Keep the New Year Clean

30/12/2018 13:16

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Date: 20 December, 2018
Text: Topical
Title: Keep the New Year Clean
 
Introduction:
 
Have your kids ever made a really bad mess? You tried to child proof your home, but it isn't always possible to do that. 
 
ill. Coming home to find Benson and Kay Lee sitting on the kitchen island with blue ink all over their hands/ faces - looking very guilty. Benson has always enjoyed taking things apart and he had taken apart our ink jet printer. (I haven't had an ink jet printer for the last twelve years and this may have had something to do with it.) Katie was down on the new carpeted floor scrubbing with a look that warned me not to ask what happened.
 
The ink would not come off for several days and we told them that sin leaves stains that you can't hide and won't come off.
 
This week was have the privilige of entering into a new year. There are no sin stains on it yet. It is as they say, "A clean slate."
 
New beginnings are wonderful! I want to encourage you to KEEP THE NEW YEAR CLEAN!
 
1.) Keep it clean because God expects you to do so.
note: The Biblical term for this purity of heart is holiness or sanctification. 
(A holy life set apart for God.)
 ill. Paul challenged the church in Rome to live a holy life.
Romans 12:1-2
1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
exp. God wants you  in what you do and what you think to be HOLY.
 
 2.) Keep it clean because others have done so.
ill. The author of Hebrews as well (probably Paul) emphasized living a holy life.
note: 
Hebrews 12:
1  Wherefore seeing 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.
3  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
exp. Jesus lived a pure life because he FOUGHT AGAINST SIN. You won't be holy passively. Holiness is 
 
 3.) Keep it clean because it is vital to do so!
Ephesians 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
 
My message this morning is topical. That means that we are looking at Bible truth about this topic. I would have you know that the majority of the Bible is about this topic.
Old Testament - 
Lev 11:44  For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy:
New Testament
Jas 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
 
And so - what you are going to get this morning - is more of a summary on some of what the Bible CAN TEACH US ABOUT KEEPING THE NEW YEAR CLEAN. Are you going to enter into 2019 with a plan for purity or not? Are you concerned about keeping your new year clean?
 
I. Be honest about your sin.
Proverbs 28:13  He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
ill. Mom saying goodnight to me while I shimmied up my doorway "Night momma" - She suspected something - came into my room - smelled burning rubber band. (I couldn't hide the smell of my transgression from my authority.) (Later I burned incense in the garage and was found out there as well.) 
 question: Why does our human heart think we can hide sin from God?
Jer 16:17  For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.
exp. Because God sees - God will judge. You will not get away with any sin.
Gal 6:7  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
A. Be honest - Do not make excuse. 
exp. We live in a day where nothing is your fault. Victim Mentality - Someone murders somebody and they make excuse - mental health, childhood problems, sugar intake, abuse, temporary insanity,...
ill. Jesus had great excuses to sin and yet he lived a holy life.
What excuse? He was hated unjustly, beaten unjustly, condemned unjustly, killed unjustly....
Isa 53:7  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
exp. He suceeded in being a righteous man despite having every excuse that you and I possess.
Note: God gives mankind no excuse for sin not even for sin's of their mouth.
Mat 12:36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
exp. But, they made me angry won't work - you sinned with your lips and you will pay for your transgression.
app. Don't justify your transgression and make excuse for sin.
B. Be honest - Do not hide your transgression.
 ill. Achan - Israel was to give everything taken at Jericho to God. Achan coveted after the things of God and stole them. 
Joshua 7:20  And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:
21  When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
exp. Achan thought he could hide his sin from God and he couldn't.
 note: If you think that this is just how God dealt with those who hide their sin in the OT - WHAT THEN OF ANANIAS AND SAPHIRA.
Acts 5:1  But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2  And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3  But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4  Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5  And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
ill. King David messed up with sin and tried to hide it. God mercifully exposed it and David dealt with it - GOD WAS MERCIFUL TO DAVID.
Psalm 32:5  I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.
app. A clean year begins by dealing with sin. If you don't have a clean heart going into 2019 you can't keep the New Year clean.
Proverbs 28:13  He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
 
