Sacrificially Battling Sin

Krista Wilson • July 14, 2021

Summary of sermon on Matthew 18:7-9 from Pastor Ky Martin.

In this passage, Jesus is instructing the disciples on sin.


From these verses we can see three truths about temptations:


(1) They should be expected.


“Beloved; do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” - 1 Peter 4:12 


(2) They are under God's sovereignty. 


God is not the author of temptations however he does use them as part of the process into making us into his own image and likeness. 


“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13 


(3) They are serious.


The scriptures use aggressive language when it comes to resisting the temptation to sin...


  • Fight (2 Timothy 4:7)
  • Resist ( James 4:7)
  • Put to death (Colossians 3:5)
  • I discipline my body and keep it under control ( 1 Corinthians 9:27)
  • Stand against ( Ephesians 6:11)
  • Make every effort (2 Peter 1:5)


We must not forget that we should pursue holiness!


Reasons that we do not pursue holiness...


(1) The fear of legalism.


If our idea of being gospel centered does not require work on our part then we have centered ourselves on a false gospel. There are going to be times when the world applauded us for being holy, however if we were truly following Jesus there will be other things that the world will not be a big fan of.


(2) False perceptions of Jesus.


As we read scriptures we build an idea of who we think Jesus is. We often take in the things we like about Jesus. We love that Jesus was not judgemental and a friend of sinners and tax collectors, but we need to remember that he took sin seriously! Jesus heals and restores but it’s not without calling us to walk differently.


(3) We don’t see it as necessary.


The fight against the sin that wants to entangle us is 100% necessary. Jesus is painting a picture for us of the lengths we should go to in order to save our lives to fight against the things that tempt us and want to draw us away from God. While we must hold fast to what we know that we are justified by faith alone, we can’t miss that there is a practical holiness and righteousness that we must have to enter heaven. 


(4) Laziness.


We will always be fighting the battle against sin until the day that we die. Part of following Jesus is recognizing that I am not the person I should be because of sin, recognizing that we cannot do it alone to become more like Jesus


(5) We equate personal holiness with perfection. 


The Bible talks about holiness as something we cannot generate or achieve, but there are other texts that talk about holiness in a different way.


“And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” - Job 1:8


God is saying that there is a righteousness that sets Job apart as someone who is clearly following the Lord.


We aren’t talking about a goal that is unachievable. All sins separate us from God, but there is a difference between someone who is blatantly not following Jesus and someone who is trying to live a life learning to follow him and obey him eliminating certain sins from our lives. 


Through all of this we can still have encouragement that...


...holiness is possible


“Be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence,

for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.” - 1 Corinthians 16:16-18


...there is a finish line 


“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” - 1 Peter 5:8-10




“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13 

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