I realize that I've been falling behind a little in getting these posted for the last couple of weeks - I'll try to get them out earlier going forward.

Text: Various

Introduction: Over the past few weeks, we've talked about how our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and how we need to live a Christian life.

Proposition or Thesis: But living a Christian life means avoiding sin.

Interrogative: So - how do you avoid sin?

Transition: First, we need to know what we are up against...

I. Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

1. If we are fighting against spiritual forces, why do we try to win with earthly strength? James 4:7a - Submit yourselves, then, to God.
2. Once we realize where the temptation comes from, we can defeat it! James 4:7b - Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
3. It is not too strong for us to overcome. 1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Transition: Now that we know what we're up against, how do we survive?

II. We have to use the weapons we are provided.

1. Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

2. Finally, we need to know that there is nothing new that is coming at us…no matter what our mind tells us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.

Transition: There are also some practical things that we can do to help us avoid sin

III. Avoid the things that lead you into temptation

1. "Lead us not into temptation"… but we need to do our part.
2. To Repent means not only to turn away from your sin, but to turn TO God.
3. Matthew 5:29 - If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
4. If you allow yourself to go back to the situations that cause you to stumble in the first place, you are more likely to fall than to lift those you know up. 

Conclusion: All of us face sin on a daily basis.

1. Once we determine where it is based (spiritual warfare) we know how to combat it. 
2. We must use the weapons that GOD provides - not our own strength
3. As we turn away from our sin, we must turn TO God...

Benediction:

“The LORD bless you,
and keep you;

The LORD make His face shine on you,
and be gracious to you;

The LORD lift up His countenance on you,
and give you peace.”