an appeal for help - identity in Christ

Right now I am in a very Romans 7 stage in my walk with Christ, and it has got me very confused.

"We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do... 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... For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

I believe I am in the middle of a Galatians 5 war between the flesh and the Spirit. My confusion comes after I fail to walk by the Spirit and instead willingly and knowingly gratify the desires of the flesh. I begin to doubt my identity in Christ. Why do I willingly sin against my coming King Jesus? Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). Do I not love Jesus?

My shame and confusion have lead me to ask God the Trinity for forgiveness over and over for days, months, even years. Each time I ask for forgiveness I also pray that this time would be a true repentance, that I would "go now and leave [my] life of sin" (John 8:11 NIV). I believe the advocate - the Holy Spirit - lives in me because He convicts me of my sin, and I have asked Jesus to be my Savior. I was baptized and I declared my wish that my life belong to Jesus. I understood everything I said and implied, so why do I still struggle with this? Why do I sometimes fail to treat my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit?

I suspect I have believed one or many lies, so I ask for help. Can anyone offer guidance or advice on what to do?

Please do not hold back. This is my soul we're talking about here! I understand you are coming from a place of love so I do not discredit anything you say. I am proud (another struggle), but not so proud that I think I have all the answers.

Thank you all.

Well someone once said that sin was meeting legitimate needs in an illegitimate way, so I'm going to encourage you to think about what is the need that the sin promises to meet and what actually happens to show that promise is / was a lie.

A good (but tragic) Bible example was King Jeroboam who after God fulfilled a promise to make him king out of 10 out of 12 tribes of Israel, believed that he would be in danger of losing his kingdom if he let his people go worship God in the temple down in Jerusalem (which was located in the other king's kingdom). And believing that he resurrected golden calf worship and God was furious about it and made a new promise: that instead of securing the kingdom for his descendants like he thought he was, Jereboam's descendants would be completely wiped out. Sin promised to secure his kingdom, but instead put him at odds with God who gave him the kingdom in the first place. (This is not to say that God is planning to wipe you out for your sin, but that what sin promises is a lie that it cannot deliver on, best you'll ever get is a cheap imitation).

have you put sin to death, as it were

Jesus was crucified...for our sins. I guess this is where you really look at what Jesus did on the cross for you..and what it cost Him.

Even the disciples didnt really believe Jesus when he said he was going to DIE, they thought everything was hunky dory and they would just fly up to heaven on chariots or whatever, without any actual marytring involved...

Welcome to the dilemma that every Christian goes through. There is way too much emphasis on sin. The real problem is "I". We have a self problem as well as a sin problem. Christians know that they are supposed to overcome sin, but how do you overcome who you are? The answer is found at Calvary, in the cross. We need to know that the self that gives us so much trouble has already been crucified with Christ. The reason we do not experience this is because we do not believe it. Somewhere along the line, the penny has to drop and we agree with God. Some see this sooner than others and some never see it. It can become like a treadmill, sin, confess, repent, sin, repent, confess......

While we try to live the life that God demands, we will fail. God's ways are so far above ours that He expects nothing from us. The blood of Christ pays for sin while the cross of Christ deals with the root of sin. I like to work in the garden. I know that there is no point just cutting weeds off above the ground. They have to be pulled out by the roots. Lord Jesus said that the axe is used on the root of the tree. Most Christians think that plucking the fruit off will do the job. No, the fruit just grows back. See yourself crucified with Christ. This is what has actually happened.

Lord Jesus did not stay dead and neither do we. Lord Jesus rose from the dead with a new body. He was made sin for us, so all the sin of all mankind is buried. When we accept this, it becomes real in our experience. It's like money in the bank, it is of no use until we draw it out. In the same way, when Lord Jesus rose from the dead, so did we. Galatians 2:20 is the summary of this. It is one of the best known and least understood verses in the Bible.

