Introduction: The Fight That Shows Your Faith

Here at bornagainchristians.org, we grow in faith together, whether you are new to Jesus or a longtime believer! Today, we’re diving into a battle every Christian faces: wrestling with sin. This powerful truth sums it up: A true believer wrestles with sin, not out of defeat, but out of a desire to grow closer to God.

I know some of you, that sin feels like a habit they can’t break, it is like an addiction. I tell you, I have been there with alcoholism, and I’ll share how God broke those chains. This journey, known as sanctification, is about experiencing freedom and drawing near to God. Let’s get started!

Habitual Sin: The War That Feels Unwinnable

Ever feel trapped by the same sin, under the cosh, like it’s wired into you? That’s habitual sin, compulsive behaviours like addiction, anger, or lust that keep pulling you back. I know this fight. I came to Christ as a kid, but in my younger years in Scotland, I fell into alcoholism, swept up in pub culture. The pull of drink felt unbreakable, yet I kept praying, crying out to God.

The Apostle Paul knew this battle: “For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me” (Romans 7:15-17 NKJV). Paul’s confession is a struggle we all face, wanting to please God but stumbling into sin. It’s a tug-of-war inside us. The Holy Spirit in our hearts loves God’s truth and pulls us toward good, but our sinful nature fights back, dragging us toward wrong. This war proves our faith is alive, pushing us to cling to Jesus.

New believers, if you’re stuck in a sin like this, it shows the Holy Spirit’s fighting for you (Galatians 5:17). Seasoned believers, this battle shows your faith is real, not like those at peace with sin (1 John 1:6).

Why Habitual Sin Feels So Strong

Habitual sin feels like a chain, woven into our habits, emotions, or places, like pubs were for me. It’s not just a choice; it’s a trap. But God sees our struggle. Psalm 34:17-19 (NKJV) says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves those who have a contrite spirit.” This echoes Psalm 34:6, where a desperate cry reached God’s ears.

He heard my prayers in those dark pub nights. His nearness wraps us in comfort, strengthening us to break sin’s grip. God wasn’t just managing my sin; He was transforming my heart through sanctification, making me want Him more than alcohol.

Sanctification: God’s Way to Freedom

Sanctification isn’t about “managing” sin, it’s God reshaping us to be like Jesus. New believers, it’s like growing up spiritually, step by step. Seasoned believers, it’s God’s ongoing work in us.

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) says, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” God started this work when Christ died for us, and we first believed. Now, the Holy Spirit lives in us, shaping us daily to reflect Jesus more, until we meet Him face-to-face. That’s sanctification. For me, this meant God breaking alcohol’s hold, turning my heart toward Him.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV) says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Paul urges us not to mimic the world’s selfish ways, which often lead to corruption. Instead, let God rewire your thoughts to align with His will, setting you free from sin’s pull.

God broke the bondage of alcohol for me, not because I was strong, but because His Spirit changed my desires. If you’re trapped in habitual sin, don’t lose hope. God’s grace is stronger than any chain.

The Goal: Closer to God

Every fight with sin, habitual or not, draws you closer to God when you lean on Him. Psalm 37:4 (NKJV) says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

In Psalm 37:1-4, the psalmist urges us not to fret when evil seems to win. Instead, trust God patiently, depend on Him fully, and find joy in knowing Him. When our hearts delight in the Lord, our desires align with His, and He fulfils them. For me, fighting alcoholism meant learning to crave God more than drink, a step closer to Him with every battle.

New believers, God will change what you want as you follow Him. Seasoned believers, keep pressing toward Jesus, knowing we’ll one day be fully like Him (1 John 3:2). My freedom from alcohol came through wrestling, praying, and trusting God.

Each step was a move toward Him.

Four Steps to Break Free and Grow

If you’re battling habitual sin, here’s how to fight and grow:

• Abide Deeply in Jesus: Build a deep connection with Jesus through daily Bible reading and a solid devotional. Start with a verse or chapter, like Psalm 119:11 (NKJV): “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” New believers, try a simple devotional like Our Daily Bread or My Utmost for His Highest to guide you. Seasoned believers, dig into a book like John or Romans to hear God’s voice clearly. This kept me anchored when alcohol pulled hard.
• Confess and Turn: Don’t hide sin, confess it to God and turn back (1 John 1:9). I did this over and over, and God was faithful.
• Lean on Community: Share your struggle with trusted believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). Find someone to pray with you, it’s a game-changer.
• Join a Bible-Teaching Church: Plug into a church that teaches God’s Word, not entertainment.

If you’re in Glasgow, come to Vizion Church Glasgow, where I worship and sometimes share at Bible studies. A church family helps you grow, like brothers and sisters cheering you on.

Conclusion: Your Fight Has a Purpose

Whether it’s alcohol, like my story, or another habitual sin, your struggle shows your faith is real. Sanctification means God’s making you more like Jesus, breaking chains through His grace.

New believers, take heart, God’s with you. Seasoned believers, keep running the race.

Visit bornagainchristians.org or check our sermons on SermonAudio to share your story and grow with us.

Join a Bible-teaching church like Vizion Church Glasgow, and let’s draw closer to Jesus together until we see Him face-to-face!