Fight Sin Vigorously

Introduction

Scripture reading — (____)Hebrews 12:1-4

Join me in renewing your vigor in fighting for holiness

It will not always be easy (finals, summer, graduation, etc)

Read Isaiah 50:7-9

Context // suffering servant (Jesus)

“Set my face like flint” (i.e. grit my teeth) (Luke 9:51)

I want to fight my sin with the resolve with which Jesus went to the cross.

Fight sin vigorously…

…because you know it’s worth it. (v. 7b)

sin is like Esau selling his birthright

this is the one I struggle with // dying to self as husband and dad

what about when I’m not sure it’s worth it?

reflect on where sin has gotten you in the past

in Esau’s defense, he felt he was starving

you need something to jolt you to reality…

…so, fight with Scripture (sword of the Spirit // how he helps us fight)

…because you don’t fight alone. (v. 7a, 8)

part of the reason we don’t fight is because we expect to lose

Tom Brady 2020, from losing record to SB champs, from to hoping expecting

“more than conquerors” means winning over sin is base mentality

(Saying we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to transform, but not living that way)Talking ourselves out of holiness isn’t humility, it’s hypocrisy.

…because the fight is already won. (v. 9)

Jesus could say this because he was sinless

we can say this because he was sinless for us

your accuser (i.e. Satan) will one day meet his end

that joy compels me to do battle against my flesh

but freely — like climbing in the Witt w/ security of a rope (not burning out hands)

Exhortation

Fight sin vigorously…

you know it’s worth it

you don’t fight alone

the fight is already won

Re-read Hebrews 12:1-4