The seven deadly sins are set of behaviours that are considered to be particularly harmful to your spiritual and moral well-being with the LORD. In this sermon, I will explore each of the seven deadly sins and provide tips on how to avoid falling into the traps.

Proverbs chapter 6 verse 16 to 19 says:

“These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood.

A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil.

A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”

Why Are They Called “Deadly Sins”?

The seven deadly sins, also referred to as capital sins or cardinal sins, are believed to be the foundation of all other sins. These transgressions are considered to be the most dangerous to our spiritual growth and can lead to committing other immoral acts.

The seven deadly sins include pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth, and committing any of these sins can ultimately lead to the destruction of the soul.

The concept of the seven deadly sins has been around for centuries, with roots in early Christian theology. These sins are considered “deadly” because they can lead to spiritual death, separating us from our connection to God.

According to theologian Evagrius, our purpose as spiritual beings is to seek union with God, but indulging in these sins can sever that connection and prevent us from experiencing divine grace.

How to Overcome the 7 Deadly Sins

1. Pride: Practice Humility and Acknowledge Your Limitations

Pride is often considered the most dangerous of the seven deadly sins, as it can lead to arrogance, selfishness, and a lack of empathy for others. To avoid falling into the deadly sins of pride, it’s important to practice humility and acknowledge your limitations.

Recognize the fact that you don’t know everything and that you can learn from others. Be open to feedback and constructive criticism, and strive to be a team player rather than always seeking the spotlight. By practicing humility, the Holy Spirit will be your Counsellor and you can build stronger relationships with those around you.

2. Envy: Focus on Your Own Goals and Accomplishments instead of comparing yourself to others

Envy can make you have a lying tongue, leading to feelings of resentment and bitterness towards others. To avoid falling into the deadly sins of envy, it’s important to focus on your own spiritual and physical goals and accomplishments instead of constantly comparing yourself to others.

Remember that everyone has their own unique journey and path in life, and that success looks different for everyone. Instead of feeling envious of other faithful Christians, use their success as inspiration and motivation to work towards your goals.

Always praise GOD for your accomplishments and being happy about your progress, rather than constantly seeking validation from believers or unbelievers. By focusing on the power of Jesus Christ as you progress on your journey and spiritual growth, you can avoid the negative effects of envy and cultivate a more positive and fulfilling life.

3. Wrath: Learn to Manage Your Anger and Communicate Effectively

Anger is a natural emotion that everyone experiences from time to time, but when it becomes uncontrollable and destructive, it can lead to serious problems, such as shedding innocent blood.

To avoid falling into the deadly sins of wrath, it’s important to learn how to manage your anger and communicate effectively with others. This means taking a step back and assessing the situation before reacting, listening to the response of the Spirit of the LORD in you, and expressing your feelings in a calm and respectful manner.

It’s also important to listen actively to others and try to understand their perspective, rather than immediately becoming defensive or aggressive. By learning to manage your anger and communicate effectively, you can avoid damaging relationships and cultivate more positive and productive interactions with others.

4. Greed: Cultivate Generosity and Gratitude.

Greed is the desire for more and more material possessions, often at the expense of others. To avoid falling into the deadly sins of greed, it’s important to cultivate generosity and gratitude.

This means focusing on what you have, rather than what you lack, and being willing to share your resources with others. You can also practice gratitude by regularly reflecting on the things in your life that you are thankful for.

5. Gluttony: Practice Moderation in all Areas of Your Life.

Gluttony is the excessive consumption of food, drink, drugs or other substances. To avoid the deadly sins of gluttony, it’s important to practice moderation in all areas of your life.

This means not only watching what you eat and drink, but also being mindful of how much time and energy you devote to other activities. It’s okay to indulge in your favourite foods or activities occasionally, but it’s important to maintain balance and not let them consume your life.

By practicing moderation, you can avoid the negative consequences of gluttony and live a healthier, more balanced life.

6. Sloth: Live a Life of Work Plus Faith in the LORD

One of the seven deadly sins is sloth, which is characterized as spiritual laziness, and a tendency towards inactivity, frivolity and neglecting to do good, such as a heart that devises wicked plans. Lazy people won’t hesitate to bear false witness and they are experts in the act of lies.

You can overcome slothfulness by reading the bible daily, practicing the commandments of the LORD, getting your hands busy and be a faithful Christian.     

7. Lust: Always be Conscious of the Presence of GOD in You

Lust is a deadly sin I have suffered from in the past but I am glad the Spirit of the LORD set me free. Unclean sexual desires can destroy you physically, emotionally and spiritually. Lust is a strong weapon of the Devil to crush people to hell!

The best step that gives me victory which can also work for you is to set your mind to have the consciousness that your body belongs to the LORD. Whenever lustful thought fills your heart don’t give-in but ask yourself; what will Jesus Christ do in this situation?

So, always obey the commandment that tells you to flee from temptation. Take your eyes away from seduction and always remember that the Blood of Jesus Christ is so powerful to wash your dirty mind.

First Corinthians chapter 6 verses 18 and 19 says: “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”

Finally, the LORD can forgive you any of the seven deadly sins above. HE told me to go and preach to the world that whosoever is ready to follow His will shall be forgiven no matter how big the sins committed. And the LORD says: “Peace and Mercy will be with those that obey the rules…the rules of holiness!”