From Hidden Battles: Episode #18- What Does Sin Do To Us?

“Hey everybody, I’m Anne-Marie Michaelis, a Christian author and coach. Welcome to the Hidden Battles Podcast, a weekly podcast about the hidden battles of spiritual warfare and the struggles that go on in our minds and hearts, and the truth to overcoming these hidden battles. My life was radically transformed during a supernatural encounter with Jesus.

God allowed my eyes to be spiritually opened long enough to see the truth of these hidden battles and to scare the rebellion against him right out of me. In each episode, I share a true story about a real life experience, a teaching, and a final takeaway. This podcast will reveal the hidden battles that lurk in our minds and hearts, and the way out.

Hidden Battles, revealing what the enemy does not want you to know. Please take a moment to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to my channel on YouTube, at GodDesign LLC. Podcasts are available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

For a free download of my memoir, visit my website at goddesign.org.”

Today, in this episode, I will skip a couple of chapters from my book “Blinded By Hidden Battles” as we read the story of Jesus (His Story) from this book last week.  In this episode, I’m going to ask you to think about “your story” as we do a deep dive into the chapter called “Know Your Sins” … “What is sin and what does it do to us?”  I challenge you to take out a notepad and pen and jot down whatever may come up for you when I read this chapter from “Blinded By Hidden Battles.” The impact of sin goes beyond what I will share in this chapter.  I will dive into the “science of sin” in another episode.

Know Your Sins

WHAT IS SIN AND WHAT DOES IT DO TO US?

Sin and God cannot coexist. God is holy and pure, and rampant sin with no repentance takes us further away from God. Those who practice or make a habit out of sin separate themselves from God. Practicing sin is practicing lawlessness, whether by action, neglect, or tolerating the sin.

~1 John 3:8 (AMP) The one who practices sin [separating himself from God, and offending Him by acts of disobedience, indifference, or rebellion] is of the devil [and takes his inner character and moral values from him, not God]; for the devil has sinned and violated God’s law from the beginning.  The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.

~1 John 3:4 (AMP) Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness [ignoring God’s law by action or neglect or by tolerating wrongdoing—being unrestrained by His commands and His will].

We are all sinners, no matter how hard we try to live sinless lives. Only Jesus led a sinless life, and He is both God and man.

We talked about Jesus’ story but didn’t touch on our story. The decisions we make here on this earth will directly impact our eternity. I would be remiss if I didn’t touch on this. God the Father has appointed a time for Jesus Christ to judge all humanity [John 5:26-27][Acts 17:30-31][Romans 2:5-8].

All will have to face judgment, so what does a believer’s judgment look like? Assuming someone is truly a believer, Jesus promised that a believer will not come into judgment because they have already passed over from death to eternal life [John 5:24]. So, they will come forward to be evaluated based on their works for reward and their final destination will be with God and Jesus. Because unbelievers have hardened their hearts toward God and rejected God’s new covenant with humanity (Jesus), they will be judged differently than believers. Similar to believers, unbelievers will receive according to their works. However, in the unbeliever’s case, it is a punishment according to their works [Matthew 25:46][Revelation 20:12-15]. The unbeliever has chosen to live according to their preferred beliefs not aligned with God’s truth, promises, and covenant. The unbeliever is not in covenant with God, and their final destination is eternal punishment to various degrees in hell.

If you’re ready to give your life to Jesus, we’ll pray a simple prayer at the end of this episode that is like knocking on the door for Jesus of which He promises He will always answer.

~John 10:9-10 (AMP) I [Jesus] am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved [and will live forever], and will go in and out [freely], and find pasture (spiritual security). The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

Let’s return to the topic of sin and what sin is since we cannot avoid it.  We should try and recognize it better.

What exactly is “sin?”

JESUS CAME TO SAVE US SINNERS AND DEFEAT THE ENEMY

Sin gives Satan and his minions an open door, opportunity (foothold), or basically legal access to us [Ephesians 4:27]. This section may be overwhelming as sin is so prominent, but bare with me to the end because as overwhelming as it is to realize how we are all sinners.  We do have good news and that is the purpose of this book.

Unforgiveness leads to bitterness, resentment, hatred, gossip, slander, and other sins or ungodly thoughts and emotions.  Bitterness not only impacts the person who is experiencing the bitterness but also can contaminate others. When I was eleven and sexually assaulted, I let all this fester. I was silently filled with bitterness, resentment, hatred, and extreme violence early on after the assault. That was a sample of how many sins or ungodly characteristics were left to grow inside my heart and mind because I could not forgive and did not know I should forgive for my benefit and those around me.

