12 Questions for Sinning Believers
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As followers of Jesus Christ, believers are called to a life of holiness and righteousness. The Bible is filled with verses that emphasize the importance of living a life free from sin after accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. In this article, we will explore 12 questions that challenge sinning believers to reflect on their professed belief in Jesus’ death, burial, and bodily resurrection and the salvation which He purchased for them with His own blood.
The purpose of this article is not to condemn those who practice sin while professing to follow Jesus Christ, but to encourage them to yield to God, who draws us to repent from sin, and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Repentance is not confined to a one-time event. It is simply any true change of heart, mind, or attitude, that includes a strong conviction to pursue righteousness or right-living.
What Does it Mean to be Set Apart?
The Bible instructs believers to be holy because God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). How do you interpret the concept of being set apart from the world in your daily life?
Are We Slaves to Sin or Righteousness?
Romans 6:18 states, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." How does your life reflect this freedom from sin, if you are still sinning?
Can a Saved Person Continue to Live in Sin?
In Romans 6:1-2, Paul asks, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" How do you reconcile God's grace with the call to live a life free from sin?
The Narrow Path: How Do You Navigate It?
Jesus speaks of the narrow path in Matthew 7:13-14. What steps are you taking to stay on this path, and how do you overcome the challenges that may lead you astray?
Is Confession and Repentance Essential for Believers?
1 John 1:9 assures us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. Do you practice confession and repentance, if you do sin? Or do you not feel convicted when you sin?
What Does it Mean to Walk in the Spirit?
Galatians 5:16 encourages believers to walk in the Spirit, avoiding the desires of the flesh. Do you actively pursue a life led by the Spirit, and what changes has this brought to your daily decisions?
The Transformation Process: Are You Growing in Holiness?
2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks of believers being transformed into the image of Christ. How do you perceive sanctification in your life, and could others testify of your transformation?
What Role Does Faith Play in Righteous Living?
Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes the importance of faith. Does your faith in Jesus Christ impact your ability to live a righteous life, trusting in His power to overcome sin?
How Do You Handle Temptation?
1 Corinthians 10:13 promises that God will provide a way out when we are tempted. Do you actively seek and follow the way out, avoiding the pitfalls of temptation in your life?
The Power of the Word: Is it Transforming You?
Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as living and active. In what ways is the Bible transforming your thoughts, actions, and character, leading you towards a life of righteousness?
Are You Bearing Fruit?
In John 15:8, Jesus urges believers to bear much fruit. Does your life reflect the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), demonstrating the transformative work of salvation?
Are You Motivated for Righteous Living?
Philippians 2:12-13 emphasizes the need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Are you motivated to pursue righteousness, and does this motivation shape your daily choices?
The sneaky deception of the devil is to get christians to believe either one of two lies:
It is impossible to stop sinning.
It is impossible to sin when you are saved.
They are two extremes at opposite ends of the spectrum.
These lies, if believed, draw many to stumble and depart from the Truth. If the devil convinces professing believers to believe they are always sinners forever, even after accepting the salvation of Christ, they will be deceived and feel powerless to overcome sin in their lives. In a cunning way, this deception breeds unbelief in the power of the Cross. However, the Lord provides an answer to this lie: “All things are possible to those who believe.” and “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” If you believe it is impossible to stop sinning, you may be overcome by sin and need to actually receive the salvation you have professed to believe in. When you truly believe, it is not by your own works, it is by the grace of God. His grace gives you divine power to overcome your sinful nature and desires. You must show your faith in God by practicing this overcoming power you have received, by denying your flesh and resisting temptations to sin. The Bible says in Revelation 2:26, “And to the one who overcomes and continues in My work until the end, I will give authority over the nations.”
On the other hand, if the devil convinces believers that it is impossible to sin when you are saved, then there leaves no room for repentance. Do not be deceived. Sin is a choice. We are not robots. We have free will to make choices in our lives. The devil has deceived some believers to think that even if they do sin, it is no longer called sin, or it doesn’t count against them, or there is no consequence for it, because they are in God. What does the Bible say? The Bible commands believers to STOP sinning. If it was impossible to stop sinning, why is it commanded? Oppositely, if it was impossible to sin as a believer, why are we commanded then to stop? Both of these lies are exposed by the fact that we are commanded to live holy lives and to stop sinning.
“‘Now go and sin no more.’” - John 8:11
“‘See, you have been made well. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you.’” - John 5:14
“‘If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!’” - Matthew 6:23
“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” - Proverbs 28:13
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” - Romans 12:1
Why did John say anyone who continues to live in Him (Jesus) will not sin, but anyone who keeps on sinning does not know Him or understand who He is?
“Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.” - 1 John 3:4-6
“Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.” - 1 John 3:7-10
If one doesn't believe they can stop sinning OR that it is impossible to sin once they become a Christian, then there leaves no room for repentance because of a seared conscience.
“But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.” - Romans 2:5
“You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.
When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.” - Romans 2:1-16
“With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” - Ephesians 4:17-24
“If you see a fellow believer sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death. We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.” - 1 John 5:16-18
We pray all readers who have believed either one of the two aforementioned lies of the devil are softened in their hearts and repent by the grace of God and His Holy Spirit. For it is the Spirit who draws one to repentance—a changed mind—the true circumcision of Romans 2:29.
Conclusion
Walking the narrow path and living a life free from sin is not just a suggestion for believers; it is a scriptural imperative. These 12 questions are designed to provoke thoughtful reflection on the biblical call to holiness and righteousness. Embracing the transformative power of salvation in Jesus Christ involves an ongoing commitment to walking in His ways, confessing and repenting if we fall short, and relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. May these questions inspire sinning believers to examine their hearts and strive for a life that reflects the righteousness of Christ.