Does Your Besetting Sin Make You a Hypocrite?

Is there any one that fails? Is there anyone that falls? Am I the only one in church today feeling so small? ~ Casting Crowns, Stained Glass Masquerade.

The Bible makes it clear to us that the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit will not end as long as we are in these bodies. What the flesh wants is in direct opposition to what the Spirit wants (Galatians 5:17). Every true believer has a personal weakness, character flaw or habit that they want to change. So the fact that you’re still struggling with a weight, or a sin that easily trips you up, does not make you a hypocrite. You are not alone. The fact that you are uncomfortable with sin in your life and you don’t want to continue in it shows that you have been born of God (1 John 3:9). The good news is that “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, New Living Translation). The first step to “putting aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us” (Hebrews 12:1) is to accept and be fully cognizant of the truth that our weaknesses stem from a lack of discipline and self-control. Over and over, the Bible urges us to be self-controlled, because whether you’re struggling with anger, laziness, lust, gluttony or pride, you must first admit it. You cannot conquer what you will not confront. Until you sincerely recognize your weakness for what it is, you’re not truly ready to overcome it. Once you’ve admitted your weakness, you must learn to lean on the Holy Spirit. This isn’t something you can do on your own. If you rely on your own strength, you will fail again and again. It is by the Spirit of God that we are transformed (2 Corinthians 3:18). That said, you also have a role to play; you must cooperate with the Holy Spirit. Stay full of the Word, meditating particularly on scriptures that address the particular weakness you’re dealing with. Know your triggers, identify the things that set you on that path, and make a deliberate effort to steer clear of them. Even the appearance of evil must be avoided (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Get an accountability partner you truly love and respect, and who can cover you in prayer in addition to holding you accountable. We are becoming more like Christ, and “becoming” is a process. No matter how many times you fall, get back up and keep moving ahead. Both the desire to please God and the ability to actually do it, come from God (Philippians 2:13). You are not a hypocrite. God sees your heart, and it is He who is working in you. You have the victory already; the match is fixed in your favor. Just get in the ring and know that giving up is not an option. Win!

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This article was first published on 22nd April 2018

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