Conquering Your Besetting Sin

Hebrews 12:1-2

Scripture Reference

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us; Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

Introduction

Our title this morning is “Conquering Your Besetting Sin.” Dr. Terry LeQuieu preached from Hebrews 12:1-2 about the serious, personal, and very practical matter of the sins that so easily entangle us. The apostle urges believers to lay aside both unnecessary weights and the specific sin that constantly knocks us off course. This sermon unpacks this passage and gives a clear, biblical pathway—recognition, repentance, replacement, repetition, and request—so you can press on in victory through Christ.

“Our theme for the year is we are more than conquerors.”

Quote from Preacher

Dr. Terry LeQuieu opened by reminding us that we are “more than conquerors” through Christ, and that God expects us to lay aside weights and the sin which doth so easily beset us so we can run the race He has set before us.

Outline

1. Recognition: Realize the Sin That Besets You
   1. Read the signs — Hebrews 12:1 points us to a specific sin that “doth so easily beset us.” This is not merely a vague weakness; it is the recurring sin that consistently knocks you off course.
   2. Refuse cheap labels — The Bible calls things by their true names. What the world calls an “addiction” or “habit” the Bible often calls sin (e.g., “drunkard,” “fornicator”). When you rename sin, you minimize it; recognition means honestly naming it before God.
   3. Remember conscience and Scripture — Romans 2:14-15 and Hebrews 4:12 show that conscience and the Word work together to accuse or excuse. Pay attention when your inward voice and God’s Word convict you.

   Recognition is the first and non-negotiable step. Until you see the sin as sin, you will keep petting it and letting it control you.

2. Repentance: Return from the Path of Sin
   1. Define repentance — Repentance is more than regret or embarrassment; it is an about-face (metanoia). Tears because you were caught are not repentance (Hebrews 12:16–17).
   2. Follow David’s example — Psalm 51 models true repentance: confession, brokenness, and a plea for cleansing and renewal. Repentance includes agreeing with God about your sin and asking for His mercy.
   3. Accept consequences — Repentance does not always erase consequences. Sin brings effects (Romans 7:13; James 1:15). True repentance accepts God’s mercy but also faces the fallout honestly.

   Repentance is a turning—leaving the old way and moving toward holiness. Without it, there is no true change.

3. Replacement: Remove and Fill
   1. Depart from evil and do good — Romans 12 and Psalm 37:27 teach we cannot simply remove sin; we must replace it with righteousness (be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good).
   2. Practical replacement — If smoking enticed you, replace the ritual (e.g., a cup of candy, a brief walk, a new habit) until better habits take root. The world’s “patches” reflect the same practical idea: you must give the flesh something else to do.
   3. Guard the heart and senses — Replace the music, websites, friendships, and patterns that feed the besetting sin. Salvation and sanctification include setting up sensible boundaries.

   Replacement pushes out the old by filling the gap with godly practices—Scripture, prayer, accountability, wholesome habits, and service.

4. Repetition: Rehearse the New Habit
   1. Understand habit-formation — Habits form by repetition. Biblical change takes time; expect effort. Paul and Proverbs remind us to trust God, but not to be arrogant about our progress (Proverbs 3:5–7).
   2. Practice righteousness — Just like athletes train, believers must rehearse holy choices so godliness becomes second nature (Hebrews pulls the athlete image intentionally).
   3. Prepare for relapse attempts — The enemy will tempt you to try the old thing again. Consistent replacement through repeated spiritual disciplines resists his return.

   Repetition cements the replacement. You do not simply decide once and be done; you choose daily to walk in new ways.

5. Request: Rely on God by Prayer and Power
   1. Ask for help — Matthew 7:7 and James 4:2 remind us to ask. Many do not possess victory because they do not ask God, or because they secretly do not want victory.
   2. Rely on the Spirit — Romans 8 and the preacher’s point: victory is not in self-effort or a worldly program but in the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside the believer.
   3. Seek accountability and wisdom — Request practical help: godly counsel, a pastor, mentor, or trusted Christian friends who will pray and hold you accountable.

   Requesting God’s aid is essential. The Christian life is not a solo project; it is a Spirit-empowered journey of reliance on Christ.

Summary

Hebrews 12:1 calls us to lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us. Dr. Terry LeQuieu emphasized that besetting sins are specific, repeated, and personal—things that lure you and knock you off the course God intends. The biblical strategy to conquer them includes five R’s: Recognition (name it for what it is), Repentance (turn from it), Replacement (fill the vacuum with something good), Repetition (practice new habits), and Request (pray for God’s help and rely on the Holy Spirit). This is not a self-help blueprint; it is a gospel-saturated, Scripture-based process that depends on Christ’s power and God’s mercy.

“If I’m going to conquer a besetting sin, you conquer anger, you conquer resentment, you conquer whatever it is. There must be recognition, there must be repentance, there must be replacement, there must be repetition. And then there must be request.”

Quote to Ponder

Dr. LeQuieu’s final, concise summary can serve as both exhortation and marching orders: recognize, repent, replace, repeat, and request. Let that be your prayerful plan.

Application for the Week

Here are concrete, actionable steps to apply the sermon’s principles this week. These steps are practical for any besetting sin—whether anger, pornography, alcohol, greed, gossip, or something else—and are designed to be followed by a young adult or any seeking Christian.

1. Spend 30 minutes in recognition

   Quietly ask the Holy Spirit to show you your besetting sin. Write it down. Name it specifically (not a cute euphemism). Read Hebrews 12:1-2 and Romans 7:13 aloud. Admit the truth to yourself and to God.

2. Make a repentant confession

   Use Psalm 51 as a model: confess the sin to God and ask for cleansing. If your sin has injured others, plan a godly way to confess to them (when appropriate) and accept consequences humbly.

3. Create a replacement plan

   Decide what godly habits will replace the sin. Examples: breakfast Bible reading instead of morning social media; a daily walk with a worship playlist instead of smoking; commit to a night out with an accountability partner instead of a bar. Write the plan and be specific.

4. Arrange daily repetition

   For the next 28 days: repeat the replacement habit every day. Use a habit tracker or calendar. Expect difficulty and prepare reminders. Celebrate small victories along the way but don’t grow proud.

5. Ask others and ask God

   Tell one trusted, mature believer about your struggle and ask them to pray and hold you accountable. Pray daily for strength from the Spirit (Romans 8) and for wisdom (James 1:5). Use Scripture as your weapon—memorize a verse that fights the temptation.

6. Set practical boundaries

   Remove ready access to the temptation wherever possible (internet filters, throw away or lock up devices, avoid certain places or people until stable). Replace triggers with wholesome alternatives.

7. Plan for relapse and consequences

   If you fall, do not conceal it. Confess quickly, return to repentance, and adjust your plan to remove the loophole. Remember that confession and renewed dependence on Christ are the way back. Accept the consequences and make restitution where needed.

8. Journal and report

   At the end of the week, journal what went well and what went poorly. Bring a short report to your accountability partner. Thank God for any progress and ask for continued help.

These are practical, gospel-centered steps. Conquering a besetting sin is not merely self-discipline; it is sanctification by the Spirit, empowered by Christ, anchored in the Word. Start this week with honesty before God, and let the Spirit lead you step by step.