If you are human, you have sinned, that is, done evil. But everyone should desire to stop sinning, and so, in this post, I explain how we can be victorious over sin, as we consider God and our struggle with sin.

Now the short answer about how to have victory is that we must reach God’s ideal for humanity.

How do I do that? The good news is that it is really very simple, for to successfully meet God’s requirements only depends on our yielding to the Holy Spirit so that you do choose to stop sinning.

So, if it is that simple, Why do so many people struggle with sin? Well, this is what I will explain so continue reading.

Who is God?

We have gotten a basic understanding of what is sin, but you may be asking, Who is God?

When we speak of God, are we referring to a divine Family known as “the Godhead” (Acts 17:29) in the Bible. The Godhead consists of three Persons who each have life originating with themselves—life that is unborrowed and underived. The three Persons are known as the Father, the Son called Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

For those who are new to Bible notation, “Acts 17:29,” for example, is a reference to the Bible, which is a collection of books. Each book in the Bible consists of one or more chapters, and each chapter has numbered sections called verses. The quotation referred to as “Acts 17:29” is taken from the book titled Acts in the Bible, the 17^th chapter, and the 29^th verse.

These members of the Godhead never contradict each other at any time. That is, they speak with one voice, and so we can say, “there is one God.” Mark 12:32.

Did God create humanity as sinners? Absolutely not! “God, that cannot lie” (Titus 1:2) describes Himself, saying, “God is love.” 1 John 4:8. In other words, “The LORD [God] is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Psalm 145:17.

Why is Humanity Sinful?

God made the first human pair, a man named Adam and a woman named Eve, with a character of love identical to God’s character of love.

However, Adam and Eve fell into sin when they were tempted to sin by an angel named Satan.

Who is Satan? He is an angel who rebelled against God in heaven and who caused other angels to likewise rebel against God. And because Satan and his “evil angels” (Psalm 78:49) refused to turn away from their sin, God cast out them of heaven pending God’s Judgment Day.

So then, by God’s great law of heredity, the whole human race, who are descendants of Adam and Eve, have inherited Adam’s and Eve’s disposition to sin. This is why humanity is sinful.

Must humanity remain sinful, that is, remain evil? No, definitely not! God has a plan to rescue the entire human race from sin by making them holy, in that, they have a character of love like God’s own character.

Why is God so concerned about our sins? Because “the wages of sin is [eternal] death [which is to be annihilated]; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23. This is what is known as salvation.

Wonderful news, isn’t it? So, who is Jesus Christ? He is Christ, the member of the Godhead who was born as a baby boy named “Jesus” (Matthew 1:21) over 2,000 years ago. Christ lived a perfectly holy life on earth, died for the sins of the whole human race, rose from the dead to live again the third day after His death, and has ascended to heaven from where He came.

By doing all of this, Christ has made secure God’s promise of eternal life to humanity. Marvellous gift of God! Praise God!

Our Bible Verse of Focus

Here is our Bible verse of focus in this post: “For the good that I would [that I want to do] I do not: but the evil which I would not [that I do not want to do], that I do.” Romans 7:19.

This Bible verse clearly summarises for us what it means to struggle with sin. Now every human being has to struggle with sin if they are to become victorious over sin. So, breathe a sigh of relief if you struggle with sin. You are not alone.

What to do? How do I even start to win the struggle with sin? Can I even overcome sin? God says, Yes, you can! For God says, “To him that overcometh [sin] will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7.

So, rest assured that it is possible for every human being to win their struggle with sin.

The Struggle with Sin and What it Means to be Sinless

Clearly, since we want to have victory in our struggle with sin, we should know what it means to be sinless. Well, we are sinless when we meet God’s ideal for humanity. It’s that simple.

And what is the reward for the sinless? They will all receive eternal life from God.

Now God’s ideal is expressed in God’s law of love, which God states as follows: “Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5), and “thou shalt love thy neighbour [your fellow human being] as thyself.” Leviticus 19:18.

Thus, God says, “Whoso [Whosoever] keepeth the law is a wise son [or daughter]” (Proverbs 28:7) and is “wise unto salvation [unto the saving from eternal death (annihilation) by God to receive instead eternal life from God].” 2 Timothy 3:15.

That is to say then, we win the struggle with sin when we keep God’s law of love. In other words, a heart filled with genuine love for God and for our fellow human beings is a heart free from sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—The Obstacle Humanity Faces

God outlines for us in the Bible the obstacle that prevents humanity from becoming sinless. But don’t despair, God has provided a way for humanity to overcome this obstacle.

