How To Deal With Sinful Impulses

“I Don’t Want My Son to Inherit the Sins of His Mother,” was the title of an article that caught my attention in Christianity Today online.

It was piece on parenting by Anna Taylor discussing the concern we should have for not only the physical health of our children, but more importantly their spiritual well being.

It was one of those articles in which I found myself alternating agreeing with and disagreeing with the author.

One on hand she asked, “Do humans really inherit sin?” Her answer: “Science and the Bible both say yes.” I disagree.

On the other hand, she affirmed that “I need to first take responsibility for the sinful impulses in my own life.” With that I agree.

Anna admitted that while we may have an “innate proclivity” for sin, we can either choose to “coddle or correct” our sinful desires.

The problem of “sinful impulses” is enunciated by Paul in Galatians 5:18-25. He begins this section with this challenge.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”

So, how can we deal with these “sinful impulses”?

#1 Realize the struggle is real.

Some Christians feel as if they shouldn’t struggle once they’ve obeyed the Gospel. They question their love for the Lord. They wonder if something is wrong with them. They begin to doubt their conversion.

The temptation of fleshly desires is as old as humankind itself. It’s a very real battle between the flesh and the spirit. We all face it. It’s common. Normal. And a part of daily living.

Sinful impulses don’t disappear once you’ve been baptized. Nor do they dissipate over time. In fact, they never completely dissolve. Ask Abraham, “the friend of God. Ask David, “a man after God’s own heart.” Ask Peter, an apostle, preacher and pastor.

#2 Recognize the source of your temptations.

The Bible teaches us that Satan is the great Tempter who even tried to seduce Jesus with sin (Matt. 4:3). He is the arch enemy of God, and His people (Matt. 13:39). He is our adversary, who seeks to devour us, and stand opposed to everything that is holy, righteous, and godly (I Pet. 5:8). He is the Deceiver, who says that evil is good and good is evil (Rev. 12:9).

The Devil is a liar and the father of lies (Jn. 8:44), who says you will be happier, healthier and more fulfilled by giving in to your sinful impulses. In fact, he says they are not sinful–they are pleasures you deserve that God doesn’t want you to enjoy. Sound familiar? Ask Eve.

Jesus warned Peter that the Devil desires him and wanted to “sift him like wheat.” Know that the Devil desires you too.

#3 Remember you have a choice.

God created us with the power to choose. We can elect to do evil. Or choose to follow Christ and His righteousness.

To Israel of old, on the brink of entering the Promised Land, Moses challenged to choose blessing instead of cursing, life instead of death” (Deut. 30:19).

Later Joshua implored, “Choose you this day whom you will serve…” (Josh. 24:15).

When we choose to follow our sinful impulse, the Bible says it’s because we’ve been lured by our own lust and have given in to our sinful impulses (Jas. 1:14-15).

#4 Rely on the Lord for help.

To win this war, we must arm ourselves with God’s spiritual armor (Eph. 5:10-17). We must wield the sword of the spirit against Satan schemes. We must protect ourselves with the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the breastplate of righteousness. And prayerfully engage in this battle with a view of winning.

To put it another way, the Psalmist said, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You” (Ps. 119:11).

God promises to deliver the faithful from temptation if we will seek His assistance, and sincerely seek a way to escape (1 Cor. 10:11-12).

#5 Repent and return to the Lord, when you fall prey to sinful impulses.

While it is discouraging to find ourselves overwhelmed when we succumb to sinful impulses, there is help and hope. God is gracious, merciful, and forgiving. He knows the frailty of our flesh (Ps. 103:8-14). And His compassion compels Him to welcome us back into His fellowship.

Sinful impulses will never go away. But we can subdue, control and conquer them.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman