The term "besetting" is often used in Christian theology to describe sins or weaknesses that persistently trouble or afflict an individual. These are sins that seem to cling to a person, hindering their spiritual growth and relationship with God. The concept is derived from the idea of a sin that "easily entangles" or "ensnares" a believer, making it difficult to run the race of faith with endurance.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference for besetting sins is found in the Book of Hebrews. Hebrews 12:1 states, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." This passage encourages believers to identify and cast off sins that hinder their spiritual journey, drawing on the imagery of an athlete shedding unnecessary weight to compete effectively.

Theological Significance:

In Christian theology, besetting sins are understood as those particular sins that an individual struggles with repeatedly. These sins can vary greatly from person to person, encompassing a wide range of behaviors, thoughts, or attitudes that are contrary to God's will. The persistence of these sins can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and spiritual stagnation.

Theologically, besetting sins are significant because they highlight the ongoing struggle between the flesh and the spirit. The Apostle Paul speaks to this struggle in Romans 7:18-19 , "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do." This passage underscores the internal conflict that believers face and the need for divine assistance to overcome persistent sin.

Practical Implications:

Addressing besetting sins requires a multifaceted approach. First, it involves self-examination and confession, acknowledging the sin before God and seeking His forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 assures believers, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Second, believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. Galatians 5:16 advises, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is essential for overcoming the power of besetting sins.

Third, accountability within the Christian community can be a powerful tool. James 5:16 states, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Sharing struggles with trusted fellow believers can provide support, encouragement, and prayer.

Historical Context:

Throughout church history, many Christian writers and theologians have addressed the issue of besetting sins. The Puritans, for example, often wrote about the need for personal holiness and the mortification of sin. John Owen, a prominent Puritan theologian, famously wrote, "Be killing sin, or it will be killing you," emphasizing the active role believers must take in combating sin.

Conclusion:

While besetting sins present a significant challenge to the believer, the Bible offers hope and guidance for overcoming them. Through confession, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and the support of the Christian community, believers can experience victory over these persistent sins and grow in their relationship with God.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Beset.

2. (a.) Habitually attacking, harassing, or pressing upon or about; as, a besetting sin.

Christ all and in All.
... I have little sympathy with the idea that God comes down to save us, and
then leaves us in prison, the slaves of our besetting sins. ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter viii christ all and.htm

Solitude, Silence, Submission
... A man says, "But, sir, I have a besetting sin." Do you not think that a great
many people make a mistake about besetting sins? There ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/solitude silence submission.htm

Death in Life
... Search out your own besetting sins; and if you cannot find them out for yourself,
ask God to show you them; ask Him to give you truth in the inward parts, and ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xvii death in life.htm

Luke xiv. 33
... That it is natural to follow these maxims, is quite obvious: they are the besetting
sin of your particular condition; and it is always according to our corrupt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture ix luke xiv 33.htm

Extracts for Study, with Lesson Talk
... These are great virtues: it is another to avoid the besetting vice of modern
oratory"the overdoing everything"the exhaustive method"which an off-hand ...
/.../successful methods of public speaking/extracts for study with lesson.htm

Assurance of Salvation.
... Such an one is not fit to work for God, because he has besetting sins; and he has
not the victory over his doubts, because he has not the victory over his sins ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter vii assurance of salvation.htm

Just Going to do It.
... JUST GOING TO DO IT. EVERY man has some little defect of character, some
easily-besetting sin that is always overtaking him, unless he be ever on the alert. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/just going to do it.htm

Seventh Commandment
... miracles, for instance.". The chaplain knew the man and his besetting sin,
and quietly looking him in the face, answered: "Yes, there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/seventh commandment.htm

Ninth Commandment
... very frequent. Men and women of all ages have to guard against them. They
include some of the most besetting sins. David said in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/ninth commandment.htm

The Nature and Value of Prayer, and How the Heart Should be ...
... And that we should beseech him and lay before him with complete confidence the dangers
that are besetting us on all sides, completely grief-stricken in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/albert/on cleaving to god/chapter 13 the nature and.htm

Besetting (1 Occurrence)
... n.) of Beset. 2. (a.) Habitually attacking, harassing, or pressing upon or about;
as, a besetting sin. Multi-Version Concordance Besetting (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/besetting.htm - 7k

Beset (16 Occurrences)

/b/beset.htm - 12k

Urgent (12 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Urging; pressing; besetting; plying, with importunity;
calling for immediate attention; instantly important. ...
/u/urgent.htm - 10k

Contest (7 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around
us, every weight having put off, and the closely besetting sin, through ...
/c/contest.htm - 9k

Closely (38 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around
us, every weight having put off, and the closely besetting sin, through ...
/c/closely.htm - 17k

Gehazi (14 Occurrences)
... applies to him-the same as is applied to Elisha (1 Kings 19:21)-we may be the more
readily inclined to see in the history of Gehazi how one besetting sin may ...
/g/gehazi.htm - 19k

Beside (326 Occurrences)

/b/beside.htm - 36k

Throw (135 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around
us, every weight having put off, and the closely besetting sin, through ...
/t/throw.htm - 38k

What are besetting sins? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that teachers will be judged more strictly (James 3:1)? | GotQuestions.org

How can I overcome a habitual sin? | GotQuestions.org

Besetting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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