Sunday Sermon: Survive Living in the Crosshairs

by Minister Denise N. Fyffe

Being a Christian and deciding to live for Christ puts you squarely in the crosshairs of the devil and his demons. The moment you surrender your life to Christ, a spiritual battle intensifies around you. Your eyes are now open—you don’t just know the difference between right and wrong; now you are convicted when you do wrong. The Holy Spirit begins to work within you, and that still, small voice urges you to stay on the right path. But let’s be open – living a Christian life that is pure and sinless is incredibly difficult, if not impossible. And God knew this.

Romans 3:23 (KJV) reminds us,

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

God, in His infinite wisdom, understands the adversary we face and knows that even the best and strongest among us will stumble. But He has made a way for us—through Jesus Christ, we can always start over with a clean slate.

The Constant Battle of Conviction

Once you become a Christian, you will experience something that is common to all believers—conviction. It’s no longer just a matter of knowing what’s right and wrong; now you feel it deep within your spirit when you’ve sinned. You know that what you are doing is wrong because the Holy Spirit is at work in you, convicting you and leading you toward repentance.

John 16:8 (KJV) speaks of the work of the Holy Spirit, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” That gentle nudge, that inner voice, is the Holy Spirit urging you to do the right thing and avoid sin. But even with this divine guidance, we sometimes fail.

The Importance of Immediate Repentance

Living a sinless life is impossible for us. That’s why God, in His love and mercy, offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ. When we sin—whether in thought or deed—it’s important to seek forgiveness immediately. Don’t wait until later, don’t wait until nighttime prayers, and don’t wait until the next time you’re in church. Seek God’s forgiveness in that very moment.

1 John 1:9 (KJV) promises us this: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” There is power in confession, and the quicker we bring our sins to God, the quicker we can receive cleansing and strength to move forward.

But forgiveness isn’t just about wiping the slate clean—it’s also about seeking the strength and will to overcome the weaknesses that caused us to stumble in the first place. Every time we seek forgiveness, we should also be asking God for the strength to resist that temptation in the future.

The Danger of Presumptuous Sin

One thing we must be careful of as Christians is presumptuous sin—sinning intentionally because we know that God will forgive us. While God is indeed loving and merciful, we must remember that sin has consequences. Even when we seek forgiveness, the consequences of our actions remain.

Galatians 6:7 (KJV) warns us, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Yes, God understands our struggles, but this does not give us license to sin willingly or without remorse. We must remember that every sin we commit has consequences, both spiritually and in the physical realm.

For instance, if we lie, we may lose trust with others; if we steal, we may face legal consequences. Even when we are forgiven by God, the natural consequences of our sins often remain. This is why it’s so important to avoid sin wherever possible and to seek God’s strength to help us overcome our weaknesses.

Living in the Crosshairs

When you live for Christ, you are in the enemy’s crosshairs. The devil will try every tactic to trip you up, to make you fall, and to destroy your testimony. 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” But the beauty of being a Christian is that we are never left to fight these battles alone. God is with us, strengthening us, guiding us, and forgiving us when we fall.

Yes, it’s true that living a Christian life can be a constant struggle. But it’s also true that God has provided grace and mercy for us along the way. Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) encourages us, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” We don’t have to live in shame or guilt because when we seek God’s forgiveness, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us.

Conclusion

The Christian life is not easy. It’s a life filled with spiritual battles and constant temptation, but it’s also a life filled with God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. We will stumble, we will fall, but God is always ready to forgive us and help us get back on track.

Let us remember to seek forgiveness immediately when we sin and let us also seek the strength to overcome our weaknesses. Romans 6:1-2 (KJV) says, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” We cannot take God’s grace for granted. We must live in a way that honors Him, even though we know we will fall short.

I encourage you today—don’t let sin linger. When you recognize that you’ve sinned, immediately take it to God in prayer. Seek His forgiveness, ask for strength, and continue the fight. We are in the crosshairs of the enemy, but God has given us everything we need to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:11 (KJV) says,

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Stand strong in God’s grace and forgiveness.

Closing Prayer

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for understanding our weaknesses and providing forgiveness when we stumble. Lord, help us to be quick to seek Your forgiveness when we sin, and give us the strength to overcome the temptations and struggles we face. Teach us not to take Your grace for granted, but to live lives that honor You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Blessing

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He strengthen you in your moments of weakness, and may you always find forgiveness and restoration in His grace. Walk in His mercy and trust in His guidance as you continue your journey in faith. Amen.

I hope you find today’s sermon helpful and applicable to your life. I pray that the Word of God works effectively in your life.

Be encouraged and stay blessed.

 

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The Invitation

I invite you today to take a deep look at yourself and reflect on your life. Are you searching for something more? Are you satisfied with how things are today? Is God calling you to confess your sins, be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step?

Trust God to help you with that first step.

Be encouraged.

Be bold.

Click here to understand how to Answer the Call or answer the Altar Call.

It shall be well with you, in Jesus mighty name.

And remember, be encouraged.

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About the writer:

Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey. She also shares her knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.