PRACTICAL ADVICE from the BIBLE to overcome

Adultery. Covetousness. Idolatry.

Three sneaky sins that seem to be part of life everywhere we look. In the world, at work, in our families, and even in our churches.

Sneaky sins are put into play by the enemy as he seeks to stop our salvation, and yes, that is possible – remember this verse?

"If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left" – Hebrews 10:26

Remember, your salvation is more than simply saying “Yes, I believe”. It starts there, but consists of much more – and what follows can be difficult, just as Jesus Himself tells us:

“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”– Matthew 7:14

A few verses later, Jesus makes it clear that what follows our initial acceptance is very important:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven".– Matthew 7:21

Jesus’ brother James clarifies Jesus’ teaching with this:

"Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds".– James 2:18b

So what’s up if we say “Yes” to Jesus but then continue on our way, mired in any of these 3 sneaky sins?

As true Christ-followers, we should want rid of that sinful life – just as the Apostle Paul tells us:

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? – Romans 6:1-2

and, again a few verses later:

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness." – Romans 6:12-13

Easier said than done, isn’t it?

So maybe being under the yoke of any of these 3 sneaky sins requires more drastic behavior than just praying and trying one’s best… Check these words of Jesus:

"If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." – Matthew 5:29

Is He serious? Whether or not you think so, the point is clear: If something is leading you to sin – then get rid of it. Take action so that you can worship God as you are meant to do, just as the Apostle Paul says:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.– Romans 12:1-2a

The conclusion?

Only God deserves our worship. Put aside your selfish desires and focus on bringing glory to God in all you do.

That is the only true and right path forward.

No matter what the world or even your church friends may say or do.

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FOLLOW-UP:

Which of the following is leading you away from God and towards any one of the 3 sneaky sins:

• TV or Movies
• Sports
• Internet
• Old friends
• Drugs or alcohol

What might happen if you cut one or more of these out of your life?

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We hope this final devotional reading serves as a meaningful conclusion to the study of this difficult topic. If you enjoyed this plan, then click here to explore the other reading plans & resources available from God & Work and Roland Heersink, or just search for "Roland Heersink" in the YouVersion app.