Freedom: Gal.1:6

I have struggled with sin and stumbled in an area I thought I had under control.

1. I’d commit to never look at porn but would them give into temptation
2. I’d commit to never go in debt but then would pull out a credit card

I would live the out frustration, anger, and guilt.  None of these options are God’s plan and design.  In those moments, my life would echo Paul’s frustration at he penned, “Romans 7:15: For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”

You have done the same.  Maybe you sat around a bonfire at a youth camp and shared of your commitment to Christ, but when the heat turned up in your life you wavered.  In fact most people who sit with tears of regret after making a major mistake confess that they never intended to be where they are.

• the unfaithful husband once stood before an altar and confessed faithfulness
• the guilty investor once claimed to be a wise steward
• the shamed cheater once claimed to be honest by signing a pledge
• the student who gives up their virginity once signed a True Love Waits card

The reality is that anybody is capable of doing anything given the right set of circumstances. This is not a new idea and the problem was very prevalent in Scripture:

Galatians 1:6 –I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel

How can we avoid this?

1. Walk in freedom as you understand your identity in Christ 
   1. Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2. Live in humility 
3. Expect temptation from the Enemy 1 Peter 5:8
4. Create guardrails
5. Establish and Maintain accountability