II. Be cleansed from your sin.
1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
 exp. God alone has the power to cleanse the heart of mankind. We all need cleansing. However - the extent of your need for cleansing depends on whether God has ever cleaned you.
ill. Jesus washing the disciples feet in John 13:3  Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4  He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5  After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6  Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7  Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8  Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9  Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10  Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11  For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
exp. If Jesus does not cleanse you - YOU HAVE NO PART WITH HIM.
A. You must be cleansed initially.
exp.Judas needed to repent of his sin and get cleansed by God from his sin. (salvation, being born again, justification, receiving the atonement....) 
ill. Judas sadly never repented but took his sin to his grave. 
ill. The thief on the cross repented and put his faith in Jesus.
Luke 23:39  And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41  And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
app. God knows if we are all clean this morning or not. Judas had never had an initial cleansing.
B. You need to be cleansed continually.
exp. Peter just needed his feet washed. When you walk in the world - your feet get dirty.
1Jn 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
 app. It is pointless to speak about keeping the New Year clean if we are dirty. We must enter into 2019 with clean hands and clean hearts.
 
III. Take steps to make the same sin difficult or impossible.
Proverbs 22:3  A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
 exp. We are going to go back to an emphasis on sanctification. We sin after we got saved. We confess it and ask God's forgiveness. Now - it would be wise to be careful not to fail in the same way.
Ephesians 4:27  Neither give place to the devil.
quote: "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me."
 ill. Would you be suprised today for me to tell you that physical home security is important to me.
1.) I check the locks on my doors at night.
2.) We have a dog that lets us know when anyone is about our place.
3.) I let my kids have liberty (go to the park, etc) with caution about crossing the street - speaking with strangers, etc.
exp. Why do I do that - I want to keep my family physically safe.
app. Are you wise about you and your families spiritual safety? Are you locking the door to keep the devil out and to protect yourself?
1.) Sexual sin - you don't want to fail here once -  Don't be alone with an individual of the opposite sex.
2.) Pornography - Don't have unfiltered access to the internet, Don't have a tele, internet access in a place of privacy.
4.) Wicked music - Don't listen to radio with earbuds on and no accountability.
5.) Alcohol - Don't go to a pub. Don't take the first drink.
6.) Gossip - apologize and stay away from wagging tongues.
7.) Laziness - set an alarm and get out of bed.
 app. Don't complain about defeat (I just can't get victory) or expect God to understand your continual failure when you aren't doing anything to protect yourself from a repeat transgression.
 
IV. Get accountability for your sin. 
exp. Have someone ask you how you are doing and be prepared to be honest with them.
Proverbs 27:17  Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
ill. I saw headline this past week of a journalist who struggles with laziness. Apparently he has hooked up a cctv in his living room and hired strangers to watch him to make sure he works.
 exp. That is a bit extreme - but that accountability ought to help him.
app. Internet Accountability software - covenant eyes - sends a copy of all your searches to a friend - highlighting those that are questionable.
 app. If you are serious about victory - you take some serious steps. Praise God he has given us authorities in our lives (If they love the Lord) They naturally oversee us and keep us accountable if we are transparent with them.
 
V. Never give up and quit fighting against sin.
 exp. If we are going to live in victory - we must not give up and quit the spiritual race.
1 Corinthians 9:24  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
ill. I enjoy the benefits of running. Health, strength, etc. I don't know that I always enjoy running.
1.) Getting out of bed early.
2.) Running in the dark.
3.) Running in the cold.
4.) Running on frozen surfaces.
5.) Running when you don't feel well.
 exp. But, there are benefits to running and so I don't give up.
app. If you want spiritual health and strength - you must make every effort in this area of discipline of your flesh. Keep under your body and bring it into subjection - (DO NOT GIVE UP OR QUIT FIGHTING AGAINST SIN.) 
 