What now? Well, Lord Jesus came that we might have life. We may say that we are already alive. Not so, we are born dead in trespass in sin. The cross removes our old, dead spirit and resurrection gives us a new, live spirit. Even so, we may not realise that God has not finished with us yet. You remember the Garden of Eden, with its two trees. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil appeals to the soul, which is why so many Christians are obsessed with this principle. Read through the OSAS nonsense if you doubt this. What we must do is "feed" from the tree of life, who is in reality the Lord Jesus. He is the Living Word, the Bread of Heaven, the spiritual food that nourishes the real "me", which is now the born again spirit. God's people are still destroyed because of their lack of knowledge. That is the Romans 7 experience. Most Christian can repeat, "By grace are you saved...." Absolutely true. Yet I never hear people say that we are saved by His Life. Saved is better rendered "delivered" in this context. Where did I get this from? Romans 5:10

About 25 years ago, I pestered Lord Jesus with a question. Why are Christians so easily deceived? The answer was entirely unexpected. "They know Me as The Way. They know Me as The Truth. They do not know Me as The Life". As if to confirm this, a message a Sunday or two later was on John 14:6. The preacher was a good Baptist and timed it to exactly 30 minutes. 29 minutes were devoted to Jesus as the Way. A minute was devoted to Jesus the Truth. The last few words were "And of course, Jesus is the Life." As if it did not matter.

I started praying, "Lord Jesus, feel free to live out your life in me, through me and in place of what was there before I was born again." That is a request that He will answer as it is why He came in the first place. Birds fly because they have bird life. They do not study aeronautics, they do not learn navigation, no one teaches them how to build a nest. It's all within the bird. So it is with those who are born again. Jesus lives in us. All we have to do is allow Him to live through us.

I have been in your shoes, and I appreciate your appeal for help. You have already cited the solution, that of walking by the Spirit so as not to fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Put this together with what Jesus said in Luke 9:23 (cited below) and love him like you mentioned, i.e., keeping his commandments.

Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me."

You may also find the video below helpful.

Romans 7:15-20

15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 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. 19 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. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.


And this comes from the guy that wrote most of the NT.

Dear NFH, The answer is always in scripture--take comfort in knowing "We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

The scripture says , "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."--Galatians 5:16

At the moment of temptation KNOW that God has made a way of escape--a simple decision to NOT give in can be very powerful.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13.

The Practical:
Pray DAILY. Make it a habit. Ask to be able to SURRENDER ALL. Ask God to take the temptation away and make it abdominal to you.
Be aware of WHEN you are tempted to sin and make provision during that time-is it bedtime? Listen to scriptures as you lie in bed. Read bible before you go to sleep. Are you lonely, bored, frustrated--find something to DO that is POSITiVE---a hobby or just cleaning out a drawer or going for a walk. Watching or listening to something spiritual on the topic of temptation. "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Get accountability--have a brother or sister in Christ who you can share your struggle with. Find a support group.
If it is related to the internet, put blocks on it.

Dear Father, I pray for this brother or sister in Christ--for all of us who have besetting sins--I pray for your miraculous deliverance--that you would give us all the power to not give into temptation that causes us to sin and would 'deliver us from temptation'--let us glorify you in all we do. In your Son's name --amen.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and love.

Some time ago I believe the Holy Spirit revealed to me that sin is a lie, both in general and in regard to my situation. That truth has helped me a great deal, I believe. It has made me hate sin for enslaving me and putting me in rebellion against God the Trinity.


What does it mean to put sin to death? Does it mean to sin no longer? I believe that I can do all things but only through Christ who gives me strength. One of my prayers is that Christ would give me strength to resist temptation and strength to call His name in times of trouble and above all to accept his strength when he offers it.
I know I am selfish and prideful and am not appreciative enough of what Christ did for me. I pray for humility before God and before my fellow humans.

Thank you, this is very good advice for how to fight spiritual warfare. One of my prayers is that Christ would give me strength to stay disciplined in prayer especially when I'm tired or have given up. Joining this chat site was a strategy I took to keep fighting and to keep my mind on heavenly things above when I am tempted. I also hope and pray that opening up on this site will be a stepping stone to overcoming my pride and shame so that I can do the same with my brothers in Christ who I see in person and seek healing that way. Thank you for your prayer.

The image of this part of my life having been crucified with Christ is an interesting one and something I may have to think more about. I would say that it is easier to believe some times and hard to believe at others. For example, it is easy to believe in times like right now when I am seeking the Holy Spirit's presence and my sin is far enough in the past that I can forgive myself. Then after I give in to temptation I wonder how it's possible that that part of my life was crucified if I just sinned again.

Is it possible for Christians to live perfectly in Christ free from sin? What do I do if I sin again in the future?
If I didn't quote your response that doesn't mean I am not thankful or that I won't quote it in my next post, however, it is very late and I am very tired. I am home from school this weekend so I will run my thoughts by my pastor tomorrow as well.

