“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.”
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When we give in to the temptation of sin, it is easier for us to give in to it the next time the temptation arises. This can lead to the eventual hardening of our hearts. Paul, here, is insisting that we not live our lives in this manner! We must do everything we can to live our lives in accordance with God’s will and not give in to temptation! When we do stumble, we should be quick to recognize our mistakes and take the necessary precautions so that we don’t do it again! (And with God’s help, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!) Don’t give in to sin, ask God to help you overcome it!
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“You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
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Here again we are shown an important truth. Yes, we are imperfect people, full of sin, and yes Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient to cover our sins, but does that grace give us the excuse to continue to allow sin to rule our thoughts and actions? Paul tells us that that is our former way of life! We are to put off the old self, and be made new! The new self, it says, it “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” That certainly doesn’t lend itself to the idea that we are powerless over the sin in our lives! In fact, just the opposite!
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“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
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The truth is, when we sin, we are giving the devil a foothold into our lives. Yes, we stumble and fall in our walk with the Lord. Yes, the blood that Christ shed is sufficient to cover every sin in our lives. But yes, sin gives the devil a foothold. So don’t accept sin! Draw close to God, and strive to live the life He wants you to live!

“*Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.“

—Ephesians 4:17-27; 5:15-17*