Struggling with Sin, Guilt and Temptation

Struggling with Sin, Temptation and Guilt

There is no man upon this earth who can walk with perfection. All Christians face struggling with sin. There are some self professed Christians who claim they do not sin while preaching hellfire to those who sin differently than they do. There is none who can be like Christ, who was sinless. We walk by faith as sons and daughters of our God Jesus Christ, knowing that when we slip, He will save us from ourselves.

One who has come to the truth of the Word may find himself on a dark road if he or she has cleaned up their lives, corrected their actions, and found the struggle with sin has reappeared. As if yesterday we were soldiers of the living God and today we are slaves to the struggle of sin and temptation, we awake to the morning and say, “My Lord and My God, what am I becoming? Why can’t you help me to be stronger and avoid this?”

We already know we are on the road and it seems that bosom sin that we once thought was gone, comes back to make it’s ugly presence known. We have a hard time praying. We speak to God and ask Him to remove us from the path, and bring us back to a true, heartfelt quest for holiness. Yet, it seems He is fading and the devil himself is steering the ship. Sometimes, we throw our hands up as if to say, “I have reached out to you and you will not help me. What do you expect from me? I cannot do this alone.” Often times, we may even become angry that the Lord may not be listening, because He is not speedily removing things from our lives that are causing such temptation, guilt, & suffering.

When God Steps in (Again)

The Lord may then step in to remind us of His Almighty power and sovereign grace. When we least expect it, when we are struggling with sin at it’s worst, He can wake us up. Perhaps through blessings, fear, or the recognition that what we thought we once wanted is no longer in our hearts. In an instant, we are jolted out of the path of the moving train.

2 Peter 1: The Lessons and Reminders of Walking in Holiness

Through the words of Peter, we are awakened. What are we to think, when we seem to suffocate in our own sin, and wonder if we truly are one of His chosen ones?

We are reminded of the fruits of our actions, as the message is delivered to those of the same faith.(2 Peter 1) His power is so strong that all things pertaining to living a Godly life have already been granted to us. We are given promises so that we can escape the world of corruption.

But, we have our own duties:

To be diligent in living a life of:

moral excellence
knowledge
self control
perseverance
godliness
kindness
and love.

If we possess these things and they are increasing, then we are useful and fruitful in our knowledge of Christ. If we lack these qualities, then that is indicative that we may have forgotten how we were cleansed from our old nature of sin. If we remain diligent to be sure we are one of his chosen, this is our path to eternal salvation, free of stumbling.

2 Peter 1:5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. 13 I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder

Advice to Bring Us Back to Righteousness

This reminder brings to light in our hearts the power of the words of the true followers of Christ. As if a friend were sitting beside us, guiding us through a rough decision or difficult road, so the bible also guides us through many letters written to us.

If you are stumbling, and struggling with sin, confess your sin first. Make note of what things you are not focusing on. Pick up the bible and read the counsel. But do remember that only the Lord can compell us to such awakenings. We do not find these reminders on our own. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, reminders are injected into our minds and lessons are learned as only He can teach in His perfect timing. He can change our paths, the desires of our hearts, and our thoughts and focus, whether we like it or not. When the Holy Spirit draws one to Christ, no one and nothing can interfere. (John 10:27-30)

If you are suffering with a battle where sin has entered into your life and it’s causing you to question your salvation, turn to Christ. Open the Word and begin to read wherever your heart leads you in it’s pages. Trust what you’re reading is His message to educate you. The advice, or answer to your problem will be right in front of you.