The Root of the Problem (Part 21): Conclusion

The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome

To remove sin from our lives seems like a daunting, if not impossible, task. While is it true that we have all sinned (Romans 3:23), that does not mean that we must resign ourselves to a sin-filled future. Many, even those who would call themselves Christians, are content to remain in sin. This must not be our attitude. We must be of the mindset that we are uncomfortable in sin, and then work diligently to overcome it.

The Bible tells us the way to never stumble. But we’ll all still sin occasionally, right? Just because Christians occasionally sin and have accepted it, that does not change what the Scriptures teach. There is a way to never stumble. How? We must add to our faith.

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:5-10).

Notice what Peter says here. As long as we practice these things – taking faith and adding moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love – we will never stumble. The root causes of sin are simply not compatible with these virtues. When we sin, it is because we have failed – even if just for a moment – to grow and continue in these areas.

If in our lives we are able to continually devote ourselves to the practice and increase of these qualities, then we will never stumble. As Christians, we need to start viewing this as a real goal rather than an unattainable ideal.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Paul teaches us that we can overcome every temptation we face. There will never come a temptation where our only option will be to commit sin. We will always have the option to do what is right. How can we be sure that a way of escape will be there every time? “God is faithful” – we can believe that every temptation can be overcome because we can believe completely in an unfailing God.

When it comes to sin, let us not make excuses for it, become accustomed to it, or remain content in it. Instead, let us give it up.

Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11).

And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

Jesus died on the cross to do more than just provide forgiveness of sins. He died so that we, too, might die to sin. He has given us the opportunity to escape the bondage we were previously under.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts” (Romans 6:12).

Do not let sin reign over you. Put it out of your life. Diligently work to keep it from returning. Take hold of the freedom from sin that Christ offers.


This material is taken from the book, The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome, published by Gospel Armory, © 2010.


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