Successfully Fighting Sin Through Submission Part 4

VI. Remember that we must not only acknowledge (confess) our sin, we must forsake (renounce) it; we must give it up. PRO 28:13. A. Renunciation is done with words. JOB 34:31-32; HOS 14:1-3. B. Renunciation is also done with deeds. ACT 19:18-19; 26:20. 1. Evil behavior must be replaced with good behavior. EPH 4:24-32; ROM 12:21. 2. Destroy the things that were links to your sins like books, e-mails, letters, pictures, relationships, etc. Do so with the same thoroughness with which Israel was to destroy the adjuncts of Canaanite religion. DEU 12:2-3. 3. I have seen both members and ministers brought low by retaining or reviving the adjuncts of the sin they swore off of which then revived the sin itself. 4. (GAL 2:18) For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 5. NOTE: Until resurrection day when we will be made incorruptible (1CO 15:52), sin is never completely killed off in us. A sin may be cut down like a tree and lie Successfully Fighting Sin Through Submission 9-3-23 Page 6  dormant until watered, so don’t water it. JOB 14:7-9. C. Forsake anything that would facilitate a repeat of the sin. 1. We are commanded to “...make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (ROM 13:14). 2. This is not letting or allowing sin to reign in our mortal bodies. ROM 6:12. 3. Since excuses and rationalizations make provision for the flesh, they must be renounced also. 4. If we don't do this, we are not breaking off with our sin and leaving it entirely, which is what forsaking is all about. 5. If we remember and speak of our past sins with pleasure rather than pain, have we really forsaken them? a. It is the hypocrite that relishes his sin rather than being disgusted by it and forsaking it. JOB 20:5, 12-14. b. That attitude will nullify prayer, which will in turn weaken your resistance to sin. PSA 66:18. c. Past sin should produce shame in our hearts. ROM 6:21. D. We ought to feel shame and self-loathing for sin. EZE 36:31-32; JAM 4:8-10. 1. This is a very painful experience. PSA 38:1-10. 2. Don't try to drown out the pain with distractions, drink, drugs, pleasures, etc. since that will surely make things worse. ISA 22:12-14. 3. This is feeling sorry for sin. PSA 38:18. a. sorry: Pained at heart; distressed, sad; full of grief or sorrow. b. This is a good sorrow that works repentance unto salvation. 2CO 7:8-10 c/w JOB 42:6. c. The pain of shame is not to be addressed by self-mutilation to get God’s attention and help as did the Baal-worshippers in 1KI 18:28. (1) The ashamed publican only smote upon his breast as he begged mercy. LUK 18:13. (2) Plead God’s mercies and “...Do thyself no harm...” (ACT 16:28). 4. This is being broken and contrite for your sin. a. contrite: Crushed or broken in spirit by a sense of sin, and so brought to complete penitence. b. This contrition is necessary for COMPLETE penitence. c. When God commands you to repent, He is calling you to be contrite for your sin. d. repent: To affect (oneself) with contrition or regret for something done; to change one's mind with regard to past action or conduct through dissatisfaction with it or its results. e. This brokenness and contrition pleases God and is a vital part of the pathway to recovery. PSA 51:17; ISA 57:15. 5. The gospel is addressed to those who are broken and bruised because of their sin. LUK 4:18. a. Healing, deliverance, recovery and freedom are promised to such. b. Although you have sinned, there is hope and help for you. c. But if you shut the door to feeling shame for sin, you shut the door to the relief promised in the gospel. 6. Be thankful you can feel shame for your sin since “...the unjust knoweth no shame” (ZEP 3:5). a. Those who feel no shame for their sin will repeat it. JER 3:3-5; EPH 4:19. Successfully Fighting Sin Through Submission 9-3-23 Page 7  b. The painful remorse you feel is a safeguard against returning to your sin. 2CO 7:10-11. 7. Having felt shame for your sin, having confessed and forsaken it, accept that God has forgiven you and put your cleansed heart back into service. PSA 51:10-14. a. We are basically called to shake ourselves from the dust and arise. ISA 52:2. b. Remember PRO 24:16. c. Renounce the devilish deception that says that your shame, sorrow, confession and repentance is a weary charade of which God is tired. (1) God delights in mercy. MIC 7:18. (2) It pleases God when you turn from your evil ways. EZE 33:11. d. Renounce the devilish deception that you are beyond the border of God’s mercy which could cover the sin of Manasseh or Mary Magdalene. 2CH 33:12-13; MAR 16:9. e. Great forgiveness should yield great love for the Forgiver. LUK 7:47. Successfully Fighting Sin Through Submission 9-3-23 Page 8