There was a time in my life when I wrestled with a specific sin in my life. I struggled, and even personally, I won’t know when I commit the same sin I struggle to stop. I keep fighting this sin but in the end, I see myself committing the same sin repeatedly. Also, my younger sister, after she was preached to, decided to burn all her attachments based on her convictions and said it was of the devil that she wouldn’t use them any longer. In like a week, I saw her get new ones and started using them again. Very funny right? It shows that spiritual battles cannot be fought with physical means alone; they require total reliance on God through prayer, faith, and surrender to the Holy Spirit. To stop that sin, you need to rely on the Holy Spirit.
Luke 9:62 (NIV) underscores the importance of focusing on what lies ahead when following Jesus: “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” This verse highlights the need for commitment and determination in our walk with Christ. It warns against being distracted by past ties or regrets that could hinder our progress. Instead, it calls us to keep our eyes on the goal—serving God faithfully and purposefully without turning back to the sins or habits that once held us captive. A forward focus is crucial for spiritual growth and effectiveness in His kingdom.
I wonder why Paul still struggles with sin even after personal conviction. The scripture that reflects Paul’s struggle with doing what he planned not to do is found in Romans 7:15-20 (NIV). Here’s a portion of the passage:
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing."
This passage highlights Paul’s internal conflict between his desire to live a righteous life and the influence of sin in his human nature. It reflects the universal struggle believers face in their pursuit of holiness while wrestling with their sinful tendencies. It also illustrates that conviction leads to transformation, some believers still wrestle with sin and must continually rely on God’s strength to overcome it. There is this classical song we sing in church. It says:
Don’t turn around to the things you have left behind,
All those bridges you have burnt don’t try to find,
Set your face like a flint and work right unto the promised land,
Don’t turn around to the things you have left behind.
The song encourages believers not to dwell on past sins, mistakes, or regrets. It reminds us to keep our focus on the future—moving forward towards God’s promise and purpose for our lives. By not turning back to old ways or sins, we are called to stay committed and steadfast, setting our face towards the goal without being distracted by the past.
To avoid turning back to the sins you have left behind, it is essential to take intentional steps rooted in God’s Word and His guidance:
- Renew Your Mind Daily
Transformation begins with a renewed mind. Immerse yourself in God’s Word, allowing His truth to reshape your thoughts, desires, and actions. This process helps break sin's power and aligns your life with God’s will. As Scripture says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2 NIV). Daily renewal equips you to resist worldly influences and stay focused on righteousness.
- Rely on the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is your helper in overcoming temptation and walking in holiness. By surrendering to His guidance, you gain strength to resist sinful desires. Paul reminds us, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit empowers you to live victoriously, providing the wisdom and conviction needed to avoid old patterns.
- Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Fixing your focus on Jesus anchors your faith and keeps your purpose clear. He provides strength and direction amid challenges. "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2) ensures you remain steadfast, avoiding distractions and staying on the righteous path.
Conclusively, as believers, we are constantly called to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and not to turn back to the things we have left behind. This requires a deep reliance on God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The struggle is real like Paul’s internal conflict in Romans chapter 7 between our desire to do good and the sinful nature that seeks to draw us back. However, through daily renewal of our minds, allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us, and focusing on Jesus, we can overcome the past and press forward into the promise of a transformed life.
ACTION POINT
Remember, Luke 9:62 reminds us that we are not fit for service if we keep looking back. So set your face like a flint towards God’s promises, the constant renewal of your mind and do not turn around. Through His strength, we can break free from old patterns and live out the victory found in Christ, fully embracing the new life He offers.
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