VI. Believe God for victory over sin.
1 Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
exp. Sin is comman to mankind. GOD IS FAITHFUL AND WILL NOT ALLOW ANYTHING BEYOND WHAT YOU BY HIS GRACE CAN HANDLE. He has a way of escape for you.
exp. Don't justify failure. "I can't suceed in this environment. I'm destined to fail. I deserve to sin."
ill. Joseph didn't say - I have a right to hate my brothers and God has delivered them into my hands.
Gen 50:20  But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
ill. David didn't say -  I have a right to hate Saul and God has delivered them into my hands.
1Sa 24:6  And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
1Sa 24:10  Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.
 ill. Daniel didn't say - I am imprisoned in Babylon and so I will eat the kings meat.
Dan 1:8  But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
 app. Purpose in your heart to OBEY GOD AT ALL COSTS. Believe him for complete victory.
 
VII. Humbly realize that you can sin.
exp. When you have a measure of success - do not begin to think that you are untouchable or that you can not fail where other man have failed.
Pro 16:18  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
ill. Satan fell from glory by pride.
Isa 14:14  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
 ill. In ministry God warns us not to put a young believer into ministry prematurely because he will self destruct with pride.
1Ti 3:6  Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil
question: Do you have the humility to realize that you only stand in victory by the grace of God?
Gal 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
app. Everything we have considered this morning shows us that we can not live in victory without God. (Therefor there is no place for pride.)  We are STILL without excuse because God will give us everything we need to live in victory.
 
conclusion: God has a fresh start before us this morning - the new year - 2019. Keep the New Year Clean.
 
How?
 
1.) Be honest about your sin.
2.) Be cleansed from your sin.
3.) Take steps to make the same sin difficult or impossible.
4.) Get accountability for your sin.
5.) Never give up or quit fighting against sin.
6.) Believe God for victory over sin.

Date: 20 December, 2018

Text: Topical

Title: Keep the New Year Clean

 

Introduction:

 

Have your kids ever made a really bad mess? You tried to child proof your home, but it isn't always possible to do that. 

 

ill. Coming home to find Benson and Kay Lee sitting on the kitchen island with blue ink all over their hands/ faces - looking very guilty. Benson has always enjoyed taking things apart and he had taken apart our ink jet printer. (I haven't had an ink jet printer for the last twelve years and this may have had something to do with it.) Katie was down on the new carpeted floor scrubbing with a look that warned me not to ask what happened.

 

The ink would not come off for several days and we told them that sin leaves stains that you can't hide and won't come off.

 

This week was have the privilige of entering into a new year. There are no sin stains on it yet. It is as they say, "A clean slate."

 

New beginnings are wonderful! I want to encourage you to KEEP THE NEW YEAR CLEAN!

 

1.) Keep it clean because God expects you to do so.

note: The Biblical term for this purity of heart is holiness or sanctification. 

(A holy life set apart for God.)

 ill. Paul challenged the church in Rome to live a holy life.

Romans 12:1-2

1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

exp. God wants you  in what you do and what you think to be HOLY.

 

 2.) Keep it clean because others have done so.

ill. The author of Hebrews as well (probably Paul) emphasized living a holy life.

note: 

Hebrews 12:

1  Wherefore seeing 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.

3  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

exp. Jesus lived a pure life because he FOUGHT AGAINST SIN. You won't be holy passively. Holiness is 

 

 3.) Keep it clean because it is vital to do so!

Ephesians 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 

My message this morning is topical. That means that we are looking at Bible truth about this topic. I would have you know that the majority of the Bible is about this topic.

Old Testament - 

Lev 11:44  For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy:

New Testament

Jas 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

 

And so - what you are going to get this morning - is more of a summary on some of what the Bible CAN TEACH US ABOUT KEEPING THE NEW YEAR CLEAN. Are you going to enter into 2019 with a plan for purity or not? Are you concerned about keeping your new year clean?

