When Your Plan for Killing Sin Isn’t Working Anymore

Pen and journal in hand, I was ready to crush this sin once and for all. I had laid out a step-by-step plan detailing how I would smother my depravity and finally deal it a death blow. I was serious now, and I had decided I would have victory over this sin this week. Eventually, I reasoned, I would never struggle with it again. I was resolved. I was passionate.

Many of us know this empowered feeling. Many of us also know the crushing defeat when the same sin continues to tempt and sway us. I am well acquainted with the doubt that follows when a sin persists. “Maybe I’m not truly saved. Maybe I’m not seeing victory over this sin because I’m still a nonbeliever. Maybe God isn’t with me. Maybe he’s disappointed that I have yet to get myself together in this area. Maybe he’s turned his face away from me once and for all.”

Burdened brothers and sisters, we can’t sanctify ourselves. Along with the apostle Paul, I gently ask you (and myself): having begun by the Spirit, do we believe we’re now being perfected by our own strength (Gal. 3:3)?

While it is good to pursue holiness, at the end of the day we must know that it is the Spirit—not our plans, works, obedience, or Bible memorization—who sanctifies us.

Read the rest of this article on Gospel-Centered Discipleship.