What would you say to a believer who is struggling with sin?

[Emsmom1]

There have been some posters in the forum that claim that Christians don't (or don't have to) sin. My question is: what would you say to a believer who is struggling with sin? Whether a new Christian who has a lot to "clean up" in their life or a long-term Christian for whom sin has become a problem. Am I correct in thinking the answer may be different depending on one's theological orientation (Calvinist vs Arminian vs Free Grace Movement, etc.)?
What would your advice be?

 

[RaymondG]

My question is: what would you say to a believer who is struggling with sin?

Neither do I condemn thee: Go and sin no more.

 

[Sketcher]

There have been some posters in the forum that claim that Christians don't (or don't have to) sin. My question is: what would you say to a believer who is struggling with sin? Whether a new Christian who has a lot to "clean up" in their life or a long-term Christian for whom sin has become a problem. Am I correct in thinking the answer may be different depending on one's theological orientation (Calvinist vs Arminian vs Free Grace Movement, etc.)?
What would your advice be?

I would say that they're in good company. I will either understand, or try to be understanding. I would allow them to share their problem with me. If it's something I can help with, I'll help. If not, I'll still be the best brother I know how to be. That usually involves not talking too much.

 

[jsimms615]

There have been some posters in the forum that claim that Christians don't (or don't have to) sin. My question is: what would you say to a believer who is struggling with sin? Whether a new Christian who has a lot to "clean up" in their life or a long-term Christian for whom sin has become a problem. Am I correct in thinking the answer may be different depending on one's theological orientation (Calvinist vs Arminian vs Free Grace Movement, etc.)?
What would your advice be?

I would say that they are in good company since most believers are in the same boat

 

[Call me Nic]

There have been some posters in the forum that claim that Christians don't (or don't have to) sin. My question is: what would you say to a believer who is struggling with sin? Whether a new Christian who has a lot to "clean up" in their life or a long-term Christian for whom sin has become a problem. Am I correct in thinking the answer may be different depending on one's theological orientation (Calvinist vs Arminian vs Free Grace Movement, etc.)?
What would your advice be?

We ought to strive to live as free from the struggles of sin as possible to the glory of Christ.

However, Solomon observes in Ecclesiastes that "there is not a just man upon the earth that doeth good, and sinneth not." (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Sin is something we will commit until the day we die; however, the blood of Jesus pays for all of our sins upon receiving the free gift of God by faith, thankfully.

 

[ViaCrucis]

There have been some posters in the forum that claim that Christians don't (or don't have to) sin. My question is: what would you say to a believer who is struggling with sin? Whether a new Christian who has a lot to "clean up" in their life or a long-term Christian for whom sin has become a problem. Am I correct in thinking the answer may be different depending on one's theological orientation (Calvinist vs Arminian vs Free Grace Movement, etc.)?
What would your advice be?

I'd offer the same advice Fr. Johann Staupitz gave to the young Martin Luther: put your faith in Christ, look to Christ.

And when you find your sins bringing you down, as the devil throws your sins in your face to try and tell you you are unworthy, you say you know you are unworthy, "what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!" (Martin Luther)

It is Christ who makes you worthy before God, Dear Sinner, it is Christ who absolves you of all your sins, who gives you peace, makes reconciliation, and clothes you with the white robes of His righteousness. His blood poured out, His flesh broken upon the cross, His body laid bare and naked before the world--where He saves you. The blood of the Perfect Lamb has covered you and cleansed you of all unrighteousness. Find yourself here, in Him. Cling to Him. Never let go. Your anchor, your foundation, your refuge, your rock, your fortress, your salvation. Christ is here with you and for you.

When you fall, repent and look to Jesus.
When you hurt, call out and look to Jesus.
When all is dying around you, look to Jesus.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[crossnote]

There have been some posters in the forum that claim that Christians don't (or don't have to) sin. My question is: what would you say to a believer who is struggling with sin? Whether a new Christian who has a lot to "clean up" in their life or a long-term Christian for whom sin has become a problem. Am I correct in thinking the answer may be different depending on one's theological orientation (Calvinist vs Arminian vs Free Grace Movement, etc.)?
What would your advice be?

Because our sin nature remains...

Gal 5:17
(17) For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

as illustrated here...

Rom 7:14-20
(14) For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.
(15) For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
(16) Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.
(17) So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
(18) For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
(19) For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
(20) Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

 

[Jordan1989]

The reference above to Romans 7 is a good one. I like the way the NLT phrases it:

“So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:14-25

what is important to note here is that the verses above were written by the Apostle Paul. Paul wrote around half of the New Testament and is considered a great hero and leader of the faith. If the apostle Paul struggled with sin, shouldn’t we expect to as well? I know that I, for one, am nowhere near as righteous as Paul was!

that doesn’t mean we have a license to sin. We need to remember the sanctification is a lifelong process, not a one time event. The Holy Spirit will convict us and give us victory over our sin if we yield to the spirits leading. However, we should expect to stumble and know that God’s Grace and forgiveness is there for us. We should Repent of our sins and confess them to God. He loves you and is faithful to forgive!

“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:8-10‬