It says in the NT When you are tempted God provides a way to avoid sinning.

Every Christian sins. Apply II Peter 1

Turn off the TV and dump Cable. Instead listen to praise music and listen to the Bible on CD.

Walking in the Spirit, I choose to pray for that every wakening hour.

Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit every time you are tempted.

Feed on spiritual things and starve the flesh.

Avoid music that advocates sinning.

Does anyone know where I can get free speakers and related computer card?

I am going to give you some tried and true advice. Forget what you’ve learned and hold to this and be free from sin. First an illustration: Two people go to an all you can eat buffet. One is a fat dude who is on a diet and the other is an Olympic athlete. The fat dude is looking at all of the tasty crap loaded in sugar and fat, completely tempted. He thinks well, maybe just one piece. Then he takes another. By the time he leaves he’s completely gorged himself on the very crap he was FOCUSED on, trying to avoid. The very thing I do not want to do, I do. The athlete on the other hand sees the same food, yet FOCUSES on the salads and lean meats. His potions are appropriate and leaves feeling well nourished. The fat dude says to the Olympian, “How do you have such self control?” He replies, “I’m an athlete and athletes don’t eat that crap.”

Here’s the point. The fat dude’s identity was that he was a fat dude trying not to binge. Because he sees himself that way, his actions do not betray him. Even if he drives by that buffet, throws a lock on the fridge, has a support group and prays about it, he still sees himself as a fat dude and will remain fat. Even if the athlete gets in a car accident, loses a limb, he will still find a competitive sport to excel in, because he is an athlete.

Belief transcends everything. An idiot in a trailer park could win the lottery and in a year be in debt back in that trailer park. He sees himself as a poor guy, and no matter the wealth, his life is a manifestation of his belief. A rich guy can go bankrupt three times and still succeed because he sees himself as a success, regardless of past failures.

When some idiot tells you, you are a sinner and that you will continue to sin and you believe it, then self mastery will escape you. Listen and understand, then overcome the flesh. You are a CHILD OF GOD. You are a BRANCH grafted to the VINE. You are a member in the BODY of CHRIST. As CHRIST is sinless, because you are in Him, you are sinless. Change your FOCUS. You aren’t supposed to be thinking about all of the temptations to avoid. As soon as you do, you FOCUS on them and are tempted.

Serotonin and dopamine cause addiction. When you stop satisfying the addiction, the temptation subsides.
FOCUS on the things of the Spirit, then you can’t sin. Change your identity, change your path.

https://kristinebolt.com/important-but-forgotten-traits-who-i-am-in-christ-list/

WHO I AM IN CHRIST
ORIGINALLY COMPILED BY NEIL ANDERSON
I AM ACCEPTED...
John 1:12 I am God's child.
John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified (declared righteous).
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
I AM SECURE...
Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be
separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

I AM SIGNIFICANT...
John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
https://vintagelawrence.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ANDERSON_WhoIAmInChrist.pdf

Even among men I'm not a smart man. Ask any teacher I sat in front of. But occasionally someone says a thing that is so succinctly profound and deeply fundamental that it's worth clearing out some rubble in my brain and finding some space to save. A place with boundaries so it's well remembered.

I guess I'd encourage the OP to choose to include all these fine examples in this thread if you wish, but reserve a spot for the above quote especially.

Beware of the people on this thread who advise you that sin is not important. Jesus will save the repentant sinner. Keep in mind that a repentant sinner is one who is sorry for their sins and turns away from them. And sometimes the struggle of repentance may take years before we can vanquish the evil within us. And, make no mistake, unrepentant sin can lead to hell.

Read these verses from the Bible that connect your sin with a destiny in hell.

Mark 9:42 – Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

Matthew 5:21-22 – You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

Matthew 5:27-29 – You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.

Galatians 5:19-21 – Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Revelation 21:8 – But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Sin is serious, its wages are an eternity of death in hell. The good news is Jesus Christ is the one who holds the keys to Death and Hell. Jesus says, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hell (Revelation 1:17-18). Jesus lived the perfect life for you, died on the cross for you and rose from the dead to prove his triumph over sin, death and hell! You must be born again to see and enter the kingdom of God. Jesus calls you to repent and believe the good news! With true repentance, there is forgiveness of sin, reconciliation from God and escape from hell.

read to here

Watch. I believe this will help you very much: