Temptation

[Jack1998]

How can I resist temptation of something that is classed as a sin if I think my life would be more enjoyable doing it? Will god always forgive me no matter what? I'm scared incase I don't put enough effort into being a good Christian? Should I try harder?

 

[KevinesKay]

Hey Jack,

Thanks for sharing, welcome.

For me, sanctification can be a long process. Repentance, for me, doesn't mean that I'll never, ever sin again. It means that I choose to pay attention to the part of me that wants to follow the will of God. I'm emphasizing the words part of me. Because there is still a huge part inside me, my flesh, my weak, weak, flesh, that desires many things that are evil.

This is my opinion. Being a "good" Christian shouldn't be about trying harder to be good enough. Jesus has paid the debt for all of my sin. And if I repent of my sin and put my faith and trust in him. That's it. My case is legally dismissed. I try not to overanalyze what it exactly means to have complete repentance and faith. Because, honestly, I don't think any human being on this earth has perfect repentance and perfect faith. (Roman 3:23)

So what about those times down the road when I sin. Well, I'm trusting that God work enough through me so that I can repent of those sins, accept Christ's sacrifice for my sins, and move in a better direction. And then there are days in which I feel I'm truly abiding in Jesus. So although my flesh and spirit are in conflict with each other, it's good enough for me to know that I'm not going to give up trying to please God. Just don't give up. Because giving up on repentance and sanctification is bad.

 

[Cute Tink]

Welcome to CF. My name is Kristen. I hope you enjoy your time and find what you are looking for here.

You will probably want to take that question to the Christian Advice section or the Ask a Chaplain area. You'll get more answers there as this spot is only for introductions.

 

[SalvationSoldier1072]

Paul says that some sins we need to flee from. God always forgives no matter the sin however, He sets the criteria of being repentant. Repentant is defined as a sincere regret or remorse. If we are only sorry for something because we got caught and not because we chose to be disobedient than that is not sincere repentance. The rules that God sets for us in scripture are not to take away fun or enjoyment but are to instead keep us spiritually safe and even physically. Most of them are punishable by mans laws and we follow them because we do not want to suffer the consequences of jail. However, sometimes I think it is hard to follow the ones that we do not suffer direct consequences from. Jesus' life would have been more enjoyable if He did not have to endure constant disrespect and then obediently die for us however, He did not run from it to a more fun and simple route. Jesus tells us to count the cost if we want to follow Him. He also says if we love Him we will keep His commands. Too many times the we make the mistake of wanting a Savior but not a Lord. Jesus did not die so we could continue in sin. He died so through the truth we could be set free from sin. I know that we will all still fall most of us daily, but we should always be striving to walk as close to what God asks of us as possible, and when trip we should get back up and keep going. Just remember all things are possible in the Lord and He will strengthen you. I can honestly say nothing I have done outside of the Lords will no matter how fun for the moment ever resulted to an easy path later. Prayers

 

[Luke17:37]

Hi brother.

I very much recommend this message by my pastor, Lon Solomon: https://www.mcleanbible.org/sermons/person-and-work-holy-spirit-–-part-2

It emphasizes how we need to repent continually so that the Holy Spirit can empower us to the fullest. Our sins grieve and quench the Holy Spirit. Even though Christians have been saved if they repented and trusted in Jesus' death on the cross as the ins and only payment for their sins, they still sin frequently and need to repent. I think this was one of the best sermons (and deeply practical) I've heard in a long time.

 

[drjean]

No, that's cheap grace. When you truly trust Christ you are a new person, yes you will have to retrain yourself regarding the bad habits, but you won't want to continue them.

 

[mnorian]

How can I resist temptation of something that is classed as a sin if I think my life would be more enjoyable doing it? Will god always forgive me no matter what? I'm scared incase I don't put enough effort into being a good Christian? Should I try harder?

Hello Jack; welcome to CF; may the Lord Jesus help you resist temptation; as in the Lord's prayer He has us pray to not be lead into temptation; so He doesn't want us to yield to it; but fight it with prayer.

 

[Krissy Cakes]

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[faroukfarouk]

Hi; good to see you; God bless His Word to you. John's First Epistle (only 5 chapters, but intense) has some helpful verses about walking in the light.

 

[AshleighNY2016]

How can I resist temptation of something that is classed as a sin if I think my life would be more enjoyable doing it? Will god always forgive me no matter what? I'm scared incase I don't put enough effort into being a good Christian? Should I try harder?

I think the best way that you can resist is my focusing not on resisting it but on Who God is. When we focus on 'not' doing something, the focus is still on the sin we are trying to avoid. This is a lot easier said than done. I am not the best at it myself. But what I see is that the closer we are to God the more we hate sin. And when we see sin the way God sees it, the desires become weaker and we are able to resist. Does that help at all?

 

[faroukfarouk]

I think the best way that you can resist is my focusing not on resisting it but on Who God is. When we focus on 'not' doing something, the focus is still on the sin we are trying to avoid. This is a lot easier said than done. I am not the best at it myself. But what I see is that the closer we are to God the more we hate sin. And when we see sin the way God sees it, the desires become weaker and we are able to resist. Does that help at all?

Yes; it's by 'looking unto Jesus' (Hebrews 12.2), right?