How to Kill Off Sin

Introduction

Want to spend a few weeks getting back to the basics — How can we talk about apologetics or giving our futures to God if we can’t take basics steps to grow in our faith?

Let’s talk about how to kill off sin

NYR text from EB today at perfect time — Strava says 2 weeks, wine/liquor sales up beginning of Feb. Most of these are harmless, but we are notoriously bad at making change.

What about when it’s more serious?

NY resolutions — fix your relationship with your parents, the year you kick porn, stop going out on Fridays, read your Bible for more than a year, stop letting your fears dictate your decisions instead of faith

Samuel Johnson (English dictionary) had 38 years worth of diary entries of NY resolutions relating to laziness with prayers that God would help him

“When I look back upon resolution of improvement…[which] year after year, been made and broken, why do I yet try and resolve again? I try because reformation is necessary and despair is criminal.”

Romans 8:9-17

“put to death the misdeeds of the body” How in the world do we do that?

5 things…

Recognize the truth (v. 9-11)

Even if we were to back up to start of the chapter or go back a few, v. 13 is completely in the context of the truth of what God has done for us in Christ.

Specifically, related to sin, you need to see….

Sin’s consequences are deleted

I really started making progress in spiritual growth when I realized God showed me grace before I made any progress.

Sin’s bondage is defeated

You’ve got a new boss!

Sin’s availability isn’t unseated

“Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” — John Owen

Resist the enemy (v. 12)

James 4:7

We’re in a dangerous place when we’ve stopped fighting back.

Rely on the Spirit (v. 13)

Matthew 26:41 // “You want to do what it’s right, but you are weak.” (CEV)

Solution — pray! Ask for help beyond yourself

Remember your identity (v. 14-17)

Killing sin isn’t about being someone new; it’s about being who you already are.

Jason Heyward, 2016 World Series, “remember who you are” in rain delay, 1st WS in 108 years

1 Cor. 6:9-11 “I’m just a ____ (e.g. worrier)” No, you’re not!

Wk. 1 — It’s not enough to have 2 hours of truth and let the enemy speak for the other 166

Recite the Scriptures (use your weapon!) (v. 9-17)

Talk more about Jesus’ temptation soon

Colossians 3:5a, 16a