“Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” This quote from John Owen, a Puritan from the 17th century, has a lot of truth in it. We often think of sin as a bad choice that we make. We see sin as something that sits idly there on the menu of life along with the other good, better and best options from which we can choose. However, when the Bible talks about sin, often it is not described as a passive option. Rather, it is described as an active enticement that is relentless in its pursuit for us to succumb to its temptation.

That should be no surprise to us, given what the Bible tells us about sin’s greatest promoter: Satan. “Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Have you ever watched a nature documentary where the camera is focused on a gazelle or wildebeest being stalked by the stealthy lion. He watches intently from the sidelines, barely moving, yet with an intent gaze in his eyes that shows an active game plan is in play. At just the opportune moment, the lion lurches from his stealthy position and the chase is on. The prey usually was unaware of the lion or his intentions and, as a result, the pursuit usually ends with the defeated victim being consumed by his predator with a mighty roar of victory.

This is the same picture that is painted for us about how sin is active in its pursuit of us. It lurks in the shadows, actively watching and waiting for the opportune moment to pounce. We see this same scene played out all throughout the various examples from the Bible. The story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife comes to mind. You may remember that Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt and his master’s wife had “set her eyes” on him with the intention to entice him into having an affair with her. The Bible says, “and it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.” (Genesis 39:10). We often view this as a one-time event where Joseph had to say “no” and flee from the temptation. However, the language here says “day by day” (which could also be rendered “day AFTER day”) shows the relentless nature of her seductive temptation. Joseph had to learn to say “no” to sin each and every day as she confronted him with it. She was pursuing him and surely had used every means at her disposal to convince him to sin.

Yes, sin is a choice that we make, but it is also a discipline that we must have in our life. Sin is going to relentlessly pursue us. Satan will make sure of it. Just like the lion, it will stalk us until it sees we are isolated from our “herd”, weakened in our strength, and vulnerable to its power. At just the time we least expect it, it will rear its ugly head, let out its roar, and overpower us. We must not be so naïve to think that it is a simple passive choice that we make. The good news? We do have defenses against the sin that is chasing us.

First, we are told be aware of the nature and influence of sin. At the beginning of 1 Peter 5:8 where we are warned that Satan is like a lion, we are told to “Be sober, be vigilant.” We must be actively on guard and have our defenses up. We must be aware of Satan’s devices and know which temptations leave us most vulnerable.

Second, we have power to overcome the temptation to sin. How do we know? Because no matter how large Satan’s lion may be, we have someone greater within us as Christians: The Holy Spirit. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

Third, just like Joseph, God will give us a means to escape. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Have you found that sin has been pursuing you? You shouldn’t be surprised and you don’t need to be a victim. Sin’s temptations are powerful, but you serve a God who is greater. Sin’s curse may still be in the world, but it no longer needs to have its grip on you.

And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am his and he is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny.