warning: do not return to sin

The other day, I helped my husband untangle some tie downs that were very tangled. They had been shoved into a drawer and had become a big tangled mess that was unusable. It took some time and work to untie knots, separate the long ropes and untangle the big mess. It was not easy to get all the knots out but was necessary to be able to use the tie downs for their intended purpose.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:1 KJV

We are set free when we truly repent and turn from sin. Our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus and we are changed.  In Galatians, Paul warned of being entangled again with the yoke of bondage.  God can use us as He planned and intended when we are set free from sin.  The reason we do not want to return to sin is that we make Christ of no effect when we return to the life we lived before. We make His sacrifice null and void in our lives.  We are made free and set free not to return to sin but to develop relationship with God and to draw all men to Christ with the love He has given us. We can be a part of His Kingdom and be used to reach others.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13 KJV

Peter also gave vivid examples of escaping the sin of the world then returning back to sin. 

For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world by [personal] knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, their last condition has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them not to have [personally] known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to have turned back from the holy commandment [verbally] handed on to them. The thing spoken of in the true proverb has happened to them, “The dog returns to his own vomit ,” and, “A sow is washed only to wallow [again] in the mire.”

2 Peter 2:20‭-‬22 AMP

Peter describes going to back to sin is like a dog eating its own vomit or a washed hog wallowing in the mud.  It is filthy and gross.  It takes the precious gift of salvation and trashes it. It is throwing away the most precious gift ever given. Peter even explains that things are even worse for those that do return to sin. Sin will entangle and trap. It will hold on and blind us to truth. Sin separates us from God and from those who love us. It destroys lives. Sin has the wages of death. Sin takes from us and does not have mercy on anyone. It takes people down a miserable road to hell. Sin keeps us from our intended purpose.

These men of God warned believers to be aware of this because they had seen it happen. They did not want to see more believers fall. We must be firm and steadfast in faith. We have hope and strength when we lean on the Lord.  

Therefore, [let me warn you] beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men [who distort doctrine] and fall from your own steadfastness [of mind, knowledge, truth, and faith], but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

2 Peter 3:17‭-‬18 AMP

We are forewarned to listen to truth, seek God first and to grow, or spiritually mature, in our faith, grace and knowledge of Jesus, our Savior. Maturity  brings steadfastness, strength, and discernment. We should dive deep into prayer, study of the Bible, and keep our focus on God. Our faith should be unwavering and growing.  We need to withstand every attack of the enemy that comes our way. That is why the armor of God is needed. That is why assembling together is needed.  That is why relationship is needed. That is why discipleship is needed. We need to be able to say that we have kept our faith and finished our course just as Paul did.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

2 Timothy 4:7 KJV

God is not willing for any of us to perish or fail. He directed these words of warning to His people to help us endure. He does not want us entangled with sin and destroyed. He wants us to remain free when He sets us free. He wants to use us and direct us. He has plans for us. We need to be free from sin so we can hear Him and follow Him. We only need to heed this warning and be aware that sin may seek to tempt us back but we have God on our side. If we slip up or fall, we can run back to Jesus and find repentance and forgiveness  that will keep us and sustain  us. We have a loving Savior who is looking out and provided warnings knowing we need them. We only need to heed this warning and draw closer to him instead of allowing sin to wrap around us, invade our lives and trap us once again.  We have an intended purpose. God has a plan for each of us and sin wants to keep us from fulfilling our true purpose.  

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord , thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

God has plans for you. Choose to put away the sin and follow Him.