What does it look like to battle against sin?
Romans 8:13 helps us out here: If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. “This text really helps us understand how to fight against sin by the power of the gospel. First, this text is an “exhortation directed towards all believers”. John Owen says, “The choicest believers, who are assuredly freed from the condemning power of sin, should also make it their business all of their days to kill the indwelling power of sin.”
Second, this text shows us “the certainty of the relationship” that Christians have with God. This text is NOT saying: “If you kill sin then you will have a relationship with God.” In other words, the Bible is not telling you to fix yourself up first before you can experience the love of God. Rather, it is saying, “The more and more you kill your sin the more and more you will glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Repentance is not what earns God’s love but repentance is what helps us to experience more of God’s love.
Third, this text shows us that the ability to fight against sin is not within our power alone but by the power of the Holy Spirit. Owen says, “It is a work of the Spirit, and it is by Him alone that we are to experience victory.”
Fourth, we see in this text that sin still remains in the believer. Jesus has taken away the power of sin and the penalty of sin but the presence of sin still remains. That is why we must continue to fight sin. But, do we just fix the outside of our lives? No. We must get to the root cause. “Indwelling lust and sin,” says Owen, “is the fountain and principle of all sinful action.” To kill sin means to fight against it until it loses its strength, vigor, and power in our lives.
Lastly, this text also shows us the great promise that God gives us for those who fight against their sin. He promises us eternal life. It is NOT that we earn eternal life but that we will experience more of what eternal life is the more we repent. Jesus earned everything for us but we experience what He earned for us more and more in this life the more we fight against sin and strive to be like Jesus.
But, how do we actually do this?
Here are 10 principles of fighting sin:
It takes time. Be patient. Don’t lose heart. It might take your entire life to kill a particular sin or sinful desire but keep fighting and keep looking to Jesus for strength! At the same time, never give up. Always fight. Take up the armor.
Dive into the Word, Sacraments, and Prayer. These are the “means of grace” where God strengthens us to fight against sin. This (experienced in the community of believers) is what proclaims to us the gospel of grace. The gospel is the power of God to change.
Have the right mindset. God is always at work! You might not feel like you’re winning but He is!
As soon as you struggle with thoughts of sin, immediately lift it up to God in prayer. Live in prayer. Always keep up the conversation. Ask Him to help you fight against it. Ask Him to change your desires. Ask Him to help you pursue godliness.
When you sin, run quickly to the Cross! Remember your forgiveness. Remember the love of Jesus for you. Remember the righteousness that He has given you.
Ask God to help you hate sin more. Ask Him to help you love godliness more.
Ask the Holy Spirit to specifically show you sin in your life. He won’t show it to you all at once so be patient.
Surround yourself with people who can hold you accountable. Surround yourself with people who can honestly speak to you. BUT you must have people who are gripped by the gospel and know how to apply it to your life.
Get practical. Think about how you’re going to battle against temptation. What are some things in your life that you need to remove? What are other things you need to implement? Who do you need to talk to so that you can get help?
Go to worship! You cannot expect to fight against sin if you don’t go to church. No, that’s not being legalistic! Worship is how God changes us. When you go to worship you pray, sing, confess, read, and hear the preached Word. When it’s according to the Scripture, believe what you hear! In worship you confess your sins and you receive forgiveness! In worship you hear the gospel which changes you and enables you to repent more and more.