Overcoming Sin

Overcoming sin has always been a challenge. I try to find Bible verses about the sin I want to overcome and write them down. Then I try to memorize them, read them often and think about them.

When a temptation comes along, the verses I already know will often come into my mind and help me not to commit the sin.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart
that I might not sin against thee.”
Psalms 119:11.

I pray using Bible verses. I might pray this prayer for the sin of complaining,

“Father, you've asked me not to
complain. You've said to 'Stay away
from complaining and arguing'
Philippians 2:14. I am so weak I
can't do this by myself. I need
your help. Please help me. I claim
your promise of 'providing a way of
escape so I can bear the temptation.' “
I Corinthians 10:13.

Then I might quote other promises such as,

“When the enemy comes in like a
flood, I ask that the Spirit of the Lord
will lift up a standard against Him.”
Isaiah 59:19.

And I will pray about this verse saying, “Father when the enemy (the urge to complain) comes into me like a flood, I ask that Your Spirit will lift up a standard against it just as you have promised.”

It’s Trying to Come Back
If it's a sin I've overcome before but it's trying to come back I can quote,

“If the Son make you free, you shall
be free indeed.” John 8:36 .

Then I might pray, “Father, You have set me free from this sin before, now it's trying to come back. I claim Your promise that if You have set me free, I am free indeed. Please don't let me fall back into doing this sin.”

I find it helpful to make a list of sins and the verses that say they are sins. I've provided a list on the Resource page. I'm sure there are more that can be added. I find it helpful to look down through this list and ask myself and God if I'm doing any of these sins. If you don't find any on the list that are a problem for you, just pray this verse,

Using the Sword of Scripture

If the Son make you free, you shall be free indeed.”

John 8:36

“Search me and try me O Lord and see if there is any wicked way in me...” Psalms 139:23, 24.

“Search me and try me O Lord and see if there is any wicked way in me...” Psalms 139:23, 24.

I have found that God is faithful to answer this request and show me sins I need to overcome.