Sunday Sermons
Rule Over It
Rule Over It
When Cain decided not to offer what God commanded, in contrast to his brother Abel (Hebrews 11:4), and as a result was angry, God exhorted Cain that sin is like a wild animal that was just waiting to consume him (Genesis 4:7). Then Cain is told, "But you must master it" (4:7).
The Wild Beast
Many other passages warn us that sin is nothing to dabble in, rather, like cancer it can spread rapidly and completely overwhelm us (1 Corinthians 5:6; 2 Timothy 2:16-17). Thus we are extorted to take decisive and drastic measures with sin:
- "If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell" (Matthew 5:29).
- "Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with his passions and desires" (Galatians 5:24).
- "Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness" (2 Timothy 2:22).
- "Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9).
Practical Ways to Rule Over It
The good news is that God told Cain that he did not have to become the slave of sin, he did not have to become consumed, and getting the upper hand over sin was possible.
Meet Your Future Self
Too many people assume that in the future they will just naturally have more self-control than they seem to have now, therefore they don't have to work on it today. God was warning Cain in Genesis 4 about his future self. Cain ended up murdering his brother and as a result isolated from God and producing a line of unbelieving individuals. Is that what Cain really wanted for his future? So when you are tempted to do something wrong, really look at your future. Is that, and all the ramifications that come with it what you really want for your future?
- If we don't decisively choose to live for God, then sin will determine our future.
- Unfaithfulness always produces the same kind of future.
- A future always shows up even if we sit on the fence or think we can remain neutral.
- Remember the example of Ammon, the son of David who did not control his thoughts (Philippians 4:8) or guard his heart (Proverbs 4:23). He ended up raping his sister and then he was murdered (2 Samuel 13). He did not plan on becoming a monster, but since he did not plan on being righteous, since he did not flee from lust, put to death the old man, or pursue righteousness, by default he became a perverted individual. Remember, this young man was the son of king David, he was born into a royal family, he had some of the genetics of the amazing David in him, he lived in a nation that talked a lot about God and was surrounded by good influences. Yet, he became a monster. So never lie to yourself and say, "I come from a good family, good genetics flow through me, I am really smart, therefore, I can handle life without God".
Don't Believe Everything You Think
There are many false, deceptive and misleading thoughts that flow through the minds of every human being, including Christians. Paul encouraged us to only dwell on what is true (Philippians 4:8). Just because a thought arises in your mind, does not mean it is wise or valid (Jeremiah 10:23). If you are tempted to think, “No one cares about me”, realize that such a thought isn’t true. God loves you more than you realize (John 3:16).
Revoke Your License
It is so easy to lie to ourselves and convince ourselves that because of certain extenuating circumstances that sin is allowable in this situation. We might be tempted to say to ourselves, “You are hurting, you are sad, you have been wronged, you are discouraged, you have been working really hard lately”, and therefore we are justified in sinning. We need to revoke that license we have given ourselves. Rebellion to God is never justified, no matter what the situation (Revelation 2:10). If we are tempted to feel sorry for ourselves we have lost our focus, which is supposed to be on Jesus. Remember what the following Christians were told:
- “For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:3-4).
Strengthen Your Immune System
The way we strengthen our spiritual immune system involves among other essentials, regular study and spending time in the word of God (Psalm 119:11), praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and spending time with other Christians (Hebrews 10:24). In reading this last verse we need to remember that while battling sin is a very individual matter, it is also a group project on a certain level. Being around strong people helps me to be strong (1 Thessalonians 5:11-14; Hebrews 3:12-13; 12:12; Galatians 6:2). On a practical level self-control is something which is a lot easier to catch in a sense by surrounding yourself with good influences.
Surf The Urge
Next time you are tempted, don't just give in or give up, surf the urge, determine to outlast the desire to sin. Remember when Jesus resisted the Devil, the Devil left Him (Matthew 4:11). We are told the a similar thing, if we resist the Devil he will flee from us (James 4:7). Back in Genesis 4:7 Cain was being told that a way of escape existed, a way in which he would be feeling better soon. Never forget that in any temptation a way of escape exists, a way of feel better about ourselves, a way to come out of the temptation without sinning and to exit the temptation in a stronger condition (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Track Your Choices
If a temptation has beaten you many times in the past truly consider how you ended up there and what were the results. Did you put up a fight or did you roll over. Did many little unwise choices ended in yielding? Did you carefully watch over your soul, or did you shot yourself in the foot? (Romans 13:14). If you yielded to temptation, what was the result? Did it deliver as promised, or did you feel terrible?
Track the Choices of Others: Hebrews 13:7; James 5:11
If you are tempted to go down a certain path, carefully consider what has happened to others who took that same route. If you are becoming rather lax in prayer, bible study, or attendance, what has happened in the lives of others who made those choices? Did it end well? Where are they today? Would you like to trade places with them? Do you admire them? Do you wish you had the life they are presently living?
Do Not Cheat Yourself
God offers us forgiveness, a relationship with Him, hope, love, meaning, purpose, peace, contentment, and so many other things, not to mention an eternity of bliss with Him (Romans 8:18). So why would you deny yourself such things? Paul exhorted the Christians in Colossae, “Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize” (Colossians 2:17). So do not let anyone else “rob” you of your opportunity to enjoy a great life here and an amazing eternity. Remember, when we yield to sin, when we don’t pursue righteousness, the main person we are hurting is ourselves, and the hurt is not merely for the moment, the hurt can last for an eternity (Proverbs 5:9-14).
Be Honest About You
You are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), so how can living apart from Him bring any real fulfillment or happiness?
Mark Dunagan | mdunagan@frontier.net
Beaverton Church of Christ | 503-644-9017
www.beavertonchurchofchrist.net
