Text – 1John 3:9 – “Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God.”
It is true that God has given us grace as believers to overcome sin and all forms of temptation. In fact, the Bible promises that God will not allow us to be tempted more than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Scriptures even further asserts that when we are tempted, God will also give us a way to escape that temptation. With all of these in place, what happens if a believer commits sin?
Before answering that question in details, it is needful to mention that the believer must take sin seriously; it is an offense to God, and it breaks our fellowship with Him. Sin also compromises our witness for Christ.
So then without doubts, it is God’s desire that we, as believers should live above reproach. The Bible is clear on this: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). 1 John 2:3 tells us, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments”.
The writer of Hebrews has this to say about sin, “For if a man shall sin BY HIS WILL after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there is no sacrifice to be offered afterward for sins but only a terrifying prospect of judgment and a raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” (Hebrews 10:26-27).
Therefore, when it comes to sin and its impact on salvation, we must note the emphasis on “BY HIS WILL” (Intentionally; deliberately; willfully; on purpose).
The differential factor as per sin and the believer is THE WILL! A genuine believer cannot sin willfully or make a practice of sinning. If you are, or you know a believer who willfully sins, such a person was either never born again, or has backslidden.
Truly, as a Christian, you may make mistakes, but that’s what it would be- A MISTAKE! If a supposed believer sins on purpose, he either didn’t genuinely give his life to Christ or he has backslidden.
Having said this, I must mention that overcoming temptation and avoiding sin is not something that can be accomplished by your own strength and ability. You need God’s help– which is why He has given His Holy Spirit to you.
One important factor to live above reproach is to seek the help of the Holy Spirit each day to live as you should. You can’t live a holy and righteous life by human strength… “For God is the One who works in you both to will and to work according to His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13)
PRAYER
Lord, I ask for you enabling grace to overcome temptation and to live above reproach. Help me to grow daily in Holy Living in Jesus Name.
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