Sin. It’s something we all struggle with as human beings. No matter how hard we try, we constantly find ourselves falling into old habits and making poor choices that go against God’s will. If you’re anything like me, you’ve cried out to God asking, “Why can’t I stop sinning? Please help me!”
First, it’s important to understand why we sin in the first place. The Bible teaches that sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). When they chose to rebel against God’s command, sin corrupted not only them but all of humanity. We inherited their fallen nature – a nature inclined to sin.
“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Psalm 51:5)
This explains why we have a constant struggle with sin. It’s part of our DNA. Try as hard as we might, we cannot completely stop sinning in our own power. Our hearts are naturally bent toward selfishness, pride, anger, lust, and other sins.
The good news is that God did not leave us hopeless in our sinful state. He made a way for us through Christ:
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
When Jesus died on the cross, he took the punishment for our sins upon himself. He became sin, so that we might become righteous before God. His sacrifice makes forgiveness and freedom from sin’s grip possible.
So how do we actually stop sinning? Here are a few biblical keys:
1. Repent and believe the gospel daily
Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God. It’s not a one-time thing, but an ongoing posture of the heart. Each day we need to come before God admitting our need for His grace and asking Him to cleanse us from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). As we humble ourselves and draw near to Christ, He frees us increasingly from the power of sin.
2. Reckon yourself dead to sin
“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11)
We must see ourselves as God sees us – dead to sin and alive to righteousness through Christ’s finished work. Sin no longer has mastery over us. God has given us a new heart with new desires. As we renew our mind according to this truth, we experience victory (Romans 12:2).
3. Submit to the Holy Spirit daily
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)
The Holy Spirit empowers us to obey God from the heart. As we yield control of our lives to Him in prayer and get into God’s Word, we receive strength to resist temptation and walk in freedom. Our job is to continually surrender to His leading and depend on His power working within us.
4. Put on the full armor of God
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
We must be vigilant against the enemy who seeks to trap us in sin again. God has given us spiritual armor and mighty weapons to stand firm against these attacks (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). We overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11).
5. Fill your mind with God’s Word
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
The Word of God has purifying and renewing power in our lives. As we read the Bible daily, memorize key verses, study its truth, and meditate on it, God renews our mind and transforms our desires. Hiding Scripture in our heart helps strengthen us against temptation.
6. Pray, pray, pray!
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41)
Jesus instructed His disciples to watch and pray against temptation. Persistent prayer keeps us spiritually alert and empowered. Come boldly to God’s throne of grace daily for His mercy and help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Surround yourself with prayer and set your mind on things above.
7. Fellowship with other believers
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
We need Christian community and accountability. The church provides encouragers to lift us up and keep us on the narrow path. Having brothers and sisters in Christ around you provides strength and support in the fight for holiness.
8. Engage in spiritual disciplines
“Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Activities like fasting, worship, serving, simplicity, and solitude train our hearts to resist the flesh and walk in the Spirit. Developing these spiritual disciplines keeps us alert against the enemy’s attacks. They position us to receive God’s grace and strength.
9. Persevere in resisting temptation
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
As we refuse to give in to sinful desires and stand firm in our faith, we grow stronger spiritually. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Keep getting back up and fighting with God’s help. He will reward your perseverance with victory over sin’s power.
10. Remember God’s promises and grace
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
God is for you. He wants to see you free from sin even more than you do! Remind yourself of His promises, faithfulness and abundant grace when you fail. He is able to keep you from stumbling and make you stand blameless before Him as you trust in Christ (Jude 1:24).
The battle against sin takes perseverance, but change is possible through Christ. Take advantage of all the spiritual resources God provides. Don’t lose heart. God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). As you walk closely with Him daily, He will give you victory over sin’s power and transformation into His likeness.
