Obtaining Victory Over Sin - NetBibleStudy.com

Victory Over Sin 93. Strength for Our WeaknessAnd finally, in considering reasons why God allows us to be tempted, God usesour sins to show us His grace and power! The depressing effect of sin is offset by theGood News of God’s grace. Paul writes in Romans 5:20, “And the Law came in that thetransgression might increase; but were sin increased, grace abounded all the more.”Paul was given a “thorn in the flesh” –- in order that he would “remain humble”(2 Corinthians 12:7). It seems that, as a result of his experiences of be transported to the“third heaven” – where God dwells, – he struggled to resist the temptation of “beinglifted up with pride.” He asked God three times for deliverance from this “thorn in theflesh,” however, God answered, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is madeperfect in weakness” (verse 9). Paul, knowing that it provided an opportunity for God’spower to rest upon him responded, “For when I am weak, then am I strong” (verse 10b). Ifwe are beset by an especially obstinate sin, we may be on the verge of seeing God’sgrace displayed in our life. Even though, we may now be presently preoccupied withthe struggle that we are in – accepting the principles of God’s Word, we can soon beoccupied with our God and His great grace toward us.God is interested in striking at the core of our motivations. He is not interested inmerely applying a new coat of paint -- imposing a new set of rules. He wants to rebuildour minds and give us new values. The most important part of us is that which nobodysees, except God. That is where He wants to begin His work!Think about a particular sin of yours – one that doesn’t move off center stage andoccupies a great deal of your attention when concentrating on holy living. It could be anobvious sin, such as, drunkenness, gluttony, or some kind of misconduct sexually. But,it just might be a very private sin – one that no one by you and God are aware of – a sinof the mind – pride, anxiety, fear, bitterness, or unforgiveness. It could be that yourimagination is X-rated at times. Perhaps, you have some personally quirk, a feeling ofdeep-seated inferiority, or an uncontrollable temper. Whatever it might be, let the HolySpirit bring it to your attention at this time of study.Whatever it is, God can deliver you from that sin. You and He can track it down,route and exterminate it. Sin need not have dominion over you. You can be sure thatGod will never take from you something this is good. Rather, when you are ready, Hewill remove the old sin and replace it with something far better. He will tear down yourfortress so that He can build a palace in its place.Are you ready for such a transformation? I believe that the following study willhelp you to answer that question.Getting Practical1. Take an inventory of our life by asking, “What is my most persistent temptationand why is it so difficult to say `No’ to this temptation and `Yes’ to God?”