~Hebrews 12:15 (AMPC) Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it—

Disobeying God’s Word or Jesus’ teachings, being self-focused, doubting, being double-minded, lying, stealing, and gossiping – all are sins.

~1 Corinthians 10:21 (AMP) You cannot drink [both] the Lord’s cup and the cup of demons.  You cannot share in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons [thereby becoming partners with them].

Sometimes when we continue doing something, we can fall into the trap of addiction, making it very difficult to break the pattern.  We become a slave to addiction which is sin. People initially think of the word addiction and think of drugs or alcohol. But addiction can also be excessive gambling, shopping, exercising, technology, and gaming.  It could be an addiction to toxic relationships, sexual immorality, pornography,  overeating, etc.

~1 Corinthians 6:12 (AMP) Everything is permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything [and brought under its power, allowing it to control me].

The following scripture makes it clear that God always provides a way out and that He is true to His Word.

~1 Corinthians 10:13 (AMP) No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].

This scripture says He will provide the way out for us, but it doesn’t say He will carry us out on His back or drag us by our hair, kicking and screaming. We have to make a choice and actively take the proper steps toward the way out.

Rebellion is a defiance against God. It’s a sin in which we claim control and do not submit to obeying God. It’s so bad that the Bible has it as the equivalent of the sin of witchcraft.

~1 Samuel 15:23 (NLT) Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.

~Proverbs 17:11 (NIV) Evildoers foster rebellion against God; the messenger of death will be sent against them.

Some sexual sins include promiscuity, adultery, pornography, lust, sexual assault, sexual perversion, and fornication. Between social media, the internet, television, and general culture, people are desensitized to “ungodly sexual sin.” We accept everything imaginable as “okay.” I’ll be the first to say I was not an angel, but it is possible to turn things around. I have never looked back and thanked God for my “way out.”

God’s design is being corrupted in many ways, and each day, it’s harder and harder to keep up with what is coming next. No matter what society deems “normal,” ask yourself what’s acceptable in the eyes of God and not man. You might be surprised when you realize how far down into the pit humans have taken sexual immorality. What is “moral” does not change with the wind just because sin-filled humans say it’s ok.

~1 Corinthians 6:18 (AMP) Run away from sexual immorality [in any form, whether thought or behavior, whether visual or written]. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the one who is sexually immoral sins against his own body.

On a separate note, under sexual sins, we have sexual immorality regarding marriage. I’m sure most married couples can appreciate this moral law.

~Hebrews 13:4 (NIV) Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

Pride is a characteristic of Satan, and it is a sin. It is what got Him kicked out of heaven. We may be arrogant and think, “I’ve got this. I don’t need God.” but ultimately, at some point, we will all be brought to our knees and realize, “I was wrong. I don’t have this at all. God help me.”

~Proverbs 16:18 (NLT) Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

What relationship do you want with God when things go super sideways? I can tell you that my relationship was non-existent when my darkness hit in a way I could no longer deny. I was scared out of my rebellion, confused, panicked, and alone, and I didn’t know where to start or what to do. I remembered “Our Father” from school and had a dusty old Bible I had never used.

~Proverbs 11:2 (AMP) When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame, But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind.

How about the sin of uncontrolled anger that can lead to so much more if left to grow? God doesn’t say it’s an actual sin ever to become angry, but when that anger remains in your heart and mind, it can turn into many different sins.

~Psalm 37:8 (NIV) Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

The Bible talks about even as parents, we should avoid raising our kids in a manner that will instill anger in them but instead bring them up with God’s Word. God knows that isn’t always easy, as our patience can be tested to the limit. In this scripture below, anger can turn into resentment. Anger can also grow into hatred, violence, abuse, and other sins.

~Ephesians 6:4 (AMP) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

We all experience fear, and sometimes that fear protects us from something harmful (ex. standing toe-to-toe with a wild lion). It’s when that fear paralyzes us from doing something; then, it is not there to protect us but more so to prevent us and it’s not coming from God.  God didn’t put in us a spirit of fear. 

~2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

Spoken words carry power. They can create curses on ourselves and others or blessings. [Proverbs 18:21] says we can speak death or life from the same tongue. Have you ever said something that either came out wrong, or you wished you could have controlled yourself and not said it at all?

Our tongues can do tremendous damage both to ourselves and others. Have you ever spoken curses (negativity) over yourself? We do Satan’s job for him when we curse over ourselves. Speaking curses or negativity over ourselves or others is a sin.

