When it comes to fighting sin, the same can be true. Many of us are floundering in poor choices; for years we've battled against the spiral of sin and temptation as though it were quicksand, but it keeps sucking us down. We keep struggling, but we can't seem to climb onto solid ground. In desperation we panic or lapse into spiritual exhaustion. It seems no matter what we try, we can't free ourselves, and it feels like we've reached the point where we can't fight anymore. We're an inch from giving up. But guess what?
You do not need to be swallowed in the quicksand of sin.
SURROUNDED, CLOTHED, SECURE, NEW
You have victory in Christ. This is not mere preacher-talk or church rhetoric. Jesus has already won. He's seated in the place of victory at the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2). When eternity unfolds, Jesus won't return to earth to fight sin again. He'll return as the ultimate victor. Because Jesus has already won the victory over sin, you have access to this victory too. You are freed from sin's quicksand by living in your new identity. Sin, temptation, and a poor thought life don't need to hold you down. The power to live freely comes from your close association with Christ and His victory.
To be clear, our battle isn't won because the pressure lifts from our lives or because our circumstances change. We've seen this all along in our study of Psalm 23:4–5. We will still walk through dark valleys throughout our entire lives. We will still sit at a table that's surrounded by enemies. The battle isn't won because the pressure lets up. No. The battle is won because of who walks with us through the dark valleys and who sits at the table with us when we're surrounded by troubles.
What does it mean to be associated with Christ and His victory? Let's unpack this concept. Second Corinthians 5:17 says we are "in Christ" and a "new creation," and Galatians 3:26–28 says we are "clothed" with Christ. It means that Jesus makes us brand new, and we're completely enfolded by the righteousness of Christ. Colossians 3:3 talks about how our lives are "hidden with Christ." Imagine a hidden room in a house, or a hidden pocket inside a coat. When something is hidden, it's both concealed and secure. Our brand-new righteousness isn't fleeting. It's protected and safe.
Train your mind and heart to believe that you are a new creation. Your righteousness is safe because of Christ.
There's more. Ephesians 2:6 says,
God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms.
That means we are united with Christ in victory. Since Christ was brought up from the grave, we are brought up together with Him also. We are that closely connected with Christ. Whatever Jesus has won, we have won also. God Almighty took on the form of a human who took the full weight of the world's sins on the cross. Jesus suffered and died and was raised to life again. That is what has won the battle. First Corinthians 15:57 says,
Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Train your mind and heart to see yourself as victorious in Christ.
When temptations threaten us, we first become free by changing our perspectives. Instead of floundering in the quicksand of sin and temptation for the rest of our lives, we change how we think. We take responsibility for what happens in our minds and say, "I am in Christ, and Christ is in me. I am a brand-new creation. Christ is the victor, and I can adopt a mindset that sees me walking in all the victory Jesus has won for me."
Your new mindset tells you that God is faithful. You remind yourself of this truth. You remind yourself and remind yourself again. That constant reminding begins to change the old patterns that led you to defeat. Sin is not the end of the story anymore. Your faithful God promised a way out of temptation. True to His promise, He provides the way out, so you can and will escape this temptation. You can walk through dark valleys, and you can sit in the presence of your enemies with a different way of thinking about what God has for you. First John 5:4 says,
Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world.
How do you refuse the Enemy a seat at your table? You must start from this place of identity. You remind yourself that Jesus has already won your struggle. And because you are joined with Him, something powerful has already happened. Whatever He has won, you have won. You are in Christ, and Christ is in you. Since Christ has victory, you have access to that victory right now. You're not fighting the battle against sin on your own strength. You're tapping into the huge, all-powerful engine of God's resurrection power (Philippians 3:10). This is that engine for change we hinted at earlier.
Maybe that sounds like a lot of theological rhetoric to get your mind around, but it really isn't complicated. It boils down to God's faithfulness. Let's look again at 1 Corinthians 10:13:
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (emphasis added)
It's that straightforward. Read the verse again. God is faithful.
When you rely on Him, He will provide a way out.
"What Happens If You Fall into Quicksand?," produced by What If?, in conjunction with Underknown and Ontario Creates, July 24, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYlZyO62V7A.
Excerpted with permission from Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio, copyright Louie Giglio.
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