DEALING WITH HABITS

DEALING WITH HABITS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 7:15

"For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate."

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Galatians 5:16-17, James 1:14-15, Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:5

INTRODUCTION:
Habits are powerful forces that shape our lives, and both good and bad habits impact our personal and spiritual growth. Negative habits, especially those that hinder our walk with God, can lead to feelings of frustration, guilt, and stagnation. However, through God's Word, we can find the strategies to identify and overcome these habits, so that we may grow spiritually and become more like Christ. This study focuses on understanding habits, recognizing negative patterns, and using biblical principles to break free from the grip of destructive habits.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF HABITS

To deal with habits, it’s important to first understand what habits are and how they develop.

a) A habit is a repeated behavior (Romans 7:15)
Our repeated actions become automatic and, over time, form habits—whether good or bad.

b) Habits influence our character (Proverbs 23:7)
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Our thoughts shape our habits and character.

c) Habits can become idols (Colossians 3:5)
Some habits, if not controlled, can take the place of God in our lives and become idolatrous.

d) Habits can be both spiritual and physical (Galatians 5:16-17)
The Spirit and the flesh are in conflict. Our habits often reflect the spiritual battle we face.

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Struggle with Sin (Romans 7:14-25)
Paul acknowledges the struggle between his desires to do good and the habits of sin that pull him away from God.

2. IDENTIFYING NEGATIVE HABITS

Recognizing negative habits is the first step in overcoming them.

a) Examine your thoughts and actions (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Identify thought patterns that lead to sinful actions.

b) Evaluate areas of personal defeat (James 1:14-15)
Temptation gives birth to sin, and sin, when fully grown, leads to death. Identify patterns of temptation in your life.

c) Look for recurring emotional triggers (Hebrews 12:15)
Bitterness and anger are often habitual responses to emotional wounds that need healing.

d) Seek the Holy Spirit’s conviction (John 16:8)
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and helps us recognize habits that hinder spiritual growth.

e) Biblical Example: King David’s Sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-4)
David’s failure began with an unchecked habit of idleness, leading to temptation and ultimately sin.

3. STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING NEGATIVE HABITS

Overcoming negative habits requires intentional effort and reliance on God’s strength.

a) Renew your mind with God’s Word (Romans 12:2)
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Consistently meditate on Scripture to align your thoughts with God’s truth.

b) Put off the old self and put on the new self (Ephesians 4:22-24)
Remove old patterns of behavior and replace them with the virtues of Christ.

c) Replace negative habits with positive ones (Philippians 4:8)
Fix your mind on what is pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy—develop habits that reflect godliness.

d) Practice self-control and discipline (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Discipline your body and bring it into subjection. Cultivate self-control over your desires and impulses.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Commitment to Prayer (Daniel 6:10)
Daniel had a disciplined habit of prayer, which helped him stay faithful to God even in difficult circumstances.

4. RECOGNISING THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us overcome negative habits and grow in holiness.

a) The Holy Spirit empowers us to change (Romans 8:13)
By the Spirit, we put to death the deeds of the body and live in freedom from sin.

b) The Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Spirit cultivates in us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

c) The Holy Spirit guides us in truth (John 16:13)
The Spirit leads us into all truth, showing us areas where we need transformation.

d) The Spirit helps us overcome temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The Spirit provides a way out of every temptation, so we do not fall into habitual sin.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus’ Victory Over Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11)
Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, overcame the devil’s temptations, setting an example for us in dealing with habitual sin.

5. MAINTAINING LONG-TERM VICTORY OVER HABITS

Sustaining victory over negative habits involves consistent effort, accountability, and ongoing spiritual growth.

a) Set clear spiritual goals (Philippians 3:13-14)
Press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Set goals for spiritual growth and overcoming habits.

b) Cultivate accountability relationships (Proverbs 27:17)
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Accountability with fellow believers helps strengthen our resolve.

c) Persist in prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21)
Some habits can only be overcome through prayer and fasting. Seek God for supernatural strength.

d) Give thanks for victory (1 Corinthians 15:57)
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Celebrate victories over negative habits.

e) Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul’s Discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
Paul disciplined his life and pressed toward the goal of spiritual maturity, overcoming his weaknesses through God’s power.

CONCLUSION:
Negative habits can hinder our personal and spiritual growth, but by applying biblical principles and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can break free from them. The journey to overcoming habits involves renewing our minds, replacing destructive patterns, and cultivating godly habits that lead to greater intimacy with God. As we rely on God’s strength and continue to grow spiritually, we will experience freedom from the grip of negative habits and move closer to Christlikeness.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me recognize the negative habits in my life and give me the strength to overcome them.

2. Father, renew my mind through Your Word and help me align my thoughts with Your truth.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to live a life of self-control and discipline.

4. Lord, deliver me from every form of addiction or sinful habit in Jesus' name.

5. Father, help me put off the old self and put on the new self in Christ Jesus.

6. Lord, guide me by Your Spirit and lead me into all truth.

7. Father, give me the grace to replace negative habits with godly ones.

8. Lord, help me to persist in prayer and fasting to break free from the strongholds of negative habits.

9. Father, surround me with godly accountability relationships that will help me grow spiritually.

10. Lord, I thank You for the victory You’ve given me over negative habits.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will overcome every negative habit that has held you captive!

2. The Holy Spirit is empowering you to live a life of holiness and self-discipline.

3. Every stronghold of addiction is being broken by the power of God.

4. You are being transformed daily by the renewing of your mind!

5. The power of habitual sin is broken in your life today.

6. God is giving you the strength to form new, godly habits that will lead to spiritual growth.

7. You will experience freedom from every negative thought pattern and destructive behavior.

8. The Holy Spirit is guiding you into all truth, and you are walking in victory.

9. Your life is becoming a reflection of Christlikeness as you break free from old habits.

10. You will press toward the goal of spiritual maturity and experience lasting victory in Christ!

May the Lord grant you strength to break free from negative habits and to grow in godliness as you trust in His power and grace!