We concluded our series this past Wednesday evening. After weighing the pros and cons of God’s ideal against an opposing ideal during the first eleven weeks, this final study outlined ‘Steps for Overcoming Sin’. The information was divided into three parts:
A) Be prepared. Fortify our relationship with Jesus. Temptations will come to us repeatedly. However, we have opportunity to get ready so that we are equipped to face temptation. We can live confidently when we know the God who promises to guide us step by step.
B) Resist Temptation. We do not have to give in to temptation when it comes. Jesus experienced temptation in all the same ways we are tempted today. He withstood every temptation. Every single one. Being on this side of Jesus’ life, we have His example to follow. The same enemy is constantly on the prowl, setting all manner of traps to catch God’s people. But God has promised–and delivered–on a way out of all temptation. We can resist it. We are not alone and we don’t have to rely on our own strength.
C) Reflect and learn from our experience. Keep track of both successes and failures daily. This is not to measure shortcomings, but to learn from the day and look for areas of improvement for tomorrow. We also learn by sharing. We need to tell our unique story. No one can explain how God moved in our lives better than us, because we experienced it firsthand. This does not mean that all the finite details must be exposed to every audience. Ask the Holy Spirit to show us when to share, how much to share and to which listening ear.
Our prayer time began with the commitment listed below. Why not jot this down on a card and place it where it can remind us of our choice:
Through God’s power, I will not ____________________________________(sin).
I claim God’s promise: __________________________________________(scripture that matches your need).
Instead I will ___________________________________________________(opposite action to the sin).
We continue to pray for our church, that we would all respond to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Prayer meeting resumes Wednesday, July 12 at 7:00 pm.
