“But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.” – 1 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)
Many believers would smash that button beyond repair if there were any such button to press to end all kinds of sinful habits, urges or struggles. That’s because we are well aware of the feeling of shame and guilt that comes with anything sinful (Genesis 3:10). We are also aware of the frustration that comes with being overtaken by sin, even though the inward man desires to live righteously (Romans 7:24-25).
Is it not rather worrisome that cigarette packs boldly have “smokers are liable to die young” labels on them and yet many people still smoke multiple packs per day? How do we explain why a physician who instructs others to eat healthy also battles with poor eating habits?
Although we are often aware of the negative implications of some of our actions, we still struggle to refrain from them. However, we can overcome these struggles through God’s help, as man alone cannot defeat sin by his own efforts (Ephesians 2:8). God has shown us that the power to eradicate sin forever lies in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-5).
In many of Apostle Paul’s letters to the churches, we notice a pattern: even though they had moral flaws, he always emphasized their justification in Christ first (Romans 5: 8-9). We cannot live victoriously without being fully convinced of what God has done about sin through Christ Jesus. The body of sin has been destroyed (Romans 6:6, Colossians 3:3).
Dear Believer, you are not someone bound and trying to become free. You are already free!
Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfil the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). This is the practical prescription for victory over sin. Trying not to fulfil the desires of the flesh alone is futile, but by walking in the Spirit you will see sin fizzle out! In the same way it seems impossible to live above sin, it can become impossible to live in sin by a higher law of righteousness that is already at work in you (Romans 6:19, 8:2).
Akin to physical exercise, exercising unto godliness also takes consistency. You cannot expect drastic changes after only hitting the gym once. A righteous man may fall seven times, but he keeps rising again (Proverbs 24:16)! God has not given up on you because you’ve made mistakes. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentation 3:22-23).
Dear child of God, never fall for the devil’s lies to isolate yourself from the gathering of saints at low moments in your life (Hebrews 10:24-25). Keep at it! Be present in the believer’s gatherings, read and meditate on the word, and pray much more – this is how to exercise unto godliness.
Bible Reading Plan: Romans 7-8