Or maybe we should begin by asking, “What is a besetting sin?” The word “beset” is found only once in the New Testament. It means skillfully surrounding, thwarting in every direction. Here are various ways it is translated: easily beset, easily ensnares, easily entangles, clings so closely, so easily trips us up, and sin that just won’t let go. (A similar word in the Hebrew is translated “beset” 5 times in the Old Testament. It means to surround, encircle, compass about, besiege.) Therefore, a besetting sin is a sin that is constantly besieging us and trying to ensnare us and trip us up. It seems so near and clings so closely. These sins are different for different people. Do you have any sins like that, such as lying, gossiping, using bad language, lusting, being lazy, being proud, thinking negative and critical thoughts, overworking and neglecting more important priorities, being angry, being addicted to drugs, alcohol, gaming, entertainment (and the list goes on)? I suspect you do. I certainly do.
So how do we deal with these besetting sins? Let’s look at Hebrews 12:1-3:
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
First we must see that great cloud of witnesses which surrounds us, those who have gone before us and have walked by faith, not by sight. Hebrews 11 is a great list. Certainly other men and women of faith can be added to this “great cloud of witnesses”. It is interesting that this word “surround” has a similar meaning to the word “entangle”. There can be the idea of replacement here, either besieged by the sin or surrounded by the witnesses.
Ultimately, deliverance only comes through looking away from our sin and looking to THE SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. He is the “author” and the “finisher” of our faith. We do not focus on our sin and say to ourselves, “I have always been this way, and nothing is going to change. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks!” No, we are not defined by our sin. We are defined by our Savior. We MUST look to Jesus. And what did He do? He focused on the joy that was set before Him, His Father’s will and the redemption of souls, and went to the cross to pay for our sins. Now He is at the right hand of God interceding for us.
So let’s run with endurance, considering Him that endured such hostility of sinners against Himself, lest we be weary and faint in our minds.