~Proverbs 18:21 (AMP) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

Trauma or victimization can give way to anger, fear, vulnerability, trust issues, insecurities, hatred, false guilt, shame, unforgiveness, bitterness, depression, rebellion, and many other sins and ungodly negative traits.  Trauma leaves a person in a more vulnerable frame of mind. When we are vulnerable, we are more susceptible to a spiritual attack. The demonic can place thoughts into our fragile mind (ex. God must not love me. If He did, He would not have done this to me.) One doubtful thought can lead to another; before you know it, you are left worse off in your mind and heart than before. This is the time to take cover under God’s protection.

~Psalm 91:4-6 (NLT) He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

The list of sins under false religions, witchcraft, and the occult grows longer daily as the world creates more anti-God ways. The Bible talks about the end times, showing a rise in false teachings and the turning away from God and Jesus.

~Colossians 2:8 (AMPC) See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah)

Some things to look for that fall under these types of sin would be participation in any manner with psychics, mediums, horoscopes, astrology, wicca, mystical art teachings, tarot cards, human design, mind-control (manipulation), yoga, reiki, new-age practices, spirit guides, talking to the dead, ouija boards, idol worship, satanism, and having items used in these practices.

Even though you may get questions answered or positive outcomes, the information and outcome are from demons, which is sin.  In the story in [Acts 16:16-19], Paul talks about a fortune-teller who, once he cast the demon out of her, could no longer predict the future. These sinful practices align us directly, willingly, and entirely with the demonic – not God.

~Galatians 5:19-25 (AMP) Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Generational entry points can be many different things. A child could have learned certain behaviors by observing others in their family and their sinful nature (ex. anger, violence, disrespect, abuse, sexual immorality, etc.).

A child could have had curses spoken over them through family members, and eventually, they come to believe those curses (ex. a child is always told they are nothing but trouble).

A child could be genetically predisposed to addictions passed down through the parents.

Or a family may participate in occult types of organizations. 

The good news is that whatever happened in the past can be made new.  It did for me, and it can for you too.

~Isaiah 59:2 (NLT) Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition} have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].

The Bottom line- Sin will halt our spiritual growth, separate us from God, and leave us wide open to demonization.  But Jesus not only saves, He also can deliver us from Satan’s snares!

~Colossians 1:13-14 (AMP) For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption [because of His sacrifice, resulting in] the forgiveness of our sins [and the cancellation of sins’ penalty].

What are examples of ungodly traits?

UNGODLY TRAITS WE NEED TO TAKE TO THE CROSS

Satan has been working hard for a long time to destroy people’s lives.  Sin can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, leading to the same conclusion: to draw us away from God, our heavenly blessings, our inheritance with Him, and our purpose.  Here are some ungodly traits to be aware of.  (I won’t read this entire list, but this is the SHORT list …)

I have a diagram at the end of this chapter to give a visual of what sin does to us … this diagram will be added to the blog post on my website for those interested.  The key scripture for this diagram is …

~1 Corinthians 10:21-22 (NIV) You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons, too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy?

Now For Reflections

I challenge you to list any sins or ungodly traits that may have been revealed to you in your own life while you listened to this episode.  Are you ready to surrender these sins to Jesus, invite Him into your life, and allow Him to help transform you into the person God has designed and predestined you to be?  This is a “choice” only you can make!  But I promise it is a choice worth more than you could ever imagine – when you choose Jesus.

For those of you ready to surrender to Christ, let’s pray a prayer of salvation and begin your commitment to walk with Jesus and accept Him into your mind, heart, and every facet of your life!

Pray this prayer with me with all your mind and heart.

Heavenly Father, I come to you as a sinner in need of Your grace. I repent of my sins and confess openly with my lips that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I believe in my heart that He died and rose from the grave for my sins. Lord Jesus, I invite you into my life and ask for the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart; to be my teacher, counselor, comforter, and helper in all areas of my life. May Your will be done in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer of salvation, it is a very good first step in beginning your walk with Jesus. Relationships take effort and communication. Keep the communication channel open with Jesus so you can start building your relationship and hear what He has in store for you.

Hey, friends, that wraps up today’s Hidden Battles Podcast. A transcript along with additional devotionals for this week’s podcast, as well as my memoir, are available for free download on my website at goddesign.org, or check out some of my other books that you may find helpful. If you liked this episode, please share with others.

Hidden Battles, revealing what the enemy does not want you to know. Never stop praying, never give up, and I’ll see you next week.”