I have had the opportunity to pray for quite a few people who thought they were sinning on a daily basis. While it has never been (and that has not changed) my desire to know what a person has done because my response has nothing to do with their past action; I have been upfront about asking them what makes them think they are sinning daily? There was just something about their fear or attitude that prompted me to ask that question. It could have also been the leading of the Holy Spirit guiding me to make that inquiry.
Every answer was the same. "I have these bad thoughts everyday." I asked the same question all the time. "Do you act out these thoughts?" They didn't. I can't really pinpoint with certainty why people think they are sinning when bad thoughts come to their minds. I don't know if it's predicated by religious dogma, bad interpretation of the Bible, cultural beliefs or third party influence outside of the church.
It is something that needs to be clarified from the Word of GOD and then, I am able to pray for that person who has been delivered from self-condemnation where it was never justifiably warranted.
There are several things that I can share in regards to this matter. First of all, the Word of GOD states in Hebrews 4:15 ~ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Jesus was clearly tempted in all areas that man has knowledge of and experience about. The Bible says HE sinned not. HIS temptation and all temptation starts in the mind. The enemy of our souls can easily send an evil thought through the atmosphere to anyone. It only becomes a sin when you respond with action to it. Once this is understood, then people held captive to thoughts become free. Yes, the Truth (The Word of GOD aka Jesus Christ) does make us free. (John 8:32)
Secondly, the enemy is not GOD. He cannot be every place at once. He has a multitude of cohorts to do his evil bidding. They and their master can only speak thoughts to us and place temptations before us. They are completely unable to speak to our spirit (The Spirit of Christ) within us. That means you need to discern the voice you hear in your head vs. the voice that speaks to your heart or spirit. GOD is not going to tempt you. James 1:13 ~ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man.
Thirdly, there is only one piece in the armor of GOD that is for offensive use and that is the sword, which is the Word of GOD. When confronted with thoughts that are contrary to the will of GOD, contrary to your walk with HIM and possibly harmful to your relationships or are in opposition to faith, you need to use your sword. Read Matthew 4 and see that Jesus answered HIS tempter with the Word of GOD. Jesus is our example. You have the authority to speak GOD's Word in response to the tactics of the enemy and silence him. The enemy seems to like to use the word 'if' a lot. GOD is not a GOD of "ifs". HE is a GOD of now and when. When GOD speaks it, it comes to pass. The only question is "when" for most of our minds and that is all a part of our trusting in HIM.
Spend time with your Father. Read HIS Word. Don't take what someone says about HIM or HIS Word and you are not willing to check it out yourself. Get to know HIM in the intimacy that Jesus Christ acquired for us at Calvary. Rest in HIS Grace, receive of HIS Goodness and know you are safe in HIS Salvation for you. It is the enemy's job to distract us and throw us off the mark. He will attempt to bring fear to cancel out your faith, doubt to diminish your trust, and use anything or anyone to get your focus and mind off of GOD. Let the Spirit of Christ rise up within you, so you can learn and know your Father's voice and rebuke the enemy at all times.
May the Lord Bless You with much understanding and HIS extreme wisdom in Jesus' name!
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