Struggling with Sin

The problem of sanctification faces every Christian.  There is a spiritual war between flesh and Spirit within them.  The serious Christian often cries, "Who will deliver me from this body of death."  So, why does the Lord leave us like this?

One main reason must be this:  to suffer.  Remember that Our Lord was made perfect through suffering (Heb 5:8-9), even though he had no personal sin to contend with.  So, our suffering, even the suffering and discipline we receive which is brought about by our sins, works toward our sanctification.

The spiritual warfare with sin is the instrument of victory over sin!

This is why inspired writers can say:

Romans 5:3-4  3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;  4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 8:16-18   16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  17 and if children, then heirs -- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.  18 ¶ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5  3 ¶ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

James 1:2-4   2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,  3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

The mighty grace of God turns our failures and tribulations into spiritual progress through his discipline, and our spiritual progress leads to reward, and to glorification with Christ.  Rather than our sins and weaknesses bringing us under a curse, they bring trials and tribulations of spiritual warfare, through which we are led to victory!