Sanctification is the separation of the believer from his sin. This separation is a believer’s ongoing struggle and a battle with himself. It is internal.
In chapter 7 of Romans, Paul’s internal struggle with sin reveals how sin wages war against the Christian. Do you struggle with sin? (God’s word says you do. Romans 3:23, 1John 1:8, Isaiah 53:6) If you are ready to admit that, the next step is to accept it.
The peace that comes with accepting how we relate to God (we are sinners that have turned away from Him and if we believe in Jesus our sins will be forgiven) will feel like a heavy load being lifted from you. Remove the expectation that you need to be perfect to become a Christian or that once you become a Christian you will no longer battle with sin.
It is not about you being perfect – it is about Jesus being perfect.
Those who follow Christ hate sin because they remember what it did. It crucified Christ. In a way when we sin it is like taking part in that. This is the Christians motivations to hate sin and flee from it.
Those who follow Christ hate sin because they remember what it did. It crucified Christ. In a way, when we sin it is like taking part in that. This is the Christian’s motivation to hate sin and flee from it.
Here are some notes from a sermon (first link in the resources below) on how sin battles with a believer:
- It is within us. James 1:14-15
- It is a battle of the mind, of our thoughts. Romans 7:23, 1Peter 1:13
- Victory is in Christ.
- Confess your sin to the LORD and ask his forgiveness. (1John 1:9, Proverbs 38:13)
- Ask the LORD for the strength to refuse to entertain sinful thoughts. (2Corinthians 10:5, 2Timothy 1:7)
- Avoid evil. (Psalms 1:1-6, Matthew 18:7-9)
- Draw nigh to the LORD, pursue His Word. (Philippians 4:8, Romans 8:6)
Here are three great sermons that will arm you with the truth regarding separating from your sin: