“Wherefore seeing that we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. 2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The title might lead you to believe that I’m trying to “whip a guilt trip” on you. Nope! I’m just dealing with a fact of life. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” The text mentioned the need to rid ourselves of “the sin which so easily besets us.” The NIV translates it, “the sin that so easily entangles us…” However, we translate it, we know that sin is human problem. What sin besets you, or entangles you? Could it be that your besetting sin is that you do not take time for prayer and Bible reading? It is wise for a Christian to develop a “prayer habit.” We need a special time of prayer, but we need to be aware of the presence of God all day. We can reach Him anytime. Don’t leave prayer and Bible reading out of your life. Could it be that your besetting sin is a critical spirit. You read that right, a critical spirit is a sin. I’ve seen this sin cripple the fellowship of a church. Criticism should always be made in love, and should be constructive. Could it be that your besetting sin is a habit that Satan has convinced you is not really wrong. One thing that comes to mind is a gossiping habit. Does it make you feel good to tear someone else down to their backs? One of the besetting sins today is internet pornography. With a click on your computer you can find any kind of filth that is being shown. We need to be careful to participate in habits that will do good for other people, or that will serve some good purpose. It would be good to have a habit of saying good things that would minister to them. We need to develop habits that would be uplifting and that would not entangle us in sin. Could it be that your besetting sin is envy of other people. Yes, envy is a sin. Envy leads to covetousness. On top of that envying someone else makes us feel miserable. I know how it feels. I haven’t been entangled in it, but I have to remind myself to be happy with someone else’s successes. We should not let envy lead to hope the worse for someone else. We should never rejoice at another person’s failure. Envy is not based on love, and we should react to people with love. None of us does this perfectly, but this is not an excuse. It is possible that I have not listed your besetting sin. What I want you to take out of this the danger of becoming entangled in sinful behavior. When you know that it is happening, let the Savior help you to become disentangled. Bro. Joe
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AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
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