Scripture clearly teaches that as believers we now have a choice. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus we have been set free from the monopoly our sin nature had on us and we can choose to either allow sin or Jesus be our master. It is a choice we need to make at the beginning of everyday and reinforce multiple times a day with each temptation that comes our way. (See Romans 6)
However, I find that early in the recovery process people do not understand this. For years, maybe even decades, when they have tried to stop embracing sin they try to do so by embracing not sinning. They try with all their might and great sincerity to not sin. The 12 Step programs call this white knuckling it.
However, here is the thing ... you cannot embrace not sinning. Not sinning is a choice you make not an entity you can embrace. Many people who sincerely want to stop go weeks and maybe even months but eventually fall back into sin.
What happens is that they make it through the withdrawal period, which may take up to 6 months and then the painful issues of their lives, that they have been medicating with sex, rise to the surface and for the first time in a long time they really feel the pain. Embracing not sinning can do nothing for you at this point. You need something or someone who can help you deal with those issues and heal those wounds.
For recovery to happen we must stop embracing sin and embrace Jesus. He is real. He has the power to heal. He has been tempted in all ways even as we are tempted yet without sin. He and He alone has the power to heal you and take you further in your recovery. So stop trying to white knuckle it by embracing not sinning - embrace Jesus everyday and at every moment in every day.
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