Topical Bible: Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian theological framework, sin is understood as any action, thought, or attitude that falls short of God's perfect standard of holiness. The concept of "besetting sin" refers to particular sins that persistently trouble an individual, often hindering their spiritual growth and relationship with God. These sins are characterized by their repetitive nature and the difficulty one experiences in overcoming them.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible acknowledges the struggle against sin and provides guidance for believers to overcome it. Hebrews 12:1 exhorts believers to "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 highlights the need to identify and cast aside sins that hinder spiritual progress.

Nature of Besetting Sins

Besetting sins are often deeply rooted in an individual's life, sometimes linked to personal weaknesses or past experiences. They can manifest in various forms, such as pride, anger, lust, greed, or envy. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 7:15-20 , describes the internal conflict believers face: "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." This passage illustrates the struggle against sin that even the most devout Christians experience.

Strategies for Striving Against Besetting Sins

1. Confession and Repentance: Acknowledging one's sins before God is the first step toward overcoming them. 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."

2. Prayer and Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Persistent prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit are crucial in the battle against sin. Galatians 5:16 advises, "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

3. Scripture Engagement: Immersing oneself in God's Word provides strength and guidance. Psalm 119:11 states, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You."

4. Accountability and Fellowship: Engaging with a community of believers offers support and accountability. James 5:16 encourages, "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed."

5. Renewal of the Mind: Transforming one's thought patterns is essential in overcoming sin. Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

The Role of Grace

While striving against besetting sins, believers must remember the role of grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." The grace of God empowers believers to overcome sin, not through their own strength, but through the strength provided by Christ.

Conclusion

The struggle against besetting sins is a common experience for believers, yet the Bible provides ample resources and encouragement for victory. Through confession, prayer, Scripture, community, and the renewing of the mind, Christians are equipped to strive against these persistent sins, relying on the grace and power of God to lead them toward holiness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 12:1
Why seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly.
... Of monastic vows, and specially of the vow of celibacy ... I wish they did not feel that
the sin remaining in ... it is to tempt the Lord to strive against the nature ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 of vows the.htm

The Treatise
... Here we must strive against spiritual and temporal powers, and be ... who set a limit
for Him, sin upon the ... the spiritual estate has been specially established, as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10
... And he said unto them, 24 Strive to enter in by the ... these will be many whose folly
will be specially apparent. ... Repentance is not only sorrow for sin; it is an ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second stages chs.htm

Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... Nelson specially delighted in Ken's morning, evening, and midnight hymns ... as 'a true
penitent for the sin of schism ... round their own standard, and to strive to the ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm

part ii
... In an instant it can be wounded by sin and become ... why do men strive so little, or
do not strive at all ... he ought to be skilful in struggling against the mental ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... they had been refreshed, comforted, and supported against the temptations ... but not
for body and soul and sin.[79 ... you had as good leave off, and strive no farther ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm