Sunday Sermon: Conquering Sin and Temptation

Grace, mercy, and peace be with you, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I want to talk to you about conquering sin and temptation with the help of God. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are not exempt from the struggles of sin and temptation. In fact, the Bible tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and that the devil is always prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). However, as Christians, we have the power of God to overcome these struggles and live a victorious life.

First and foremost, we need to understand that the root of all sin and temptation is our own desires. James 1:14-15 tells us, “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” It is our own sinful nature that leads us to succumb to the temptations of the world. But thanks be to God, because He has given us a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Jesus Christ Is The Way

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus

So, what is this way out that God provides for us? It is Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, He has conquered sin and death and has given us the power to overcome our own sinful desires. Romans 6:11 says, “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” As we surrender our lives to Christ and allow His Holy Spirit to work in us, we can overcome the desires that lead us to sin. We can find strength and victory in Jesus’ name.

But this victory over sin and temptation is not a one-time event. It is a daily journey of walking with Christ and relying on Him. In Matthew 6:13, Jesus teaches us to pray, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” We need to constantly seek God’s help and guidance in overcoming sin and temptation. We must also put on the full armor of God, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18, to protect ourselves from the attacks of the enemy.

A Prayer For the Sinners

Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You, lifting up the souls of sinners to Your loving and merciful care. We ask that You pour out Your grace and forgiveness upon them, drawing them close to Your heart. May Your Holy Spirit work in their lives, guiding them towards repentance, salvation, and a renewed relationship with You. Shower them with Your abundant love, that they may experience the transformative power of Your redemption. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Victory in Jesus

Today, I want to leave you with this hymn, “Victory in Jesus”, as a reminder of the power we have in Christ to overcome sin and temptation.

I heard an old, old story how a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood’s atoning,
Then I repented of my sins and won the victory

O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever!
He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him.
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood

I heard about His healing, of His cleansing pow’r revealing
How he made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see;
And then I cried, “Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit,”
And some sweet day I’ll sing up there the song of victory.

O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever!
He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him.
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood

I heard about a mansion he has built for me in glory,
And I heard about the streets of gold beyond the crystal sea;
About the angels singing and the old redemption story,
And some sweet day I’ll sing up there the song of victory.

O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever!
He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him.
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood