Breaking Out of the Cycle
In the book of Judges, it tells of repeated cycles that the nation of Israel went through, and we can see this in our own lives. They would forsake God to serve other gods. This brought a bad harvest to the nation- they would be brought into bondage. Sin always promises pleasure for a season, but then it results in bondage. Then, the people would cry out to God. God answered each time by sending a deliverer to save them out of their enemies’ hands. It seemed to be a cycle they went through over and over. This can happen to us as well. The good news is that there is a way to be totally free.
In our own lives, how do we break cycles of sin?
First, we must commit to turn away from sin and turn to back to God. This is called repentance. We make a 180 degree turn and go in a different direction.
Next, we are to serve God, rather than our own selfish sins and desires. This is called surrender. We seek God and His will over our own.
We have to live a life of prayer, continually talking and listening to God, thus…
We have a personal relationship with God, which will keep us out of sin and will keep us enjoying all our salvation benefits. Those benefits include: righteousness, freedom, health, provision, walking with God, serving God, communing with God, and living out our salvation in Christ.
We must stay in the Word, continuing in it, and we will know the Truth, be free, and stay free.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:31-32, 36 (KJV)
This is how we break sinful habits and cycles once and for all. This is how we live a life of freedom!