In Romans 3:23, Paul affirmed, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This should be understood as a statement of fact rather than a necessary requirement for mankind. While it is true that we all have transgressed God’s commandments, we have free will and can choose not to succumb to any particular temptation which befalls us.
Jesus is the wonderful example to follow in this. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (4:15). Each of us fail because there is a war waging within us. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17). While the apostle hits the nail on the head here, he also confidently affirms in the same context, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Not everyone sins against God in the same way. Some commit sins of pride. Others commit sins of lust. Some people lie, et al. Your list of sinful actions will not be identical to mine. Why is this? James describes why sin comes, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin” (James 1:14-15a). Simply put, we are not all enticed by exactly the same things. Be aware that the devil knows our particular weaknesses and is ready to supply illicit enticements at our weakest hour. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Thankfully, Jesus Himself is on our side. He sympathizes with us, having been tempted by the devil as we are. Yet He did not sin. It is helpful to note that despite difficult circumstances, Jesus’ will and familiarity with His Father’s will kept Him pure despite the devil’s best efforts in Matthew 4:1-11. He is willing and qualified to help us with the problem of sin. “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever” (Jude 24-25).
A primary way we are equipped is through the will Christ has delivered to us. His will bolsters us in our battle of wits against Satan (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Jesus used it effectively when the devil tempted Him, saying again and again, “It is written” in response to the enticements He faced. We also have the avenue of prayer. Jesus, our great High Priest, serves as our Mediator between us and the Father in heaven. And, as a part of His will for man, he has given us one another!
This truth can not be overemphasized. God did not intend for us to face the devil on our own. We are soldiers in the army of the Lord. We have others fighting the devil with us, side by side. We can lean on them to gain tactical strength, encouragement and friendship as we navigate the minefield of our lives. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Paul expressed it well in 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15). Whether they be the offering of comfort, encouragement, and even warnings and admonition, these are the pursuit of what is good for all of us. We are to be working together to protect, strengthen and aid in our service to God.
Some weaknesses are more profound than others. Some of our brethren are struggling more than others. All are worth our efforts to help. “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God…” (Hebrews 12:12-15 a).
Whether we struggle with worldliness, pride, strife, fear, dismay, shame, a loose tongue, confusion, ignorance, doubt, or a myriad other things, we can help one another in our spiritual battle against the “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:16). Two things are needed here. First, we must be aware and willing to help. It is our responsibility as “members of one another” (Romans 12:5). With this we may “grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Second, we must be willing to accept the help others offer. It is a part of God’s plan for His children. We are the family of God! As family we must be willing to lean on one another!
