What does Romans 8:13 teach about killing sin?

Romans 8:13 teaches that believers must put sin to death by the power of the Holy Spirit. This means fighting sin is not done in our own strength, but through dependence on God’s Spirit, leading to life and holiness.

How do Christians kill sin by the Spirit?

Christians kill sin by confessing sin honestly, starving sinful habits, relying on the Holy Spirit, remembering their union with Christ, and pursuing joy in Him. These steps are grounded in Scripture such as Colossians 3:5 and Psalm 16:11.

Why is confession important in fighting sin?

Confession brings sin into the light where it loses its power. Scripture promises forgiveness when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). Confession to God and trusted believers disarms shame and helps us walk in freedom and accountability.

Killing Sin by the Power of the Spirit

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Killing Sin by the Power of the Spirit | Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins

Every Christian faces this question: How do I kill sin in my life? In this episode of
Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins walks through Romans 8:13 and Colossians 3:5
to show how believers can put sin to death by the Holy Spirit’s power with practical steps,
gospel hope, and biblical encouragement.

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Show Summary

God has not left His people without help or hope. Scripture calls us to “put to death” the deeds of
the body (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5). In this episode, Dave explains why we struggle with sin and
how, by the Spirit, Christians can fight with the right weapons: honest confession, wise removal of
stumbling blocks, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and joy in Jesus.

Scripture Foundation

Romans 8:13 — “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit
you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
Colossians 3:5 — “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…”

Dave Jenkins( Executive Director )

Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.

Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.

He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).

You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.

When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.

Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

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