Introduction

Habit is a cable. We weave a thread of it each day, and at last we cannot break it. – Horace Mann

You are reading this article probably because of one of the 2 reasons listed below.

1. You are struggling with a habitual sin in your own life or,
2. You want to help some one else to receive freedom from habitual sin

In both cases it’s important to know what we are going to deal with. Therefore let me give you a short definition of what habitual sin is and how it differs from sin we know about. The majority of sources I referred to – define “habitual sin” as,

a sin which you know to be wrong before you do it, but then choose to forge ahead anyway. It unfolds within a powerfully defeating three-stage cycle of temptation, decision, and guilt. Satan is a master of deception and often rules each of these stages with surprising influence and stealth.

Some examples of habitual sin, but not limited to are pornography, alcohol, smoking, drugs and  fornication, homosexuality, adultery and gambling.

A. What we must know before beating it?

“I’d denied it ever since I was a kid,” he told the Blade. “I became a Christian, I thought that was the way to deal with this and I prayed hard and tried for 30-some years and then at the end, I was just going, ‘I’m still gay. I know I am.’ And I just got to the place where I couldn’t take it anymore.’” (Ray Boltz, renowned Gospel artist after admitting that he is a passive gay)

Carefully read the above statement by Ray Boltz – Once again it’s proved that,

1. Prayer alone can’t help you.
2. All the sinful habits of a person do not suddenly disappear when he becomes a Christian.
3. Completely putting away a sinful habit is a step by step process that requires time, faith, patience, and perseverance.

B. The consequences of habitual sin

1. By frequent repetition, sin becomes habits that are hard to stop!
2. They are not only hard to put away, but often progress from bad to worse.

C. How do I penetrate the cycle of habitual sin

1. Admit that you have a problem and need help: “He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) Often believers are in denial or unaware of the habits that they have. God can’t help you as long as you don’t admit that you have a problem.
2. Seek godly counseling: Prayers alone can’t help you to come out of habitual sins because they are often deep seated in the subconscious or firmly implanted in the heart. This is where solid counseling comes to help. Trouble is many people don’t seek counseling because of shame. Remember, shame is the weapon Satan use to arrest you in your  habitual sins. Christian leaders should be careful not to delay until habitual sins lead to a crisis in character.
3. Establish accountability: Once again accountability is best established before a crisis in character. You might have already got rid of the problem through counseling yet you must implement proper accountability relationships because the old habits might be lurking around with the hope of returning and regaining control over your life.
4. Leave no room for unhealthy emotions: Unhealthy emotions eventually leads to compromised situations. Ex: Boredom is a strong reason why people view porn. Spend less time in isolation and spend more time with godly company. Remain occupied by serving in local church, youth group etc. Develop a hobby. Jesus said in Matthew 5:29-30 , if your right eye causes you to sin pluck it out and throw it away.
5. Guard your weaker areas carefully: Your weakest point is the strongest point in you as long as you guard it carefully.
6. Depend on God’s grace: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 – (NIV) I can fulfill every step listed above, but I am subject to fail until I choose to lean on God’s grace. No body can fight the battle of habitual sin all alone by themselves without becoming weary– but  grace renews our strength.
7. Resist the devil: The devil can only tempt you but can’t force you into sin. Therefore submit yourself to God in times of temptation and resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
8. Prayer and devotions: Last but not the least prayer and devotions is compulsory because the mind or heart must be retrained or filled with the word of God. King David said, Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee. Psalms 119:11 – (NASB) Image courtesy: SXC.HU

Citations

1. James, Rick. “When Boredom Leads to Porn | Covenant Eyes.” Internet Accountability and Filtering Software | Covenant Eyes | The Standard of Internet Integrity. Breaking Free Blog, 28 June 2010. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. <http://www.covenanteyes.com/2010/06/28/when-boredom-leads-to-porn/>.
2. Ansley, Glenn. “The War on Habitual Sin :: DEEPERDEVOTION.com :: Daily Devotions and Online Resources for Christian Students.” DEEPERDEVOTION.com :: Daily Devotions and Online Resources for Christian Students. 19 Jan. 2004. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. <http://www.deeperdevotion.com/articles/570>.