In His word, God has defined certain things as sin – fornication, idolatry, covetousness, strife, drunkenness, murder, lying, and more (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Timothy 1:9-10; Revelation 21:8; et al.). The Scriptures also present a very clear instruction with regard to sin: “Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning” (1 Corinthians 15:34).
It is to be expected that those in the world will ignore this instruction. Yet, sadly, many Christians seem to ignore this as well. They have believed the Calvinist’s lie that our flesh is inherently sinful and that we cannot help but sin. As we will see, the Scriptures present a different reality. Living in the flesh means it is possible for us to sin (1 John 1:10-2:1); but we are called to “be perfect, as [our] heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). With that in mind, let us consider three questions in this article.
Can You Stop Sinning?
Paul was very clear when he commanded the brethren in Corinth to “stop sinning” (1 Corinthians 15:34). In the previous chapter he reminded them that the instructions he revealed to them were “the Lord’s commandment” (1 Corinthians 14:37). Therefore, we should recognize this command as having originated with God.
This begs the question: Would God give us a command that we could not obey? The answer to that is no. John said, “His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). Earlier in Paul’s first letter to Corinth, he reminded the brethren of a basic fact about sin and temptation:
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The faithfulness of God guarantees that there will be a way of escape with every temptation. We will never encounter a situation in which our only option is to sin. In any situation, we can do the will of God and not commit sin. Do we believe in God that there is a way of escape for every temptation? If so, then we can find that way of escape if we choose to do so.
Should You Stop Sinning?
We have already established the fact that Christians can overcome sin when they are tempted. But should we feel motivated to find the way of escape? Does it matter if we sin or not? Remember what Paul told the Romans:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Sin leads to death while Christ offers life. Yet we should not think that becoming a Christian gives us unconditional immunity for any future sins. Unfortunately, some believe this, just as they did in the first century. Paul condemned the concept that one could “continue in sin so that grace may increase” (Romans 6:1-2). Jude identified the ungodly ones who would attempt to “pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality” (Jude 4, NIV). Grace does not give us a license to sin, but frees us from sin (Rom. 6:14-16).
Those who refuse to give up sin will be lost. “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27). Knowing that the Lord will return, we must be “diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14), not content to remain in the wretched state of sin at the end.
Will You Stop Sinning?
In our battle against sin, there are several constants – God’s promise of a way of escape for each temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), Jesus’ perfect example to which we can look (1 Peter 2:21-22), God’s hatred of sin (Proverbs 6:16-19; Zechariah 8:17) and His promise to punish the wicked (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9), the incentive God offers for righteousness in the reward of heaven (Hebrews 11:6; Revelation 2:10), the ability we have to understand God’s will for us (Ephesians 3:4), and the ability we have to choose to do what is right (Joshua 24:15; Romans 6:16-17). The variable is our willingness to repudiate sin and do what is necessary to conform to God’s will.
Ultimately, it comes down to a question of will. Will you choose righteousness over sin? Will you identify and take the way of escape that exists with every temptation? Will you study God’s word so that you can know what He expects of you? Will you follow the example of Christ? Will you keep your eyes focused on the reward of heaven? We must do these things if we hope to be successful in the battle against sin.
Conclusion
As long as we live in the flesh, we will have the ability to commit sin. Because of this, God has provided an avenue of pardon. Non-Christians can have their sins washed away in the waters of baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Christians who commit sin “have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1; cf. 1 John 1:9; Acts 8:22).
However, this avenue of forgiveness should never be used as an excuse for sin. The goal is that we “may not sin” (1 John 2:1). Paul said we are to “consider [ourselves] to be dead to sin” (Romans 6:11). Remember that Jesus left an example for us (1 Peter 2:21-22). Let us be careful each day – even each hour – to follow His perfect example.
Powerful…. Convicting…
Praise God. Thank you Holy Spirit!