 

I. Be honest about your sin.

Proverbs 28:13  He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

ill. Mom saying goodnight to me while I shimmied up my doorway "Night momma" - She suspected something - came into my room - smelled burning rubber band. (I couldn't hide the smell of my transgression from my authority.) (Later I burned incense in the garage and was found out there as well.) 

 question: Why does our human heart think we can hide sin from God?

Jer 16:17  For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.

exp. Because God sees - God will judge. You will not get away with any sin.

Gal 6:7  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

A. Be honest - Do not make excuse. 

exp. We live in a day where nothing is your fault. Victim Mentality - Someone murders somebody and they make excuse - mental health, childhood problems, sugar intake, abuse, temporary insanity,...

ill. Jesus had great excuses to sin and yet he lived a holy life.

What excuse? He was hated unjustly, beaten unjustly, condemned unjustly, killed unjustly....

Isa 53:7  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

exp. He suceeded in being a righteous man despite having every excuse that you and I possess.

Note: God gives mankind no excuse for sin not even for sin's of their mouth.

Mat 12:36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

exp. But, they made me angry won't work - you sinned with your lips and you will pay for your transgression.

app. Don't justify your transgression and make excuse for sin.

B. Be honest - Do not hide your transgression.

 ill. Achan - Israel was to give everything taken at Jericho to God. Achan coveted after the things of God and stole them. 

Joshua 7:20  And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:

21  When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

exp. Achan thought he could hide his sin from God and he couldn't.

 note: If you think that this is just how God dealt with those who hide their sin in the OT - WHAT THEN OF ANANIAS AND SAPHIRA.

Acts 5:1  But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2  And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3  But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4  Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

5  And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

ill. King David messed up with sin and tried to hide it. God mercifully exposed it and David dealt with it - GOD WAS MERCIFUL TO DAVID.

Psalm 32:5  I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.

app. A clean year begins by dealing with sin. If you don't have a clean heart going into 2019 you can't keep the New Year clean.

Proverbs 28:13  He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

 

II. Be cleansed from your sin.

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 exp. God alone has the power to cleanse the heart of mankind. We all need cleansing. However - the extent of your need for cleansing depends on whether God has ever cleaned you.

ill. Jesus washing the disciples feet in John 13:3  Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

4  He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5  After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

6  Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7  Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8  Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

9  Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

10  Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

11  For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

exp. If Jesus does not cleanse you - YOU HAVE NO PART WITH HIM.

A. You must be cleansed initially.

exp.Judas needed to repent of his sin and get cleansed by God from his sin. (salvation, being born again, justification, receiving the atonement....) 

ill. Judas sadly never repented but took his sin to his grave. 

ill. The thief on the cross repented and put his faith in Jesus.

Luke 23:39  And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

40  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41  And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

42  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

43  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

app. God knows if we are all clean this morning or not. Judas had never had an initial cleansing.

B. You need to be cleansed continually.

exp. Peter just needed his feet washed. When you walk in the world - your feet get dirty.

1Jn 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

 app. It is pointless to speak about keeping the New Year clean if we are dirty. We must enter into 2019 with clean hands and clean hearts.

 

III. Take steps to make the same sin difficult or impossible.

Proverbs 22:3  A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

 exp. We are going to go back to an emphasis on sanctification. We sin after we got saved. We confess it and ask God's forgiveness. Now - it would be wise to be careful not to fail in the same way.

Ephesians 4:27  Neither give place to the devil.

quote: "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me."

 ill. Would you be suprised today for me to tell you that physical home security is important to me.

1.) I check the locks on my doors at night.

2.) We have a dog that lets us know when anyone is about our place.

3.) I let my kids have liberty (go to the park, etc) with caution about crossing the street - speaking with strangers, etc.

exp. Why do I do that - I want to keep my family physically safe.

app. Are you wise about you and your families spiritual safety? Are you locking the door to keep the devil out and to protect yourself?

