Conquering Sin: The Ongoing Battle of Faith

 

Summary

In the journey of faith, believers are called to confront and overcome the persistent presence of sin, much like the Israelites were tasked with driving out the Canaanites from the Promised Land. This spiritual warfare is not a one-time battle but a continuous struggle against the sins that reside within us and temptations that surround us. The Canaanites, with their iron chariots, symbolize the formidable sins and habits that seem insurmountable. Yet, the command is clear: every sin must be eradicated, for no sin can coexist with the holiness that God desires for His people.

The land of Canaan, while often seen as a metaphor for heaven, more accurately represents the state of a believer's soul—a place of rest yet not free from the presence of sin. Upon conversion, the battle against sin begins in earnest. The believer must engage in a relentless fight, empowered by faith and the Holy Spirit, to drive out every sin, no matter how deeply entrenched or seemingly invincible. This is not a call to despair but a call to action, for God has promised victory to those who strive in His strength.

Sin is not merely a personal enemy but an affront to God, who abhors all evil. It was sin that caused the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, and thus, it must be treated as the enemy it is. Believers are urged to hate sin with the same intensity that Christ does, recognizing that any friendship with sin is enmity with God. The journey to holiness is marked by the continual slaying of sin, empowered by the grace of God, who has already achieved victory over sin through Christ's death and resurrection.

The assurance of victory is rooted in the power of God, who has already performed the greatest miracle by raising believers from spiritual death. Just as He has conquered many sins in the past, He will continue to do so. The transformation of believers into the likeness of Christ is a testament to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies and empowers them to overcome every sin. The promise of complete sanctification is not only a future hope but a present reality that believers are called to pursue with diligence and faith.

Key Takeaways:

1. Spiritual Warfare is Continuous: The journey of faith involves a relentless battle against sin, akin to the Israelites' task of driving out the Canaanites. Conversion marks the beginning of this warfare, not its end. Believers must engage in this struggle with the assurance that victory is promised to those who fight in God's strength. [03:30]

2. Sin is the True Enemy: Every sin, regardless of its form, is an enemy that must be eradicated. Sin is not only a personal adversary but an affront to God, who abhors all evil. Believers are called to hate sin with the same intensity that Christ does, recognizing that any friendship with sin is enmity with God. [07:23]

3. Victory is Assured Through Christ: The assurance of victory over sin is rooted in the power of God, who has already performed the greatest miracle by raising believers from spiritual death. Just as He has conquered many sins in the past, He will continue to do so, transforming believers into the likeness of Christ. [34:02]

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is given to believers not to comfort them in their sins but to deliver them from all evil. He sanctifies and empowers believers to overcome every sin, ensuring that they are conformed to the image of Christ. [42:19]

5. The Call to Holiness: The journey to holiness is marked by the continual slaying of sin, empowered by the grace of God. Believers are called to pursue sanctification with diligence and faith, knowing that complete sanctification is both a present reality and a future hope. [46:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Spiritual Warfare
- [00:37] - The Canaanites as a Metaphor for Sin
- [01:31] - The Necessity of Driving Out Sin
- [02:23] - Canaan: A Symbol of the Believer's Soul
- [03:30] - The Beginning of the Battle
- [05:18] - The Command to Drive Out Sin
- [06:44] - Sin as the True Enemy
- [09:36] - Proclaiming War Against Sin
- [12:47] - Christ's Dominion Over Sin
- [14:20] - The Danger of Tolerating Sin
- [19:29] - The Illusion of Freedom with Sin
- [23:57] - The Tougher Sins to Overcome
- [32:00] - The Irresistibility of Certain Sins
- [39:35] - The Promise of Victory Over Sin

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Joshua 17:18: "For thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the task given to the Israelites regarding the Canaanites, and why was it necessary? [01:01]
2. How does the sermon describe the land of Canaan in relation to a believer's soul? [02:23]
3. What is the significance of the "iron chariots" mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the sins we face? [21:19]
4. According to the sermon, what is the believer's role in the battle against sin? [05:43]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the command to drive out the Canaanites as a metaphor for dealing with sin in our lives? [05:43]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that sin is an enemy not only to us but also to God? [10:18]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of the Holy Spirit in helping believers overcome sin? [42:19]
4. What does the sermon imply about the nature of spiritual warfare and the believer's assurance of victory? [39:49]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a "Canaanite" or persistent sin in your life. What steps can you take this week to begin driving it out? [05:43]
2. The sermon emphasizes the need to hate sin as Christ does. How can you cultivate a deeper aversion to sin in your daily life? [11:19]
3. Consider a time when you felt overwhelmed by a particular sin. How can the assurance of victory through Christ change your perspective and approach? [39:49]
4. The sermon mentions the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your fight against sin? [42:19]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you have tolerated sin. What practical steps can you take to eradicate it completely? [12:47]
6. How can you support a fellow believer in their spiritual warfare against sin? What role can community play in this battle? [04:21]
7. The sermon calls for a relentless pursuit of holiness. What is one tangible way you can pursue holiness in your relationships this week? [46:09]

Devotional

Day 1: The Relentless Battle Against Sin
In the journey of faith, believers are called to engage in a continuous struggle against sin, much like the Israelites were tasked with driving out the Canaanites from the Promised Land. This spiritual warfare is not a one-time event but an ongoing battle that begins at conversion. Believers must confront the sins that reside within and the temptations that surround them, with the assurance that victory is promised to those who fight in God's strength. The Canaanites, with their iron chariots, symbolize the formidable sins and habits that seem insurmountable, yet every sin must be eradicated to achieve the holiness God desires for His people. [03:30]

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a persistent sin in your life that feels like an "iron chariot." How can you rely on God's strength to begin overcoming it today?


