A Free Sunday School lesson for teens and older answering the question: Why can’t I get control of this sin?
Many Christians struggle with something known as a “besetting” sin, which means there is a sin that they continue to struggle with and can’t get victory over no matter how hard they try. Although Christians of all ages may struggle with a besetting sin, be it anger, lust, porn, pride, bitterness, etc., this lesson will discuss things that more mature Christians will have a better time understanding. That’s why this lesson is better suited for teens and young adults.
Begin the lesson by asking your students about besetting sins. Give a list of examples that they may struggle with, such as: anxiety, depression, covetousness, laziness, and dishonesty.
What is something you struggle with that you just can’t seem to get control of?
Another equally important question is: Are you serving God?
If you aren’t serving God, it’s because the world is in you.
Have you ever asked yourself this question:
Why can’t I get control of this sin?
It is because sin is dwelling in you, and that will make you sin. You can’t control it. Imagine the last time you lost your temper. When someone says, “Calm down,” does it magically take the anger away? Think of the last time you felt depressed, anxious, or envious at what someone else had that you thought you deserved. Were you able to just decide to not feel that way anymore? That isn’t how it works. You must be filled with the spirit because only God can give you victory over sin – even if you’re already saved – your body, or your flesh, isn’t.
Turn to Ephesians 5 KJV, and read verses 1-21. Keep in mind that Paul is writing to Christians at the church of Ephesus. Now, we will break down many of these verses individually.
Verse 3 – Part of the verse says, “…let it not once be named among you…” It is possible for Christians to commit these sins. It is not becoming, or appropriate, but it is possible.
Verse 5 – Underline the word “inheritance.” This has to do with rewards at the Judgement Seat of Christ, not losing your salvation (1 Corinthians 6:10 KJV).
Christians can behave in a certain way that causes them to lose their inheritance.
Individuals who have accepted Christ as their savior go to heaven no matter what (John 6:37 KJV, John 10:28 KJV, John 5:24 KJV, 1 John 5:13 KJV, Romans 8:38-39 KJV, Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV). It is important to rightly divide what the Bible says (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). So, while Christians cannot lose their salvation, they can lose their rewards or “inheritance” as children of God at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV).
Verse 7 – While we may be in the world and surrounded by sinners, we are not to be of the world and act like sinners.
Verse 8 – You are saved now. Act like it.
Verse 11 – Be careful of who you hang out with and how you spend your time. Even if you aren’t around bad people, what sort of videos pops up on your social media? When bad videos come up, do you watch them? Evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33 KJV).
How you choose to live as a Christian is very important.
Verse 14 – Are you going through life like a zombie, just going through the motions and trying to get by? Are you fired up for God, or have you lost your desire to serve him? Wake up!
Verse 15 – Don’t be oblivious to Satan’s devices and what he will use to pull you away from God, such as shows and movies with ungodly morals, music and videos that glorify lust and greed, etc.
Verse 16 – The most precious thing you have is time, and the devil will do just about anything to get you to waste it. It has never been easier than right now to waste time. People claim to not have time for Bible reading, prayer, or church, but those same people will have a screen time of over four hours per day. You have to keep in mind that this life is a vapor. It could be gone at any moment.
Verse 18 – People struggle with the world because they are still holding so desperately to it. They want to have their pride and serve God on the side, but that isn’t how it works. Jesus told us that it’s impossible to serve two masters (Matthew 6:24 KJV). Cut ties with the world.
Put the things of God in you, and he will fill you with his spirit.
Verse 19 – Godly things include good music that glorifies God. The music of the world is catchy and can be fun to listen to, but if you ever look at the lyrics, what is that song talking about? What is it glorifying? Do you think God wants any part of that?
Verse 20 – When is the last time you have thanked God. Discontentment can creep in because we aren’t properly thanking God for what he’s given us (salvation, the Bible, blessings, etc.). It’s natural to compare our situation to that of someone else, and comparison is the thief of joy. It doesn’t matter what you think you deserve. Keep in mind that life is not fair, and God never said it would be. If this is something you struggle to comprehend, check out my lesson on “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People.”
Verse 21 – Submit to the teaching and wisdom of others. Don’t always think that you are right. Swallow your pride, and admit when you’re wrong.
How to get filled with the spirit.
Remember, you cannot get over this besetting sin on your own. You need God’s help. You need to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Put on the new man (Ephesians 4:23-24 KJV).
It isn’t enough to stop doing what’s wrong, but you have to replace it with something right. When you want to get healthier and decide to cut out junk food, you can’t simply never eat again. You must replace that junk with good food. When you want your car to stop moving forward, you don’t need to simply let off the gas. You also need to hit the brakes.
There are so many examples, but I’ll simply say: if you stop doing something and don’t replace it, you will likely break down and end up doing it again. Jesus gives a powerful example with evil spirits in Matthew 12: 43-45 KJV. That man needed the Holy Spirit to keep that evil spirit from coming back.
Verse 25 – Replace lying with truth.
Verse 28 – Replace stealing with giving.
Verse 29 – Replace corruption with edifying.
Verses 31-32– Replace bitterness, wrath, and evil speaking with kindness and forgiveness.
Replace scrolling on your phone with Bible reading. Instead of talking to others about how unhappy you are with someone, talk to God. Trade out the worldly music for hymns and spiritual songs.
You must put off the old man and put on the new.
If you don’t, you are giving place to the devil. In 1 Peter 5:8 KJV, the devil is compared to a lion who is looking for who to devour. Lions go after the young, sick, and weak.
Paul ends Ephesians by talking about how we can arm ourselves against our enemy by putting on the armor of God.
Finish the lesson by reading Ephesians 6:10-17 KJV.
If you enjoyed this free Sunday School lesson for teens and young adults, be sure to check out more here.