There’s not a lot of talk about sin these days. It makes us feel uncomfortable,
judgmental, perhaps out of touch. It’s easy to think that since Jesus died for our sins we
don’t need to worry about overcoming. Yet as Christians we must face verses like, “The
wages of sin is death…” and “The soul who sins shall die” (Romans 6:23, Ezekiel 18:4).
In Revelation 2–3, Jesus speaks personal messages to the seven churches. Some
words are encouraging, others are corrective, but one promise is repeated again and
again: “To him who overcomes…” (Revelation 2:7). To the overcomers, Jesus promises
eternal life, a new name, white garments, security in His presence, and even a place
with Him on His throne (Revelation 3:5, 12, 21). What are they overcoming? Dare we
say these promises are to those who overcome sin. Scandalous! Terrifying! If this is
true, is there any hope for us – sinners all.
James puts a little more teeth in this idea of sin. “But each one is tempted when he is
drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives
birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:14-15).
At its core, sin is choosing our way instead of God’s way. What desires do you have that
you are willing to sin to get? These sometimes turn up in unexpected places. A desire
for a healthy marriage that leads to complaining and nagging. A desire for your child to
succeed which leads to critical and bitting words when things aren’t going as planned.
Even good desires can get us into trouble when we seek our desires above Christ.
This is where we are rubbed the wrong way. This idea of not choosing our own way is
so foreign. Our culture celebrates self-expression and personal goals. We often don’t
want to hear: “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). In a self-
sufficient, I-centered world, the language of sin and repentance feels uncomfortable.
Still, without honestly facing sin, we cannot experience the freedom Jesus offers.
True Freedom
Sin always promises relief or pleasure, but it eventually creates chains. In stark
contrast, the freedom of following Christ and his ways offers a freedom that is so
unusual and contrary to our human nature that we sometimes don’t believe it exists.
The enemy of souls has done such a supreme job of turning our perceptions upside
down that what brings peace and joy is seen as restriction or an impossibility.
Consider some examples of our own ways that strangle us.
Scrolling through social media late into the night, comparing our life to others, which
feeds anxiety and dissatisfaction.
Cutting small ethical corners to stay competitive, which slowly numbs the conscience.
Entertaining flirtatious or emotionally intimate conversations, telling ourselves it’s
harmless, which leads to damaged relationships even when we had no ill intentions.
Angry outbursts or subtle barbs at family members after a stressful day that we later
regret but are too prideful to make right.
Emptiness, hopelessness or feelings of inadequacy that lead to watching porn, violence,
sports or even the latest news to further bury our damaged emotions from past hurts
and traumas.
Addictions control. Anxiety steals peace. Anger wounds others. Lying erodes trust.
Withdrawing strangles connection. These are not just “mistakes”—they are burdens that
weigh heavily on the soul.
Jesus does not call us to overcome sin to restrict us or to mock us. He calls us to
overcome sin to release us. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free
indeed” (John 8:36). True freedom is the power to say no to what destroys us and yes to
what brings life.
Practical Weapons
But how do we overcome in real life? I can already hear you saying, “It’s not that easy”.
Of course it’s not easy, most things that are worth something aren’t. It is not however,
impossible!
First, remember that temptation is normal—but not unbeatable:
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man;
but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but
with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1
Corinthians 10:13).
Did you catch that? God will make the way of escape. Hold on to that promise!
What are the escape routes he has made available to you? Think of them as gifts. It
might look like turning off a device, leaving a conversation or a relationship, calling a
trusted friend, or stepping away from a situation before it goes too far. It might be a
support group or a therapist. Maybe it’s a new friend that is a bit odd but is choosing
God’s ways and is encouraging you to do the same. Ask God to show you the escape
routes he is offering you and for the strength to step into them.
Second, fill your mind with God’s Word. It is his weapon of choice.
“Thy word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).
Whatever that thing is that your struggling with, find the scripture that speaks to your
situation. Write promises and admonitions from God’s word on your phone, on a stickie,or in your journal and read them over and over until they are memorized and easily
accessible when temptation strikes. Yes, it takes work – what battle doesn’t. He will walk
with you through every temptation.
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with
meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God
and He will draw near to you… Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will
lift you up” (James 4:7-8, 10).
“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through
Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
Third, pray before temptation becomes action. Jesus warned, “Watch and pray, lest you
enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). He also gave us the model prayer, “And do not
lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). A simple
prayer—“Lord, help me choose your way – right now”—can interrupt a destructive
pattern.
Overcoming is not about trying harder through sheer willpower. It is about moving closer
to Christ day by day. Progress may be slow and there may be setbacks. But every time
we turn back to him, he gives strength to keep going.
In a culture that says, “Trust yourself,” Jesus offers something better: “Trust Me.”
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne” (Revelation 3:21).
The victorious moments are a sweet relief, like the reaching of the summit after a hard
strenuous climb. When we look back we realize there was a strong hand pulling us up
every time we stumbled or fell. Jesus is always there forgiving, encouraging, helping,
and leading the way. All He asks is for us to follow.
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you faultless before
the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be
glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen” (Jude 1:24-25)”
Victory is possible. Real freedom is within reach. Best of all, through Christ, overcoming
is not just a command—it is a promise.
“Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from the New King James
Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights
reserved.”