Day 2: Sin as an Affront to God
Sin is not merely a personal adversary but an affront to God, who abhors all evil. It was sin that caused the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, and thus, it must be treated as the enemy it is. Believers are urged to hate sin with the same intensity that Christ does, recognizing that any friendship with sin is enmity with God. This understanding calls for a deep-seated aversion to sin, prompting believers to eradicate it from their lives with urgency and determination. [07:23]

"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." (James 1:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a sin you have been tolerating. How can you cultivate a deeper hatred for this sin, recognizing it as an affront to God?


Day 3: Assurance of Victory Through Christ
The assurance of victory over sin is rooted in the power of God, who has already performed the greatest miracle by raising believers from spiritual death. Just as He has conquered many sins in the past, He will continue to do so, transforming believers into the likeness of Christ. This transformation is a testament to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies and empowers believers to overcome every sin. The promise of complete sanctification is not only a future hope but a present reality that believers are called to pursue with diligence and faith. [34:02]

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a past victory over sin in your life. How can this assurance of victory through Christ encourage you in your current struggles?


Day 4: The Empowering Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is given to believers not to comfort them in their sins but to deliver them from all evil. He sanctifies and empowers believers to overcome every sin, ensuring that they are conformed to the image of Christ. This empowerment is crucial in the believer's journey to holiness, as it provides the strength and guidance needed to resist temptation and eradicate sin. The Holy Spirit's work is a continuous process, transforming believers into the likeness of Christ and enabling them to live in accordance with God's will. [42:19]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in your daily battle against sin?


Day 5: The Pursuit of Holiness
The journey to holiness is marked by the continual slaying of sin, empowered by the grace of God. Believers are called to pursue sanctification with diligence and faith, knowing that complete sanctification is both a present reality and a future hope. This pursuit requires a commitment to spiritual growth and a willingness to confront and eradicate sin in all its forms. By relying on God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can achieve the holiness that God desires for His people, living lives that reflect His character and glory. [46:09]

"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to pursue holiness in your life, and how can you rely on God's grace in this pursuit?

Quotes



When the children of Israel had come to Canaan and by God's good care had entered into the land that flowed with milk and honey, they were not immediately at rest for the Canaanites were there, there in possession there in strong cities which seemed to be walled up to heaven, and they had to drive out these Canaanites before they could possibly possess the country. [00:30:14]

It is a command from God thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, every sin has to be slaughtered not a single sin is to be tolerated off with their heads, drive the sword into their hearts, they are all to die not one of them may be spared the whole race is to be exterminated, and so buried that not a bone of them can be found. [00:43:31]

Every sin, every evil of every shape is our true enemy, against which we are to wrestle to the bitter end, you cannot say to any sin you may dwell in my heart and be my friend, it cannot be your friend evil is our natural and necessary enemy and we must treat it as such. [00:48:08]

Jesus abhors all evil and evil in every shape persecuted him all sorts of sins he bore in his own body on the tree, from our sins all of which were laid upon him, came the lashings of his back when the plowers plowed deep furrows, from our sins came the bloody sweat that covered him from head to foot. [00:51:01]

Sin to Jesus was horror torment, death Jesus abhors sin with all the force of his holy nature, saved by Jesus will you not hate sin as he did, would any person here lay up in his drawer as a treasure the knife with which his father was murdered, our sins were the daggers that slew the Savior. [00:55:09]

Remember brethren we cannot have Christ and have any one sin reigning in our hearts, we come to Christ as sinners but when we receive Christ we hear him say, sin shall not have dominion over you, sin may look into our nature as it does with its tempting witcheries, sin may ride through our nature as it does. [00:58:39]

You have to overcome and destroy the sin for which you claim toleration mark that you must not you dare not allow any sin to master you, and if you know that it does overpower you, do not therefore claim that you may indulge it, but draw an inference of the opposite sort, because it has mastered you concentrate your entire strength. [00:59:12]

I do not say that we can drive them out but I say that they can be driven out it will be a great miracle but let us believe in it for other great wonders have been wrought know first that you and I have been raised from the dead is it not so you hathy quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins. [00:59:59]

You have also by divine power been led to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ if you have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as a result of divine grace within your heart what is there that you cannot do, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ is a very simple thing, say you I know it is but still it is the greatest thing a man ever does. [01:01:50]

He that has helped you so far can surely help you even to the conclusion of the fight, do not doubt that the almighty power of divine grace which has achieved so much can achieve yet more, be strong and very courageous for the Lord of hosts himself is at your side, have you not seen other Christians conquer oh let your memory charge you now. [01:12:56]

This is what Christ died for he loved the church and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it by the washing of water by the word, that he might present it unto himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. [01:20:12]

This is the very object of the gospel which we preach to you, and we have preached in vain unless you are striving against sin, ours is a holy gospel and if it does not make you holy, it has done nothing for you this especially is the meaning of the ordinance of baptism for which the pool is now open before you. [01:25:29]

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