Understand John 8:10-11
Christians Can Stop Sinning!
John 8:10-11 NLT
[10] Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” [11] “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
Beloved, I know reading the above might be shocking. To many, it seems like an impossible task. However, as much as your mind sees the complexity of the matter, the Scripture mentions this many times: Stop sinning. Jesus said it to the woman above, and He said it to people He healed. You ought to ask: Why would He say it if it were impossible?
The answer lies here:
Matthew 19:26 NLT
[26] Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
I know you know this scripture, but I doubt that many fully comprehend it. Let’s break it down:
- Jesus believed eye contact was important. He wasn’t just making small talk.
- This wasn’t just a "look." It carried a deep, spiritual weight.
- These were not just words. They carried hidden power.
Let’s look at that word: Intently.
To do something intently means to do it with earnest, eager attention and deep concentration. It describes a laser-like focus. Jesus was intentional; He was focused on the person He was speaking to and the gravity of the truth He was delivering.
Humanly Speaking vs. God’s Possibility
"Humanly speaking, it is impossible." This relies on human strength, ability, and understanding. Jesus is confirming that no human can achieve a sinless life on their own. If your belief stems from the flesh, then "sinning no more" is indeed impossible.
"But with God everything is possible."
I love this part. The word "But" cancels the first statement. It renders the "impossible" invalid. However, "With God" is the requirement. Too often, believers try to do things with a loan, with alcohol, with other humans, or with possessions. Jesus didn't say God would just do it for us; He said with God. It is a partnership of faith. You must not only hope He can do it—you must believe and expect it.
Why do believers still struggle?
If Jesus is the Truth, and He said it is possible, why is there a gap?
- There is a gap in understanding what the Bible is actually saying.
- There is a misconception that the Bible is being figurative rather than literal.
- There is self-reliance (trying to do it "without" God).
- There is a lack of obedience and self-denial.
The Problem of Desire
In the Garden, Adam and Eve were originally aware only of God. After they disobeyed, they became aware of the Self. They realized they were naked and tried to make their own plan to fix it.
The knowledge of good and evil wasn't the problem—God has that knowledge. The problem was the submission to that evil knowledge. Before the Fall, Adam only desired what was good. Now, because of our fallen nature, our free will faces two choices: Good or Evil.
The battle is not just in the "knowing," but in the desire. For example, I know that as a married woman, I should only be with my husband. That is "knowledge of good." But I also have the "knowledge of evil"—that I could be with someone else. The sin doesn't start with the knowledge; it starts when a thought turns into a desire and I refuse to deny myself.
James explains it perfectly:
James 1:14-15 NLT
[14] It is our own thoughts that make us do bad things. When we want to do something wrong, our thoughts lead us in a bad way. [15] We may agree to do what our bad thoughts tell us to do. When we do that, it becomes a sin.
It Is Possible
Jesus spoke these words to the woman before the Cross. This tells us that even before the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, the "fear of the Lord" and submission to His will were enough to turn a life around. The Holy Spirit will convict you, but He will not override your free will.
It is possible to stop sinning if:
- You deny yourself the bad things you desire.
- You choose to hate evil just as God hates it.
- You apply the Bible instead of just reading it.
- You fear God and prioritize His commands over your feelings.
- You surrender your plans so He can give you His desires.
Sin Has No More Power
Beloved, Jesus didn't just pay for your sins; He crushed the power of sin. Sin can no longer rule you unless you let it. Stop saying "I couldn't help myself." You can. When temptation comes, resist the devil and he will flee. God will grant you the strength to resist, but it will still be hard and uncomfortable. That is why Jesus said we must take up our cross daily.
Repentance is a process, but obedience is a choice. God will meet you where you are, but He loves you too much to let you remain there.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that You help this reader fully understand this message. Help them confess their sins and transform them into a new creation. Make them more like You so that they learn to hate sin, no matter how "small" it seems. Jesus, thank You for giving us the opportunity to live a holy life, fully surrendered to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment
Did this reading help you with more clarity when it comes to the Bible? Feel free to share your comments or questions to help with your walk as Christ follower.