⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 5 min read
How Christians Fight Sin Biblically, Hope for the Battle Against Temptation
Author: Dave Jenkins Show: Contending for the Word Q&A Date: December 2025Show Summary
Every Christian faces the lifelong struggle against sin. In this episode, we explore how Scripture teaches us to fight sin biblically by remembering who we are in Christ, relying on the Spirit, using the means of grace, and fixing our eyes on Jesus.Audio
Video
Key Scriptures
- Romans 6:6–11
- Romans 8:13
- Colossians 3:5
- Ephesians 4:22–24
- Proverbs 4:23
- Galatians 5:16
Episode Highlights
- Your identity in Christ fuels obedience.
- Sin must be confronted decisively, not managed.
- The means of grace strengthen the Christian life.
- Put off sin and put on righteousness.
- Guard your heart and your habits.
- Walk by the Spirit daily.
- Fix your eyes on Christ’s finished work.
Full Article
There are few struggles more universal to the Christian life than the battle with sin. Every believer knows what it is to fight the same temptations again and again. We feel the weight of Romans 7 the pull of indwelling sin and the discouragement that comes when we stumble. Yet the Word of God does not leave us hopeless or directionless. Scripture gives us clear and sufficient truth for this very fight. God tells us who we are in Christ, how the Spirit helps us, and what it means to put sin to death day by day—even moment by moment—by His grace. The hope we find in God’s Word is this: real change is possible because Christ has already won the victory. Our fight is not in vain, and our labor is not carried out in our own strength.1. Remember Who You Are in Christ
The fight against sin begins with identity. Romans 6:6–11 teaches that believers are united to Christ in His death and resurrection. This means you are no longer a slave to sin. You are alive to God. In Christ, you stand forgiven, justified, and adopted. Your identity in Christ fuels your obedience to Christ. We fight sin not to earn God’s favor, but because we belong to Jesus.2. Take Sin Seriously
The Bible never treats sin casually. Romans 8:13 warns that if we live according to the flesh, we will die. But if by the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body, we will live. Colossians 3:5 commands us to put sin to death decisively. Sin must be confronted, not managed. It must not be excused, compromised with, or treated lightly.3. Use the Means of Grace Daily
God has given His people real tools to strengthen them in the fight against sin. Scripture renews the mind and exposes deception. Prayer humbles the heart and shapes our affections. The local church provides accountability, correction, and encouragement. The Lord’s Supper continually reminds us of Christ’s finished work. Sin thrives in isolation, but it is weakened in community.4. Replace Sinful Habits with Righteous Ones
Biblical sanctification is not merely about stopping sin; it is about transformation. Ephesians 4:22–24 teaches us to put off the old self, be renewed in the mind, and put on the new self. We put off anger and pursue patience. We put off lust and pursue purity and gratitude. We put off sloth and put on diligence. We do not fight sin in a vacuum—we fight it by filling our lives with obedience to God as defined by His Word.5. Guard Your Heart and Your Habits
Proverbs 4:23 instructs us to guard our hearts with all diligence, for from them flow the springs of life. Holiness involves intentional choices. This means setting wise boundaries, removing temptations when possible, cultivating disciplined habits, and carefully considering what we read, watch, and listen to. Our influences matter.6. Walk by the Spirit, Not the Flesh
We cannot fight sin in our own strength. Galatians 5:16 reminds us that when we walk by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. This requires daily dependence on Christ—praying for help, wisdom, conviction, and strength. Sanctification is Spirit-empowered effort, not self-reliant striving.7. Keep Your Eyes on Christ
Ultimately, victory over sin flows from a growing love for Jesus. We look to His finished work, His present intercession, His promises in the Word, and His future return. You fight sin best when your heart treasures Christ most. Fighting sin biblically is a lifelong battle, but it is a hopeful one. In Christ, we are forgiven, empowered, and being transformed. You do not fight for victory, dear Christian, but from victory. Christ has conquered sin. By His grace, you walk forward in obedience, trusting that He will complete the work He began in you.Takeaways / Reflection Questions
- Where does the Bible call you to put off sin and put on obedience this week?
- How can you more intentionally use the means of grace in your daily life?
- What habits or influences need to be guarded more carefully?
Call to Action
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
