Has sin been your daily struggle just like most of us? In this post, I am sharing 5 practical steps to help us all overcome sin. 

 

Step One: Acknowledge that you’re a sinner and desire to do something about it

 

The Bible says that all humans are sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God.  There is then no doubt that you and I are sinners by nature.

But, this goes back to the first man and woman’s sin against God in the book of Genesis 3.

Adam and Eve chose to disobey God by eating the fruit from the tree God forbade them to eat from. 

While God is sinless, we are all sinners. And our redemption becomes possible through what Jesus did on the cross. His sacrifice is key to our victory over sin.

Sin means transgression of God’s law

[bctt tweet=”Sin, according to the Bible, happens when we break or transgress the law. We can also describe it as disobedience or rebellion against God’s word. ” username=””]

Sin can at the same time be an action, a lifestyle and a principle representing power that rules over you. 

To acknowledge that you’re a sinner means:

• • You recognize that you’re a sinner and that you need help.
  • You know that forgiveness and victory over sin come from God through faith in Jesus Christ.
  • You seek forgiveness from God and others.

 

Step Two: Seek forgiveness

 

To seek forgiveness is what you should choose to do about your sins. You receive forgiveness by desiring and asking for it through prayer. 

[bctt tweet=”We receive forgiveness by forgiving others, just as the Lord’s Prayer says it. ” username=””]

“Forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (Matthew 6) 

 

Step Three: Set boundaries

 

Of course when you ask for forgiveness from God in prayer, you will receive it. But, what matters is what you’re going to do with it next.

Jesus, in a story of the woman caught in adultery, says that since no one has condemned you, neither does He.

But, He adds commanding the woman to go her way and never sin. What this means is after asking God to forgive, the one who’s got work to do is you. 

And what you’ve got to do is to be clear about boundaries. In other words, you have to do the following:

• • You identify what (or who) makes you prone to sinning. Scripture talks about getting rid of any member of your body that causes you to sin. Of course, you don’t have to cut off your arms because they made you steal. That’s not this is all about. The following will help you get a sense of how this should apply to your life. 
  • That also means taking all precautions possible to prevent you from falling into sin. 
  • Choose situations that will help you resist temptations for falling into sin
  • Choose who to hang out with. The reason is that “bad company ruins good morals” (1 Corinthians 15: 33).  
  • Eat healthy food, exercise, get enough sleep as a few examples of how to best care for yourself. Failure to caring for yourself can predispose you to sin: bad judgment.

 

Step Four: Practice spiritual disciplines

 

As of spiritual disciplines, let me talk about two at this point. Based on Jesus’ story on His final days on earth, He talked the disciples to watch and pray (Matthew 26: 41). 

Peter, in his letter, would also echo the same disciplines: “be watchful.”

He also added the reason why we should be to be alert. He gives the reason why to do so. “The adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 

The reason for praying and watching isn’t because the devil is only roaring like a lion around us. It is because we need help from Jesus.

He also faced temptations and trials but came out a winner. He then has become able to help those who also face temptations and sin. 

[bctt tweet=”Jesus is able to help all those who go through temptations” (Hebrews 2: 18). username=””]

Also, He saves all those who call on the name of Jesus (Romans 10: 13). This salvation is from anything that you’re facing, including temptations and sins. 

A third spiritual discipline to help you overcome sin is to study God’s Word.

The fourth discipline is that you have to confess your sins with other people. There is an important benefit for doing so: healing (James 5: 15). 

Remember that you can practice these disciplines at at a personal as well as at a corporate level. In other words, you do it on your own, but also with other people.

You can do confessions, for example, with other people. Of course, you should still be able to ask for forgiveness for your sins to God in prayer. 

 

Step Five: Get support

 

Support is a vital need for all humans. [bctt tweet=”It is in community that nurture and growth take place.” username=””]

I love this African saying: if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. Yes, also know that one man’s road does not go far without meeting another’s. 

 You cannot overcome whatever you’re facing on your own. You need help from someone.

Here’s how you can do it:

• • Talk to someone you know and trust in your family.
  • Talk to your Pastor.
  • Talk to a counselor.
  • Talk to a peer (a friend in the neighborhood, at work, etc.).
  • Share your struggles with sin with someone in the small group you belong to.

In conclusion

There are five steps that can help us all overcome sin: acknowledge that you’re a sinner; seek forgiveness; set boundaries; practice spiritual disciplines; and get support. Can you think of any other way to overcome sin? Please, share it in the comment box below.