Overcoming Iniquity’s Bondage

The only way to overcome a passion for sin is with an overwhelming passion for righteousness. – David W. Hegg

As Christians, should we not be passionate about rising above sin and doing only what God wants?

First, I want to clarify what I mean when I mention being free from sin’s bondage. I think of sin’s bondage as an addiction—when we know it is wrong and would like to stop, but continue sinning as though we cannot help but do it.

One who has risen above sin will no longer consciously do wrong. And if they catch themselves doing or thinking wrong, they will promptly stop, repent, and make restitution instead of trying to hide the act. Thus, they are in control instead of sin controlling them.

Let us examine six actions that will help us overcome iniquity’s grip on our life:

#1. We must believe that God expects us to live above sin and will help us secure that objective.

#2. We must surrender to God’s will unconditionally to where we will do whatever He asks of us.

#3. We must hate sin with perfect hatred and treat it as entirely off-limits.

Why do prisoners do what they are told to, even when they do not feel like it? And why do they not climb over the fence surrounding the prison? It is because painful consequences are sure, and such actions would only hinder in obtaining their freedom.

That is how we must view sin. I have found that temptation’s power dramatically lessens when I think of sin as completely off-limits and as regretful as trying to climb an electric prison fence.

We must build a passionate hatred for wrong actions and attitudes, and train ourselves to not even consider doing it. We do well to remember we will always regret sin. It will never be worth it.

#4. We must ask God to help us overcome temptation. Dr. R. A. Torrey states, “The reason why many fail in the battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came… Anticipate your battles, fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory.”

#5. We must also not let the devil stand in the way, or successfully sneak in suggestions. Never underestimate Satan’s tactics, and be alert for signs of his activity.

Here is how I respond when I detect the devil’s presence or am tempted to think impure thoughts:

My initial reaction is to imagine striking the devil in the face as I demand, “Get out of here! I will not put up with you!”

Then I ask God to drive Satan away and hold my hand as I recover from the shock of the experience. (Words cannot express how real these experiences are to me.) I presently find myself in God’s arms, so to speak, thanking Him for His unconditional support.

#6. We must not limit our time with God, reading the Bible, praying, meditating, singing, or just basking in the holiness of His presence.

We must take every problem and sin to our Almighty Father, asking Him to help us through it and tell us what we did wrong and what we need to do differently.

If we do not train our desires, emotions, and thoughts to align with truth and integrity, they will align us with self-deception. Overcoming temptation requires training, not just willpower. Christianity is not about settling into a comfort zone but rigorously disciplining ourselves to follow Jesus, no matter what.

Below, I have inserted my list of thirteen thoughts I try to review frequently and never forget:

1. Actively remove Satan’s presence whenever I feel restless or in any way “not in God’s presence”.
2. When the devil tempts me, I must promptly rebuke him and seek God’s presence.
3. My body is God’s temple. I must care for and respect it with a sense of reverence.
4. “When we want to be something other than the thing that God wants us to be, we must be wanting what, in fact, will not make us happy.” – C. S. Lewis
5. When making decisions, I must picture Jesus standing by my side and think, “What would He do?”.
6. I will always regret ignoring God’s will for me.
7. God is ever-present. He knows our thoughts, and we can hide nothing from Him. Not only is He watching us, but He is writing everything down.
8. I am one of God’s private warriors. We are in a raging fight for truth and right.
9. God is depending on us to carry out His will. Let us not disappoint Him.
10. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalms 139:23-24
11. We do well to leave our daily schedule in God’s hands.
12. God cherishes the time we spend with Him.
13. Allow nothing to get between my Lord and me.

Study Romans 6-8 for further motivation to overcome this horrible enemy known as sin.