Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian tradition, sin is understood as any action, thought, or attitude that falls short of God's holiness and commands. Saints, or believers who are set apart for God's purposes, are called to actively resist and resolve against sin in their lives. This resolve is a fundamental aspect of the Christian walk, as it reflects a commitment to holiness and obedience to God.Biblical Foundation The Bible provides numerous exhortations for believers to resist sin and pursue righteousness. In Romans 6:12-13 , the Apostle Paul instructs, "Therefore do not let sin control your mortal body so that you obey its desires. Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness." This passage emphasizes the believer's responsibility to reject sin and offer themselves to God for righteous purposes. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit The resolve against sin is not solely a human effort but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 states, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome sinful desires and live in accordance with God's will. This divine assistance is crucial, as human strength alone is insufficient to consistently resist sin. The Armor of God Ephesians 6:11-13 provides a metaphorical depiction of the spiritual resources available to believers in their battle against sin: "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand." The armor of God includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God, all of which equip believers to stand firm against sin and temptation. The Role of Community The Christian community plays a vital role in supporting believers in their resolve against sin. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages mutual encouragement and accountability: "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Fellowship with other believers provides strength, encouragement, and accountability, helping individuals to remain steadfast in their commitment to resist sin. Confession and Repentance When believers do fall into sin, confession and repentance are essential steps in restoring their relationship with God. 1 John 1:9 assures, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This promise of forgiveness underscores the importance of humility and repentance in the believer's life, allowing them to renew their resolve against sin and continue their pursuit of holiness. Conclusion The resolve against sin is a defining characteristic of the Christian life, requiring both divine empowerment and personal commitment. Through the guidance of Scripture, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the support of the Christian community, and the practice of confession and repentance, believers are equipped to stand firm against sin and live lives that honor God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 34:32That which I see not teach you me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth. Answering the Reasons which those Ministers Give, which Hinder the ... A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it ... The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ... The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest. Directions How to Lead a Heavenly Life Upon Earth. Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's ... Resources What does it mean to be a slave to sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sin nature? | GotQuestions.org What is the worst sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |