How to Overcome Sin

 Transcribed by AI

The Window of Light programme aims to illuminate your homes. Hello, dear friends, we thank God that we can connect with you again through this programme, and we are grateful for your presence as you watch this show. Let’s talk about a very important topic today. Brother Rasul, please share your thoughts on sin.

This is a very important subject. First of all, I would like to greet you and it is a source of pride and joy for me that today I am here with my dear brother Khalil, serving you. One of the central topics of the Bible is the issue of sin, and we need to understand that the word “sin” is translated into Persian in the Bible, using a term that appears in the original languages of the Bible, both Hebrew and Greek. In our translation, we refer to it as sin. The Bible addresses five terms related to this concept: one is error, another is missing the mark, and there are also selfishness, rebellion, and corruption. Collectively, these terms encompass the topic of sin throughout the Bible, and each of these manifests itself in our behaviours throughout history, as recorded in the Bible. The Bible discusses these subjects extensively, and this, in a way, defines the nature of sin and the mistakes and errors that arise from it. Each of these five topics has consequences that are very significant. We should be aware of the results of our actions and behaviours, as the Bible continues to strive to provide us with solutions regarding sin, which is vital for our lives. Our salvation depends on finding a solution to this issue of sin and the consequences it brings. Sin has severed our relationship with God. One of the most devastating and painful events that occurred after sin entered the world is the disruption of our relationship with God. The nature of sin has infiltrated our lives, meaning that this nature has been passed down from generation to generation, and it resides within us. It affects our bodies. It is important to understand that we have both a spirit and a body, and both aspects encompass our spirituality and influence our environment. The entire environment of our lives, as the Word of God says, is cursed, and sin brings these under a curse and affects our surroundings. It also entails eternal punishment, which includes our eternal separation from God. These are the results we will discuss later. Thank you, Brother Rasul, for explaining so well the nature and essence of sin. Dear friends, every sin that arises in our lives today impacts our bodies, our spirits, our minds, and our communities, and it has very serious and dire consequences.

For this reason, many friends ask why there is always conflict, killing, bloodshed, and destruction in this world. This is all the result of sin. Sin is like a cancer that runs rampant in humanity. One of our viewers has asked how, as a new believer, they can overcome sin. This friend has realised how grave the consequences of sin are, both in this world and in the afterlife, where sin determines our destiny. This friend has recognised this issue and has asked us for advice on how they can overcome sin. We noted here that in this earthly life we cannot live completely free from sin without the strength of God. The God who gives us life empowers us. He provides the strength and power we need to resist the temptations of life, including pride and arrogance, so that we do not fall into sin. And indeed, we all have sinned. The entire world, all of humanity, carries sin. The Word of God states in the first epistle of John, chapter one, verse eight, that if we say we are without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. This means that if someone claims to be without sin, they are mistaken; we all have sin within us. But let’s consider what our friend has asked: how can we overcome sin?

Yes, this is a very important topic, and we thank God for the excellent teachings in His Word regarding this subject. We can learn from it and discuss it further. However, as you mentioned, I want to point out that there is no guarantee that we will no longer sin, but the solution to sin is clearly presented in the Word of God. As our dear brother has asked, he has given his heart to Jesus Christ, and Christ is the solution to sin according to the Word of God. The lessons Christ teaches us, as those who have begun this journey with Him, are precious. This journey we embark on when we accept Christ is a process where we gradually learn to live a holy life and move in that direction.

Because the Word of God tells us that the God we deal with is holy, we too must be holy. Our Holy God calls us to be holy. To better understand this topic, we need an example, and the example is Jesus Christ. He became human like us and lived like us. He was tempted, but temptation itself is not sin, and when Jesus faced these temptations, He used a tool. In the conversation between Satan and Jesus, He referred back to the Word of God. The Word of God is our tool or weapon that we can use when facing temptation. Whenever we are tempted, we can utilise the Word of God to counter the temptations that lead us toward sin. How wonderful it is to highlight this aspect!

It prevents us from going towards sin, and this is a lesson for me. Those of you who have recently come to faith in Christ and are on this spiritual journey, who can guide us? Who can judge us? Who can be an example for us? It's great that you pointed out that Jesus Christ set an example for us. Before starting His ministry, we read in the Word that Jesus was led into the wilderness and tempted for forty days. Jesus fasted and was tempted, but this temptation shows us how we can face it. Jesus illustrates for us how we can stand against temptation, which is a step closer to sin. Temptation itself is not sin; Jesus was completely without sin. However, when we allow temptation to lead us to act, that is when we enter into sin.

So how can we resist temptation? Our brother Rasul mentioned that by reading the Word of God, and we see that Jesus Christ, when tempted, quoted Scripture. Even the tempter, the devil, uses the Word of God. We must be alert and vigilant against temptations to avoid falling into sin. So, Jesus Christ did everything perfectly; for instance, we see that the tempter says, “If you are the Son of God…” Creating doubt within us.

Dear friend, you who have given your heart to Jesus Christ, first and foremost, understand that you are now a child of God. No one can take that identity from you, and you are loved by God. The power of God does not leave you to stand against the tempter. You are a child of God. Satan challenged Jesus, saying, “If you are the Son of God, do this…” and Jesus responded with the Word of God. Before we continue with this discussion, let’s take a brief break and return to it.

As we continue resisting the tempters, let’s develop a desire in our hearts so we can live according to God's specific will, for our God is holy and pure, and His Word tells us that we too must be holy. Discussing sin can be challenging; it’s difficult to confront sin. We all sin. But God has provided ways for us to overcome, especially through the Word of God. As we mentioned, Jesus Christ, when tempted, quoted Scripture, and this Word empowers us, giving us strength to resist temptation and overcome sin.

Now, let us read from the Word of God. In Psalm 119, verse 9, it says, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” How can we keep our path pure? Since our God is pure, we must live a pure life. What means can we use? The answer is found in guarding ourselves with the Word of God, which guides us towards purity and innocence and directs us to be like Jesus Christ. Amen. We should act according to His commandments and teachings so that our lives may truly reflect a life with God. Amen.

This is the Word of God. Yes, the Word of God teaches us that Jesus Christ gave His life once and for all for the sins of all humanity. The first step is to accept that Jesus Christ gave His life for my sins. If I were the only person on this earth, He would give His life just for me. Therefore, for you dear brothers and friends, Jesus Christ gave His life so that our sins could be forgiven. This is the Biblical solution to the problem of sin. Furthermore, since we are on this earth facing the temptations and issues we mentioned, our flesh, the world, and Satan confront us, the Word of God provides additional solutions, including the example Jesus Christ set and the very special and powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. When the Spirit of God dwells within us, He guides us toward righteousness. This means that when we err or are tempted to do wrong, He warns us and alerts us, helping us not to stray into darkness.

I want to add one more thing. Many people ask whether something is a sin or not. Today, we see that sin and wrongdoing are often mixed up; black and white have blended together, causing confusion about whether every word spoken or action taken is sinful or not. However, it is the Holy Spirit within us that brings clarity. Interestingly, the Bible also depicts that failing to do good is also sin. This is very close to the essence of the matter, and understanding it is necessary. Through our relationship with the Holy Spirit, we gain this awareness. When the Spirit of God dwells in a believer, He desires to protect them from those five issues I mentioned earlier.

Regarding these matters, the Holy Spirit wants to safeguard us and all the warnings provided are aimed at guiding us in this journey or life we have started in Christ and in the salvation of Jesus Christ, leading us toward a pure and holy life, becoming more like Jesus Christ. This is the guidance and light set for us on this path. Amen. So, we have learned two things: the two ways we can resist temptations that lead us to sin.

The first is the Word of God. Friends, especially our dear friend who asked how to overcome sin, reading the Word of God guides us. And also, you must believe that the Word of God says you have the Holy Spirit within you. The Holy Spirit guides us, empowers us, and advises us. Whenever we sin, our conscience is awakened. It becomes alert; some people do think about sin and even consider that they haven’t done anything wrong. But it is the Holy Spirit that makes us aware.

Moreover, the other important subject is prayer. Prayer is vital, and we must always be in prayer. The first thing Jesus taught His disciples about prayer was to say, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Keep us from temptation.” Prayer is what keeps us from temptation. This is the instruction of Jesus Christ. Yes, the initial part when He says, “Our Father who is in heaven,” places us in a position of prayer where we know we are in the presence of the Holy God, the glorious King. When we stand in that presence, we are compelled to be clean and pure before God. Being in His presence during prayer makes us feel the need to be pure, both physically and spiritually.

Thus, prayer itself shows us how we should stand before such a great God. In prayer, other aspects of our lives are revealed. We seek counsel from God, and in this dialogue, He speaks to us. Through this conversation, we can understand where we stand in life, and if we are on a wrong path, He will guide us. Therefore, let us confess all our sins before God. Let us not hide anything. God knows. He understands that we are human and weak. We err. He is aware of that. He guides us and reassures us. He says, “I know who you are. You cannot live perfectly. Be like me.” But we have sent our Son to you. He shed His blood for the cleansing of our sins.

In the Word of God, it states that if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves. Everyone has sinned. Anyone who says they are without sin is mistaken. We are far from the truth. However, if we confess our sins, we can trust Him. We can trust God because He acts faithfully. He forgives our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. So, dear friends, prayer is very important. Confessing our sins is crucial. Do not conceal any sin, especially before the Lord, and also among one another. Yes, the next topic that may help us stand against sin is our fellowship with other believers, that is, with the church.

This corresponds with the verse you mentioned, which encourages us to confess our sins to one another. This means we need to have relationships with others. We should meet with each other in the church, relate to our believing brothers and sisters, and be in community to help each other. The Word of God knows our need for fellowship. To clarify this, when we are in fellowship, it is essential that we do not share our struggles with just anyone. We must be discerning and responsible. The pastors or ministers of the church have the entrusted responsibility to receive our confessions. In the presence of God and each other, we confess. This helps us experience and receive the solutions that the church knows, guided by the Word of God.

When we are new in our faith, we are weak; we need strengthening, encouragement, and support. The Word of God says to bear the burdens of the weak, and the church helps us in this. We help one another. When we are on this journey, we have fellow travellers who are stronger and can help carry our burdens. I’ve experienced crossing borders illegally. I know that when someone is weaker, those who are stronger come to help them carry their load, sometimes physically lifting them up. The church does this for us. So, dear friends, sin is a very serious issue, and the way to stand against sin is guided by the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and prayer.

The Word of God tells us to always be in prayer. Jesus told His disciples to always pray so they do not fall into temptation. Additionally, we should be in fellowship with believers, hold one another accountable, and confess our sins. Well, dear friends, our programme is coming to an end. We commend you to the pure and holy God, and we pray that you may read the Word of God and allow Him to work in your lives so that you can stand against temptations and sins. Goodbye, dear ones. May God bless you.