Stop Falling Into Sin! Live Holy

2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Election: What is, or who is of the ‘election?”

1 Tim 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

Rom 8:28-31 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

If you are going to profess Christ, you must get serious about staying free from sin. The cycle of sinning and repenting must be broken and you must resolve to do it at any cost.
If a person is having problems falling into sin and they are not willing to commit to follow the ‘radical’ steps that it takes to GET free and stay FREE, then that person needs to stop professing as they are just deceiving themselves.

Luke 6:47-49 47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. 49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

We are going to study if we “do these things” (2 Peter 1:10) and continue in them, we are guaranteed by the Word of God that “ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10) into sin again.

1. Renounce the Sin-You-Must Teaching:

You must renounce the teaching that sin is compatible in any way, shape, or form with the Christian life.

What is sin? 1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
‘committeth’ – means to ..’ to make or do’, continue, execute, perform, agree, transgress
‘transgresseth’ – means…’illegality, violation of the law, wickedness…..unrighteousness.

When I say sin, I am not writing about driving 5-10 mph over the speed limit, lacking patience with others, or being late for some commitment you’ve made. I am writing about willful sins such as anger, lying, viewing porn, giving into hatred, acting spitefully towards others, drugs, drinking etc… Whatever God has shown YOU in a very clear way personally to do or not to do and if you do it or are not doing it then you are sinning. If you are obedient then you are not sinning!

Things where you are clearly tempted and where God promised to “make a way to escape” (1 Cor 10:13) but you refused to take it, and instead give into temptation and do what you clearly know is wrong because the Bible stands against it.

1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

It is essential that we clearly understand Romans 7:19 and Romans 7:23 as the Apostle Paul’s experience under the old ‘covenant’ or old ‘Mosaic’ law.

Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Romans 7:23 I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Paul’s testimony of his ‘Gospel experience’ is written about in Romans 8:2-3
Romans 8:2-3 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
It needs to be revealed to you that 1 John 1:8 is written to those that John declared the Word of Life so that they “also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1Joh 1:3), as those that don’t have fellowship with the Father and claimed to be sin free without Christ are deceived.

1John 1:5-10 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (Ps 94:20, 2 Cor 6:14-16, Prov 4:18-19,John 3:20, John 12:46).

Considering vs. 8, some would say, see even the Apostle John says that ‘if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves.’ We must consider who John is writing to and why he is writing this letter. The angel of God had informed John that he was to get off the Isle of Patmos, when he was revealed 'the Revelation of Jesus Christ',' and preach again. If we study 1st, 2nd and 3rd John, the thrust is putting judgment on sinning religion and lack of love. This study is on the former. John found that in the years since the church was first established that men were bringing in ‘doctrines of devils.’ Some were teaching that they had no sin when they had committed sin and others teaching that they ‘have not’ (never) sinned. He does not address 1st John to any specific congregation of the Church of God, but to the body general. John is writing to the saints of God and challenging them to ‘judge righteous judgment’ and not deny that there is ‘sin in their midst.’ Vs. 8, again…”if we say (the body of Christ) that we have no sin (in our midst), we deceive ourselves.’ If we (as individuals and the body of Christ) acknowledge the sin and confess and forsake it, then he is ‘…. faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ Then, in vs 10, he clearly teaches, ‘If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.’

It is those that claim to be Christians and “keepeth not his commandments” that are “a liar” and are deceived (1Joh 2:2-4).

1 John 2:2-4 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 Jn 2:1, 1 John 4:20, James 2:14-16)

……….not those that are “born of God” and “sinneth not” and have the testimony that they “keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not” (1Joh 5:18).

1 John 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. (I John 5:9, 1 John 3:9, James 1:27,
Jude 1:24)

We need to see that when Paul held that he was a chief sinner (1Tim 1:13-16), it was because he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and injurious to the church .

1 Timothy 1: 13-16 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 4 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. (1 Cor 15:9, Gal. 1:13, Phil. 3:6, Acts 26:9)

Verse 15 Paul says…’of whom I AM chief.’ This is why we can’t take the American English language as the only definition of words in the bible as to our understanding. We must ‘study’ to to prove all things. The words I AM in the bible in context in the Hebrew and Greek come from the Greek word:
eimi— i-mee’ (pronounced aamee) – meaning : I exist, have been, I was

After he got saved, Paul had a different testimony

Acts 24: 16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
1 Thess 2:10 Ye [are] witnesses, and God [also], how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

God needs to reveal to you that when Paul stated that there “is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom 3:10), he is referring to those “that understandeth” not and those that refuse to “seeketh after God” (Rom 3:11). Not to the Christian whom Christ has opened “their understanding, that they might understand” (Luke 24:45) or those that have been rewarded because they do “diligently seek him” (Heb 11:6).

Psalms 53:1-3 1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

We as saints of God need to cast down, in our lives, and thoughts of those around us that Christ doesn’t have the power to ‘save his people from their sins’ (Matt 1:21). We need to cry out and protest aloud against false teachers and preachers and ‘slay them SPIRITUALLY,’ having nothing to do with any teaching that holds we must sin in word, thought and/or deed daily.

We can’t be Christ-like (Christian) if we continue sinning.

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
You can be no more a sinning saint (holy one) than you can be an honest thief, a chaste fornicator and/or adulterer, or a sober drunk!

2. Godly Sorrow & Repentance:

You must get before the Lord and beg for godly sorrow that will work repentance unto salvation.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

See the sins you have been committing as “exceeding sinful”.
Romans 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

“Bewail” what a terrible example your sinning experience has been before your family, other Christians and the world.
2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

But you may say, “I thought salvation was by grace alone through faith alone and that it is not of works least we can boast” .
Eph 2:8,9 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

True faith will not be found where God has not worked godly sorrow and repentance in the heart.
Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Godly sorrow and repentance is the ground where saving faith for salvation is born.
Forsake every sin that you have been making room for in your life. Do everything, take every ‘radical’ step or act that you must to….not enter into temptation.
Matthew 26:41 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

If you have had problems with porn, don’t go where magazines are sold or go to websites on the internet or if it is to strong of a pull you the spirit of God may direct you to get rid of the internet! If you have problems with alcohol or drinking don’t hang around with those that drink or do drugs. Don’t go where drugs and alcohol are prevalent.

Renounce any, that you may want to hold to that has been a tool of Satan in your life that would have you deny Christ along the way.

Brethren, if you have fallen into sin by looking upon a “woman to lust after her” (Mat 5:28) then stay away from the beach and the mall and avoid immodestly dressed woman at all cost. Run from them, flee, and close your eyes, plea the blood! Whatever you must do! Take radical measures!

Sisters, Whatever your temptations are? To fit in, to go along, to flirt a little, immodest dress, attitudes …whatever it is. Take radical measures to flee from that temptation that can cause you to sin.

You may say “Why?… this sounds like bondage!” No! Sinning is bondage.
2 Peter 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
(Romans 6:12-14, 16-22, 2 Tim 2:25-26)

Jesus said if you’re “right eye offend thee, pluck it out” and if you’re “right hand offend thee, cut it off” (Mat 5:29,30).
Matthew 5:29 29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

If the spirit of God directs me to give up the internet, the mall, beach, so-called friends ect. and I complain, SHAME on ME! I have yet to find true Godly sorrow!

1 Tim 4:1-2 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times so
me shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

2 Peter 2: 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
It is not easy to break and turn away from a “form of godliness” that has been “denying the power thereof” and your habit of sinning and repenting over and over. You have seared your “conscience with a hot iron” by all your hypocrisy and all this going back to the barf and excrement of sin so many times. So make sure your godly sorrow is deep and true and your repentance is firm and solid.

3. Practical Christian Living:

After you have made a clean start you now need to take steps so that you will not fall back into sin.

a) Avoid the places, things, people, ideas or anything that will bring your mind into subjection to temptation of the sins that you have been falling into.

1 Tim 2:22 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Tim 6:6-11 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

b) Find spiritual persons, pastor and congregation that have victory over sin and follow them as they follow Christ.

Hebrews 10:24-25 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
(Rom 15:1, 1 Cor. 8:12, Col 3:16, Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 5:4)

c) Listen very closely to and obey the voice of the Lord – who will be faithful to warn you when temptation is near.

1 Cor 11:32 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Hebrews 12:5-6 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

d) Start every your day with prayer and reading of the Bible

1 Tim 4:13, 15 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
(PS 119:97-104, John 5:39, Acts 6:4, Acts 17:11

15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. (Joshua 1:8, Ps 1:2, Ps 63:6, Ps 143:5, Ps 119:15, 23,48,148)

This is more important than breakfast. Make sure you get to bed early enough so you can get up early enough and spend whatever time that Gods spirit directs you, this could be 30 minutes to ……whatever, in devotions every morning.

I will say this though, if I spend 1 -2 – 3 hours reading, listening to the radio, entertainment of whatever sort, internet and I am only giving God fifteen (15) minutes or nothing, I personally believe I better check my personal relationship with God.

It is by faith that we have the victory over the world and quench all the darts of the evil one.
Reading your Bible (Rom 10:17) and praying in the Spirit (Jud 1:20) will build faith.
Romans 10:17 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. \

Jude 1:20 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

e) Get a good spiritual uplifting book and read a portion each day.

2 Tim 4:13 13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

f) Meditate on f the Word of God. (1Tim 4:15).

1 Tim 4:15-16 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

g) Memorize scriptures regularly.

Start with 1Cor 10:13; 2The 3:3; 2Pet 1:10; and Jude 1:24.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

2 Thess 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

h) Hide these scriptures and others in your heart, that you will not sin against the Lord
(Ps 119:11).