What steps can we take to "turn from their wicked ways" in modern times? Acknowledging What “Wicked Ways” Really Are • Scripture doesn’t leave “wicked” vague. Compare your life to God’s revealed standards: – Exodus 20:1-17 (the Ten Commandments) – Galatians 5:19-21 (“works of the flesh”) • Ask the Lord to expose hidden sin: “Search me, O God, and know my heart… See if there is any wicked way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24). • Accept His verdict without excuse or blame-shifting (Proverbs 28:13). Humbling Ourselves before God • Pride resists repentance; humility invites it (James 4:6-10). • Practical acts of humility today: – Confess specific sins aloud to God. – Seek forgiveness from anyone you have wronged (Matthew 5:23-24). – Fast privately to remind your heart that God, not appetite, rules you (Matthew 6:16-18). Confession and Renunciation • Confession: agree with God about sin’s seriousness (1 John 1:9). • Renunciation: openly announce your break with the sin (Acts 19:18-19). • Replace vague apologies (“I messed up”) with clear naming (“I lied, I envied, I disobeyed”). Receiving God’s Cleansing • Believe the promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). • Refuse lingering guilt once God has forgiven; honor Christ’s finished work (Hebrews 10:22). Replacing Old Habits with Spirit-Led Practices • Turn from—then turn to. Ephesians 4:22-24 commands putting off the old self and putting on the new. – Replace bitterness with forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32). – Replace lust with purity and disciplined eyes (Job 31:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). – Replace greed with generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Walk by the Spirit so you “will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Reordering the Influences around You • Filter media, friendships, and environments that fuel temptation (Psalm 1:1-2). • Invite godly accountability—trusted believers who ask hard questions (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Saturate your mind with Scripture; it renews thinking and reshapes desires (Romans 12:2). Remaining in a Lifestyle of Repentance • Repentance is not a moment but a continuing posture (Luke 9:23). • Keep short accounts with God; daily confession prevents calloused hearts. • Celebrate victories, but watch for subtle compromise (1 Corinthians 10:12). Anticipating God’s Healing Response • 2 Chronicles 7:14 promises divine hearing, forgiveness, and healing when we turn. • Trust Him to restore relationships, revitalize churches, and even bless nations as His people walk in genuine repentance (Jeremiah 18:7-8). |
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