“Breaking the Chains of Sin” Pt 1:
Ask someone to describe a battle taking place today and a variety of answers would be given. Some would say the war in the Middle East, another the daily political battles that just won’t go away, or war on our streets and the escalation of crime and violence including assaults.
All of those battles are real. I wish they weren’t, but they are. However, none of them are a battle I’m writing about today. I’m referring to a battle that’s very real and personal. A battle many people fight every day of their life. They hate it, they fight it, but often “give up” and go down in defeat much to their own dismay.
I’m talking about a “sin” or “sins” that is virtually ruining a persons’ life. They are in a situation and feel there’s no hope to get out of it or to conquer their vice. Proverbs 29:6 says, “An evil man is SNARED by his own sin.” To be snared means to be trapped, tempted, or lured to do something you don’t want to do. A snare is a trap used for catching birds or animals – typically one having a noose on the end of a wire or cord.
Prior to salvation one is at war with God. God has a set of plans for your life, and you have a set of desires that you enjoy. Consequently, this creates a battle – “God’s way or my way?” We’ve all heard this narrative over and over – “Name your enemy!” It’s said, unless you know who you’re fighting there will always be an uphill fight. This is also true in our spiritual life. Do you know who your enemy is?
Paul tells us, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against powers, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph 6:12). Note the word “against” is mentioned five times. People today talk about peace and how badly it’s needed, but so many do not know where it can be found. There will never be peace until a battle has been clearly won and there is a victor.
The Bible teaches us that Jesus defeated Satan when He died as our sacrifice for sin on the cross. Peace can be experienced, but it comes with a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Tomorrow this relationship will be explained along with several steps that must be taken to break the chains of sin before real peace becomes possible.
Pastor Carnes
