1. A Closer Walk with God Overcoming Sin

2. How Sin Develops The first stage is temptation. James 1:14 – But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Desire + Opportunity = Temptation

3. Second Stage The second stage is sin itself. James 1:15 – Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin. Desire + Opportunity + Action = Sin

4. Third Stage The third stage involves the consequences of unrepented and unforgiven sin: death James 1:15 – and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Desire + Action + No Forgiveness = Death

5. How to Overcome Sin Change our desires Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.

6. Limit our opportunities Matthew 6:13 – And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

7. Exercise self-control Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.

8. Obtain forgiveness I John 2:1-2 – My little children, these things write I unto you that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

9. Some Questions to Challenge Us Are you engaged in a daily Bible study program which will help you develop the proper kind of desire? Do you watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation? Do you avoid circumstances and companions that you know would entice you to sin? Do you pray that God will strengthen you by his spirit? Do you ask God daily to forgive your sins?