Avoiding Sin and Pursuing Godliness

Accompaniment to When in Romans part 17 - Living in Reality: Understanding Sin & Pursuing Righteousness by Pastor John Kupitz

The Seven Defensive Rules for Holy Living
In other words: How to avoid sinning

1. Cover each other’s backs
“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand
him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV)
2. Never go out after dark
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows
me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 ESV)
3. Always be ready to fight
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole
armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
(Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV)
4. When losing the battle, tell another Christian immediately
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one
another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we
have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. (1 John 1:7-9 ESV)
5. Limit contact
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the
way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; (Psalm 1:1 ESV)
6. Watch what you consume
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any
excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
(Philippians 4:8 ESV)
7. NEVER go near the contamination zone
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
(James 4:7 ESV)

Four Offensive Plans for Holy Living
In other words: How to pursue godliness (1 Tm 5:7-8)

1) Read
a) I will read ______chapters _______days a week at ____pm/am each day.
b) I will enlist _________________ to keep me accountable
c) I will record my progress
Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall
meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is
written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have
good success.”
2) Memorize
a) I will memorize _________ passages a week and review them each day.
b) I will enlist _________________ to keep me accountable
c) I will record my progress
Psalm 119:11 “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
3) Pray
a) In addition to conversational praying throughout the day, I will set aside time
to pray at ____pm/am each day.
b) I will enlist _________________ to keep me accountable
c) I will record my progress
Mark 14:38 “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed
is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
4) Witness
a) I will pray for _______ people during the prayer times listed above. Their
names are:
b) I will actively look for opportunities to share my faith.
c) I will help the church as I am able with outreach events