The first thing that we must learn to do is make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts (cf. Romans 13:14). Once we have identified the temptation and the weakness of the flesh, do not seat up the scenario for failure. Whatever context, setting, environment, or class of people that is associated with the sin, avoid repeating it. In 2 Corinthians 10:4, Paul introduces the topic of spiritual warfare and advises Corinth to pull down strongholds. In other words, wherever the enemy has built a stronghold near your heart and territory, do not allow it to remain. Tear it down and get rid of it so that not even a board is left to remind you of its presence. All of this is equal to warning us to stay at a great distance from sin. There is enough temptation that will find you without going out to look for it. Too many flirt with sin. We have chosen not to sin but we want to get close to it. Some of it is pleasurable, and have rewarding connections in this world’s business. The problem of getting too close to a snake is the risk of getting bit. This is true of temptation (Prov 5:8, 1 Thess. 5:22). The best course to keep from falling into the pit is to keep at a great distance.
Second, develop a hard nose stance against sin instead of attitudes of indifference and apathy. Paul writes, “Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good” (Rom. 12:9). When we are met with any temptation to do evil (any wrong), our minds should treat it as something revolting and disgusting. It is all of that and more, but it’s camouflaged to look attractive and appealing. Do not be tricked and keep your distance. The Greek word that is there translated “abhor,” is very significant because it depicts a hatred toward it with horror. Few tremble at it and stay at a distance.
The third remedy is to remember and act accordingly that sin is a bitter/sweet experience. You may not see it immediately for what it is — a drug that deadens the conscience and minimizes its effects and consequences. Job 20:12-14 reads, “Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue, though he spares it, and forsake it not, but keep it still within his mouth, yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him.” Many eat on earth what they digest in hell. The forbidden fruit was a bittersweet experience as was Esau’s meal to satisfy his hunger. After the meal has ended, then comes the reckoning.
Finally, and part of the previous points is that sin is of a deceitful, bewitching nature. Hebrews 3:13 reads, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” It will smile upon us and give us promises of a grand tomorrow but when the morning comes, it betrays, rejects, and accuses us. Once sin is committed, Satan will use it to accuse us and lay claim on us. The despair is so great that discouragement takes over and we give up in defeat. For others who will not give us, they may redefine sin and ignore or misapply the Word of God to arise above the shame and guilt.
Sin, also, makes the soul call evil good and good evil; bitter sweet and sweet bitter, light darkness and darkness light; and a soul thus bewitched with sin will stand to the death. (Pick up with this same topic, tomorrow).