Title: Born Again but Still Struggling: The Call to Victory over Sin.

Introduction

Many believers experience frustration when, after being born again, they continue to struggle with particular sinful behaviors. The question often arises: "If I'm saved, why do I still sin?" This sermon addresses the reality of that struggle while offering grace-filled yet uncompromising Biblical truths about overcoming sin through Christ.

Key Scripture

Romans 7:15-25 "For I do not understand my actions. I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate... Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

1. The Reality of the Struggle

• Romans 7:18-19: Paul, the apostle, openly admits his battle with sin. This is not to excuse sin but to highlight the ongoing tension between the flesh and the Spirit.

• Galatians 5:17: "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other..."

• Illustration: Imagine a tug-of-war between two opposing teams. When you become born again, the Spirit joins the struggle, pulling against the flesh. The difference now is that the Spirit empowers you to win.

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2. Why Does This Happen?

• Sanctification Is a Process:

  "And we all... are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" (2 Corinthians 3:18). Salvation happens instantly, but sanctification is ongoing.

• Residual Habits: Habits formed before Christ take time and intentional effort to overcome.

• Spiritual Warfare:

  "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities..." (Ephesians 6:12).

  Satan targets believers to discourage and tempt them to live defeated lives.

  
  

3. Biblical Solution: Walking in the Spirit

• Romans 8:13: "If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

  Victory requires actively depending on the Holy Spirit.

• Galatians 5:16: "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

  Walking in the Spirit involves prayer, Scripture meditation, and obedience.

• Illustration: A farmer plants seeds and must water and care for them. Without diligence, weeds overtake the crops. Similarly, feeding the Spirit daily through God's Word and prayer ensures spiritual growth.

  
  

4. Practical Steps to Overcome

1. Confession and Repentance:

   • 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."

   • Repentance doesn't just mean feeling sorry but turning away from sin and toward Christ.

2. Renew Your Mind:

   • Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind."

     Replace sinful thought patterns with God's truth.

3. Accountability:

   • James 5:16: "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed."

     Seek trusted, mature believers who will walk with you.

     
     

4. Cut Off Temptation:

   • Matthew 5:29-30: Jesus uses strong language about removing anything that causes you to sin. Eliminate triggers—environments, relationships, or habits—that lead to sinful behavior.

5. Persevere in Faith:

   • Philippians 1:6: "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion."

     Trust God's work in you and keep striving toward holiness.

     
     

5. The Grace and Power of the Cross

• 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

• God's grace empowers us to live in victory, not to excuse ongoing sin. The cross breaks the power of sin but requires our cooperation to live in obedience.

  
  

Illustration

Picture a man who has been released from prison but still carries his chains around. The prison doors are open, and he's free, but he must let go of the chains to walk in freedom. Christ has set you free, but you must walk out of the prison of sin and drop the chains of old habits.

Resources for Further Study

• Books:

  • "Victory Over the Darkness" by Neil T. Anderson

  • "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges

• Scriptures to Memorize: Romans 8:1-2, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 4:13

• Accountability Tools: Apps like Covenant Eyes for internet accountability.

  
  

Conclusion

The struggle with sin does not disqualify you from God's love or Salvation. It is a call to lean into His grace, walk in the Spirit, and grow in holiness. Christ has already won the victory, but it requires your active participation in living out that freedom.

Call to Action

• If a particular sin still binds you, come forward in prayer today. Confess it, surrender it, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you walk in freedom.

• Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Begin anew, trusting in His grace and power.

Let's pray together.