Session 8

Fighting Sin

From The Gospel: Five Words You Need to Know

READ:
                    
• Romans 7:21
• Ephesians 6:10–20 

“Therefore take up the whole armour of God...” —Ephesians 6:13
                    
There is a war going on, whether you realize it or not. As a believer, the sin that dwells inside of us has declared war on the Spirit of God that is living in us also. Our only choice is to make war on the sin that so desperately wants to destroy us. John Owen said it well, “Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.” By the Spirit of Jesus we must begin to put to death the deeds (the sin) of the body, so we might live. There are weapons that God has given us to win this war, namely God’s Word, continual prayer, and the body of Christ (each other). Meeting with your group and confessing sin to those around you is also a huge part of being able to fight sin! It is impossible to do life alone. Fighting is always easier in numbers. You’ve never seen an “army” of one person. So by reading God’s Word, listening for His voice, and practicing confession and repentance, we fight back against the sin that aims to kill us.
                    
RESPOND:
                    
• Are you living as though a war is going on? Are you putting up a fight?
• Where are some “battlefronts” in your life that sin is dominating right now? Where are some that you are winning?
• Has there been a time when you were fighting well against sin? What was effective? • Will you fight the good fight with those around you? James 5:16 says confessing sin and praying with one another brings healing! Don’t fight alone. Is there anything you need to share with your group?