1.) Sexual sin - you don't want to fail here once -  Don't be alone with an individual of the opposite sex.

2.) Pornography - Don't have unfiltered access to the internet, Don't have a tele, internet access in a place of privacy.

4.) Wicked music - Don't listen to radio with earbuds on and no accountability.

5.) Alcohol - Don't go to a pub. Don't take the first drink.

6.) Gossip - apologize and stay away from wagging tongues.

7.) Laziness - set an alarm and get out of bed.

 app. Don't complain about defeat (I just can't get victory) or expect God to understand your continual failure when you aren't doing anything to protect yourself from a repeat transgression.

 

IV. Get accountability for your sin. 

exp. Have someone ask you how you are doing and be prepared to be honest with them.

Proverbs 27:17  Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

ill. I saw headline this past week of a journalist who struggles with laziness. Apparently he has hooked up a cctv in his living room and hired strangers to watch him to make sure he works.

 exp. That is a bit extreme - but that accountability ought to help him.

app. Internet Accountability software - covenant eyes - sends a copy of all your searches to a friend - highlighting those that are questionable.

 app. If you are serious about victory - you take some serious steps. Praise God he has given us authorities in our lives (If they love the Lord) They naturally oversee us and keep us accountable if we are transparent with them.

 

V. Never give up and quit fighting against sin.

 exp. If we are going to live in victory - we must not give up and quit the spiritual race.

1 Corinthians 9:24  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

25  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

ill. I enjoy the benefits of running. Health, strength, etc. I don't know that I always enjoy running.

1.) Getting out of bed early.

2.) Running in the dark.

3.) Running in the cold.

4.) Running on frozen surfaces.

5.) Running when you don't feel well.

 exp. But, there are benefits to running and so I don't give up.

app. If you want spiritual health and strength - you must make every effort in this area of discipline of your flesh. Keep under your body and bring it into subjection - (DO NOT GIVE UP OR QUIT FIGHTING AGAINST SIN.) 

 

VI. Believe God for victory over sin.

1 Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

exp. Sin is comman to mankind. GOD IS FAITHFUL AND WILL NOT ALLOW ANYTHING BEYOND WHAT YOU BY HIS GRACE CAN HANDLE. He has a way of escape for you.

exp. Don't justify failure. "I can't suceed in this environment. I'm destined to fail. I deserve to sin."

ill. Joseph didn't say - I have a right to hate my brothers and God has delivered them into my hands.

Gen 50:20  But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

ill. David didn't say -  I have a right to hate Saul and God has delivered them into my hands.

1Sa 24:6  And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

1Sa 24:10  Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.

 ill. Daniel didn't say - I am imprisoned in Babylon and so I will eat the kings meat.

Dan 1:8  But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

 app. Purpose in your heart to OBEY GOD AT ALL COSTS. Believe him for complete victory.

 

VII. Humbly realize that you can sin.

exp. When you have a measure of success - do not begin to think that you are untouchable or that you can not fail where other man have failed.

Pro 16:18  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

ill. Satan fell from glory by pride.

Isa 14:14  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

 ill. In ministry God warns us not to put a young believer into ministry prematurely because he will self destruct with pride.

1Ti 3:6  Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil

question: Do you have the humility to realize that you only stand in victory by the grace of God?

Gal 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

app. Everything we have considered this morning shows us that we can not live in victory without God. (Therefor there is no place for pride.)  We are STILL without excuse because God will give us everything we need to live in victory.

 

conclusion: God has a fresh start before us this morning - the new year - 2019. Keep the New Year Clean.

 

How?

 

1.) Be honest about your sin.

2.) Be cleansed from your sin.

3.) Take steps to make the same sin difficult or impossible.

4.) Get accountability for your sin.

5.) Never give up or quit fighting against sin.

6.) Believe God for victory over sin.

 

7.) Humbly realize that you can sin.

7.) Humbly realize that you can sin.

 

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