What Does it Mean to Overcome Sin?

Overcoming sin in the Christian life is a work of God (Matthew 1:21). When we believe in Jesus, he breaks sin’s power in our hearts (1 John 3:8). By his death and resurrection, the punishment we deserved is taken away and we’re given a new heart that can love and serve and know God.

One day when we reach eternity or Jesus’ returns, he will remove sin’s presence entirely from our hearts and our world.

Until then, we join God’s work in warring against and overcoming sin in the Christian life (Philippians 2:12). By the help of his Spirit, we obey God rather than the sinful passions that used to drive us, and we engage our will in forsaking the habits and attitudes that used to rule us (Romans 6:12).

We do this not just to become better people, but because we have been redeemed from our old life and now love our Lord so much that we flee all that grieves him and desire to be increasingly like him (Ephesians 5:10; 4:30; 1 Peter 1:17-19).

It is only through the help and strength of God that anyone is able to turn away from sin in their lives. We are not capable of doing it on our own. Ask God for that help and strength today!