontradicted – a desire to throw sharp, heated words at another? Self-willed – a stubborn, unteachable spirit –- an arguing, talkative spirit –- harsh,sarcastic expressions –- an unyielding, headstrong disposition – a driving,commanding spirit –- a disposition to criticize and pick flaws when set aside andunnoticed –- a peevish, fretful spirit – a disposition that loves to be coaxed andhumored? Carnal fear –- a man-fearing spirit –- a shrinking from reproach and duty –- areasoning of the cross God calls you to bear –- a shrinking from doing yourwhole duty –- a fearfulness that someone will offend you –- a compromisingspirit? A jealous disposition –- a spirit of envy in your heart –- an unpleasant sensationin view of the great prosperity and success of another –- a disposition to speak ofthe faults and failings rather than the gifts and virtues of those more talented andappreciated than yourself? A dishonest, deceitful disposition – the evading and covering of the truth – thecovering up of your real faults – the leaving of a better impression of yourselfthan is strictly true – false humility – exaggeration – straining the truth? Unbelief –- a spirit of discouragement in times of pressure –- lack of faith andtrust in God –- a disposition to worry and complain in the midst of pain,