Overcoming Sin (was: Re: Marriage.)

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Dee Goepel wrote:
 
> > Dee wrote:
> > >By our human nature we cannot remain sinless.
> > >Through the strength of Christ we can come as close to
> > >it as possible, but *all* fall short.  That's just the
> > >way we are.

> It probably not too clear from my sentence above, but
> when I said "By our human nature we cannot remain
> sinless", I did realize that by the strength of God
> we can.  It is possible, though I wonder how many
> attain it. 

It is God's will to remain sinless by reliance upon Him.
Many never make it due to lack of understanding
Romans' teachings, for example, since Romans
explains why we fail.  For instance not many realize
that we are not only delivered from SIN but also LAw.  Many
try making themselves live holy through will power and 
are actually caught up in  personal form of legalism.

> Nevertheless, it should always we our persuit
> and God will come to our aid so that we may overcome.
> However, it is also true that *all* fall short.  

We fall short UNTIL we learn how to live above sin through faith.

> Jesus
> was the only perfect man.  I don't believe there have
> been any since.  But I do believe that once someone
> comes to Christ, it is possible to remain sinless from
> that point on.  Otherwise, why would God command it?

Exactly.  And we need to search out the means to live it.


> Agreed, this is what I meant to express by "Through the strength
> of Christ we can come as close to it as possible,".  Certainly,
> through God, it is possibe to win the battle against sin.

Right!  Not just "as close as possible".  It IS possible.

> 1 Cor 10:13 For no temptation has overtaken you except what is
> common to man and God is faithful, who will not allow you to
> be tempted beyond what you are able, but with temptation will
> provide a way of escape that you may be able to endure.
> 
> God doesn't give us more than we can handle.  So there is no
> excuse for sin, but that doesn't mean that we are perfect.

When Hebrews 6 says we must go on unto perfection it means
"maturity".  FULL growth.  And full growth is life above sin.



-- 
In Christ,
Mike Blume
mfblume@ns.sympatico.ca
http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/mfblume/mblume.htm