Stop sinning

The apostle Paul gives you and me a directive, or at least that’s how I interpret: “Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. ” —1 Corinthians 15:34

But how can we, I, meet that directive for claim without contradicting what the apostle John said? “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. ” —1 John 1:8

I’m curious as to what the readers’ thoughts might be? I’ve heard the argument that “it’s impossible on this side of heaven”, but I disagree because even our Lord said, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” —John 5:14

Can you imagine being the person who was healed by Jesus, saying, “But Jesus, it’s impossible on this side of heaven ‘not’ to sin anymore…” Tell me how that makes sense? No matter what our argument might be currently for this subject matter, I want to investigate this further with you and see what clarity or insight God might reveal to us.

In the meantime whenever you are aware of temptation to sin I encourage you to use the words of the Spirit, “No sin within ” or “Stop sinning “. Say either of those two phrases to yourself when aware of sin. Whenever the Holy Spirit signals that the devil is near, reveals on your radar crouching at the door of your heart, ready to devour you like a lion, and… “No sin within “. Whenever you’re filled with unrighteous anger or burning with passion for the sinful experience, remember to think… “Stop sinning “.