What is this obstacle? It is humanity’s sinful nature, which God describes in great detail in the Bible. Here, in this post, I will only pull out from the Bible an overview of humanity’s sin problem.

Note that, in the Bible, God contrasts two groups of people—the righteous and the wicked—for in God’s eyes there are only these two groups of people in the world.

Who are the wicked? God says, “The whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19. Here God is referring to the fact that the vast majority of the people on earth have not chosen God’s way. Thus, they have not overcome their natural sinfulness and so, they are wicked in God’s eyes.

Who are the righteous? God says, “Little children [Hear, every human being], let no man [no person] deceive you: he that doeth righteousness [as God defines it] is righteous, even as he [God] is righteous.” 1 John 3:7.

Is our sinful nature that bad? Well, consider what God says about it: “For from within, out of the heart of men [out of the heart of every human being], proceed evil thoughts, adulteries [sexual intimacy between a married person and someone other than their partner in marriage], fornications [sexual intimacy between unmarried persons], murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man [make the person spiritually unclean in God’s eyes].” Mark 7:21-23.

“Yea, they [the wicked] have chosen their own ways, and their soul [heart] delighteth in their abominations.” Isaiah 66:3.

“The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire [mud] and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20, 21. In other words, there is a constant and unceasing “clamour” (Ephesians 4:31) within each person, that is, a persistent uproar of the evil inclination of the heart and minds of every human being.

This then is the obstacle which every human being faces in any attempt to win the struggle with sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Overcoming the Obstacle

As was said before, God has provided a way to for all humanity to overcome their sinful nature which is an obstacle to any human being becoming sinless. In other words, God has provided a way to win the struggle with sin.

What is this way? It is what is known as God’s “grace.” Genesis 6:8.

That is, God says, “The grace of God that bringeth salvation [the saving from eternal death (annihilation) to instead receive eternal life from God] hath appeared to all men [to all humanity], teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly [extremely seriously], righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11, 12.

So, we see then that God’s grace is always “teaching us.” Titus 2:12. How can we learn what grace is teaching us? Well, God says, “All scripture [the entire Bible] is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine [teaching], for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God [the godly person] may be perfect, throughly [thoroughly] furnished [equipped by God] unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

For God says, “Man [a human being] shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God [by every word in the Bible].” Matthew 4:4. Thus, God directs us to the whole Bible in any attempt to win the struggle with sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—God’s Instruction in the Bible

Now you may be saying, The Bible has many pages, must I read the entire Bible before I can know God’s way of winning the struggle with sin?

The answer is that, even though God requires that you read and study the entire Bible, it is possible to begin to understand how to win the struggle with sin just by understanding a few Bible verses.

But more than that though, in this post I will give you an understanding of what I consider a minimum number of Bible verses, so that you can have some breadth and depth of understanding of how the struggle with sin is won. So, by the end of this post, you will know how to have victory over every sin.

Now God’s grace points us to the teachings of the entire Bible. This is God’s deliberate design of the Bible, for in the Bible’s few pages God has condensed millions of His thoughts to help us in our struggle with sin.

How then do you understand the Bible? God says that we are to pray to God asking Him to “open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law [out of God’s law of love as described by the whole Bible].” Psalm 119:18.

“For precept [moral instruction] must be [built] upon precept [moral instruction], precept [moral instruction built] upon precept [moral instruction]; line upon line, line upon line; here a little [in the Bible], and there a little [in the Bible].” Isaiah 28:10.

When we pray with a sincere heart, God promises that “the [Holy] Spirit of truth…he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13. “What is truth?” John 18:38. “Thy [God’s] word [the Bible] is truth.” John 17:17.

In other words, God is saying that the Holy Spirit will “sanctify them [make the individual sinless] through thy [God’s] truth: [because] thy [God’s] word [the Bible] is truth.” John 17:17. We see then why it is absolutely necessary to read and to study the entire Bible.

Happily, we can consult the Bible which is readily available worldwide. Don’t worry about those people in the world who do not have access to a Bible, for God teaches them His law of love in different ways so that they can have victory in the struggle with sin. But for those people with access to a Bible, God expects them to consult the Bible for an understanding of His law of love.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—God’s Grace in His Blessings

Now God says, “Your Father which is in heaven…maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45. “He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” Luke 6:35. Why does God the Father according to His grace bless every human being? It is in an attempt by the Father to draw humanity to Christ so that they can win the struggle with sin.

Likewise, Christ sends the Holy Spirit as His Representative to every human being and the Spirit “whatsoever he [The Holy Spirit] shall hear [from Christ], that shall he [the Holy Spirit] speak…he shall glorify me [Christ]: for he [the Holy Spirit] shall receive of mine [of Christ’s], and shall shew [show] it unto you.” John 16:13, 14.

Why do both the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit draw our attention to Christ? It is because “Neither is there salvation in any other [than through Christ]: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

And God, speaking of Himself, says, “God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us [loved humanity], even when we were dead in sins, hath [sought to bless humanity such that they are] quickened [made alive]…together with Christ, ([for] by grace ye are saved [from eternal death (annihilation)].” Ephesians 2:4, 5.

For Christ says, “No man [no person] can come to me [Christ], except the Father which…sent me [into the world, and the Holy Spirit] draw him: and I [Christ] will raise him [the person] up [from the dead] at the last day [of the world as we now know it, to live eternally].” John 6:44.

Here then is a cause for self-examination. Have you felt yourself being drawn to God, being drawn to Christ by the grace of God, which is the unmerited favour of God? Do you acknowledge God’s blessings and are you “thankful [to God].” Psalm 100:4. If you are thankful, this is the beginning of a relationship with God.

If you are not thankful, here is the beginning of the answer as to why you struggle with sin. You have not recognised nor appreciated God’s blessings in your life.

What is the solution to ingratitude? Pray sincerely and ask God to show you His blessings in your life. Then, examine your daily life and your past life and you will find that every day there is much to thank God for. Note that thankfulness is only the beginning of how to win the struggle against sin.

So, what next should I do to have victory over sin? The following steps which I will now outline are absolutely essential to your becoming equipped by God to have success in the struggle.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Step 1: God’s Grace and the Opening of Our Eyes and Ears

God’s grace, His unmerited favour, has an all-important role to play in our getting the victory in our struggle with sin.

So, God says, “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit]” (John 14:26) “he will reprove [convict] the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” John 16:8.

“Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities [sins] infinite?” Job 22:5. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD [God]: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as [white as] wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

“Only acknowledge thine iniquity [wickedness], that thou hast transgressed [sinned] against the LORD thy God…and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD [God].” Jeremiah 3:13.

Now this is what the Holy Spirit is constantly speaking supernaturally to ever human being. If by God’ grace they do not resist the Holy Spirit, they will be led to hear what the Spirit is saying and see themselves as they are in God’s eyes. For “the hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD [God] hath made even both of them.” Proverbs 20:12.

That is, they will be convicted of their sin, for without this conviction there is no real perception of our sins and, hence, no possibility of success in the struggle with sin.

To throw further light on the matter, let us consider and the case of a blind man. “And he [Christ] cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him [Christ] to touch him.” Mark 8:22.

“And he [Christ] took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he [Christ] had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought [anything].” Mark 8:23.

“And he [the blind man] looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he [Christ] put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he [the blind man] was restored, and saw every man clearly.” Mark 8:24, 25.

What do Christ’s actions mean? This an acted parable, where a parable is a short story giving moral instruction. The understanding we receive from this parable is that conviction of sin is sometimes partial, and is then followed by full conviction of sin.

So, here is a call to self-examination. Have you received any conviction of your sins, whether a partial or full conviction? This is your first step in winning the struggle with sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Step 2: God’s Grace and Choosing God’s Ways

Having been  convicted of sin, God says, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you [eternal] life and [eternal] death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose [eternal] life, that…thou…may live [eternally].” Deuteronomy 30:19.

“As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live [eternally]: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die [eternally (be annihilated)]?” Ezekiel 33:11.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

This is a call from God to acknowledge our sins, and to be found among those people who have “purposed in…his [or her] heart” (Daniel 1:8) to turn away from all their sins. That is, a call from God to begin the struggle with sin by God’s grace.

In other words, God call every human being to choose His ways of love by setting their will firmly against all sin. This struggle with sin must begin if there is to be any hope of receiving eternal life from God.

So, we are called to cease to resist God’s will and the work of God’s grace in our lives, and to begin the quest for victory in the struggle with sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—No Conviction of Sin

For those with no conviction of sin, God says the language of their heart is, “Who is the LORD [God], that I should obey his voice? I know not the LORD [God].” Exodus 5:2.

Thus, God says of these people, “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil [Satan], and the lusts of your father ye will do. He [Satan] was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:43, 44.

“For this people’s heart is waxed gross [is callous, hardened], and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest [to prevent any possibility that] at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” Matthew 13:15.

So, the fault is with yourself, when you have no conviction of sin. What to do in the struggle with sin? First, pray to God and ask Him to open your eyes and reveal your sins to you, and expect a blessing in winning this struggle. Second, start reading the Bible for it points out sin.

By no means give up the struggle before you even start fighting sin, and go your own way living in sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Denial of Sin in the Face of God’s Reproof

Now “Jesus [Christ] said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.” John 9:39. Here Christ is speaking of spiritual eyesight by which one can see their sins.

“And some of the Pharisees which were with him [Christ] heard these words, and said unto him [Christ], Are we [spiritually] blind also? Jesus [Christ] said unto them, If ye were [spiritually] blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” John 9:40, 41. For “the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves.” Luke 7:30.

What this means is that the spiritually blind are already under the condemnation of God for their sins. But the Pharisees claimed to have spiritual eyesight and in their own eyes they were sinless, when they were actually sinful.

Thus, the Pharisees denied the counsel of Christ (who is God) against them. Hence, they had no struggle with sin, for in their own eyes there saw no need for such a struggle.

Learn the lesson that God gives concerning the Pharisees and examine yourself to see if you are in denial of your sins. If so, yield to the Holy Spirit so that you turn away immediately from your denial and accept God’s counsel against yourself so that your struggle with sin may begin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Conviction and Making No Effort to Turn Away from Sin

Let us now consider the case of a man named Felix in our quest for victory in the struggle with sin.

“And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul [a disciple of Christ], and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.” Acts 24:24.

“And as he [Paul] reasoned of righteousness, temperance [of avoiding harmful foods and eating and drinking healthy foods in moderation], and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Acts 24:25.

“He [Felix] hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him [from imprisonment]: wherefore he [Felix] sent for him [Paul] the oftener, and communed with him [Paul].” Acts 24:26.

Here we find evidence that Felix was convicted of sin, but he decided to do nothing about it. There is no record in the Bible that he ever acted upon his convictions, and so, Felix will receive eternal death (annihilation) from God.

Again, I say to you, examine yourself to see if you are like Felix, in that, though convicted of your sins you have done nothing about it. If so, it is absolutely essential that you accept God’s counsel against you and begin to struggle with sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Conviction and a Half-Hearted Turning Away from Sin

Now we will consider the cases of a man named Demas as we continue to seek victory in our struggle with sin. Paul, the disciple of Christ, said, “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.” 2 Timothy 4:10.

That is, Demas, for a time seemed to have turned away from all his sins, but his desertion of Paul and the cause of God on earth proved otherwise. He had, in essence, made a half-hearted attempt to win the struggle with sin.

For God says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth [lives] for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17.

The love of the world is a result of our inward corruption with sin, and also because we “have fellowship [friendship] with devils [Satan and his evil angels].” 1 Corinthians 10:20. And God asks every human being, “Shall the throne of iniquity [Satan’s throne] have fellowship [friendship] with thee, which frameth [makes] mischief by a law [of wickedness]?” Psalm 94:20.

Here once more is a need for self-examination. Do you love the world and the things of the world so that you have made a half-hearted effort in turning away from sin?

Note that the struggle with sin will never be won by half-hearted attempts at victory. We must completely turn away from sin to have victory in the struggle.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Conviction and Seeking Justification by the Works of the Law

Now it is good for you to choose to turn away from all your sins and seek to keep God’s law of love in your quest for victory in the struggle with sin. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to seek to keep God’s law of love which I will now explain.

Note that, Thus “saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.” Hebrews 8:10. When God does this for us, we are “justified” (Romans 5:1) and so we will naturally, automatically, keep God’s law of love. This then is the right way to seek to keep God’s law of love and to win the struggle with sin.

But we can only be justified when we have “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21.

So, God says we should be able to say of ourselves in truth, “I through the law [through God’s law of love] am dead to the [works of the] law, that I might live unto God [and His ways of love].” Galatians 2:19. “For not the hearers of the law [the hearers of God’s law of love] are just before God, but the doers of the law [the doers of God’s law of love] shall be justified.” Romans 2:13.

“Therefore by the deeds of the law [by the works of the law] there shall no flesh [no human being] be justified in his [God’s] sight: for by the law [by God’s law of love] is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20. Seeking to be justified by the works of the law, which is to say, without God’s law of love written by God in our hearts and minds, is the wrong way to go about keeping God’s law of love. It is utterly ineffective in the struggle with sin.

Note, that, in effect, those who are justified have been “justified by his blood” (Romans 5:9), for it is Christ’s death that has secured salvation for the entire human race.

As regards works, God says once more, “For if Abraham [a godly man] were justified by [the] works [of the law], he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.” Romans 4:2.

Nevertheless, God says, “Was not Abraham our father justified by [good] works” (James 2:21), and not by “dead works” (Hebrews 6:1), that is, not by the works of the law, “when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how [Abraham’s] faith [that God would raise his beloved son, Isaac, fom the dead] wrought [was in cooperation] with his [good] works, and by [good] works was faith made perfect? (Note: God stopped Abraham before he could actually kill his son, Isaac.)” James 2:21, 22.

“And the scripture [God’s written word in the Bible] was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed [credited] unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” James 2:23.

“Ye see then how that by [good] works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” James 2:24.

So, then we have briefly looked at the right way and the wrong way to attempt to keep God’s law of love in order to have victory in our struggle with sin. For there is a difference between what God calls “dead works” (Hebrews 6:1) and what He calls “good works.” Ephesians 2:10. Now, good works will always cause us to win the struggle, for it is evidence that we have been justified.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Conviction and a Genuine Turning Away from Sin

God records in the Bible what Paul, the disciple of Christ said about himself in his struggle with sin: “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” Philippians 3:7, 8.

“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the [works of the] law, but that which is through the faith of [received from] Christ, the righteousness which is of [received from] God by [our exercise (use) of the] faith [received from God].” Philippians 3:9. Now everyone receives the gift of faith from God but without repentance people have a superficial faith and not saving (correct) faith that takes proper hold of God’s truth by the working of the Holy Spirit.

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto [made like] his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead [the raising from the dead to live again].” Philippians 3:10, 11.

So, God could say of Paul, “Blessed are your eyes, for they [spiritually] see: and your ears, for they [spiritually] hear.” Matthew 13:16. For “a wise son heareth his father’s instruction.” Proverbs 13:1.

Paul then is an example of someone who genuinely turned away from all his sins. Thus, Paul was guaranteed by God to win the struggle with sin, if Paul did not stray away from his chosen path.

God placed this record in the Bible for us to examine ourselves if we are like Paul in turning away from all our sins. If so, God guarantees you victory in the struggle with sin if you do not go astray from this path.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Step 3: God’s Grace and Repentance

Genuinely turning away from all our sins is a major decision in our struggle with sin for it means that we have given God full permission to work in us by His grace.

Now it is God’s grace, that is, “the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering…[such] that the goodness of God leadeth thee to [to turn from all your sins, that is, leads you to] repentance [deep sorrow for your sins]?” Romans 2:4.

In other words, it is “his [the Father’s] Son Jesus [Christ whom he has] sent…to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities [sins].” Acts 3:26.

“Him [Christ] hath God exalted…to give repentance to [you]” (Acts 5:31), which is to say, now “hath God…granted [you] repentance unto [eternal] life.” Acts 11:18.

We see then that repentance is only due to God’s grace (blessing) that leads us to repent God to help us gain the victory in our struggle with sin.

So then, if we repent, God says, “I rejoice…that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner…For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh [eternal] death [which is to be annihilated].” 2 Corinthians 7:9, 10.

“For if I [God] make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me [God] glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?” 2 Corinthians 2:2.

Thus, God counts as of no value the “sorrow of the world” (2 Corinthians 7:10) which does not sorrow because of sins committed but sorrows over the consequences of sin. The sorrow of the world then is like the sorrow of a murderer who regrets being caught and brought to justice for his sin, but has no remorse for having committed murder.

Clearly then here is a cause for self-examination if we are to win the struggle with sin. Have you repented, that is, have you had godly sorrow over every sin of yours that God brings to your mind and over your sinful disposition itself?

If you have repented, you are on your way to victory in the struggle. If you have not repented, make no excuses for your sins, for self-justification in an evil course is to have the spirit of Satan, whom God condemns for his sins.

Here is where many people fail in their quest for victory in the struggle with sin. For how can God cause you to have godly sorrow over sins you rejoice in, cherish, make excuses for, and continue to do? Will God save to eternal life and take to heaven those people who walk in the ways of Satan, whom God cast out of heaven because of his wickedness? The answer is, Certainly not!

So, I appeal to you, if you have not repented, yield to the Holy Spirit so that you turn away from all your sins, that is, so that you repent, without which you cannot win the struggle with sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Step 4: God’s Grace and Faith

Those who have repented of their sins are in a position to take the next step to win the struggle with sin. What is this step? It is “faith toward [belief in] our Lord Jesus Christ [and what Christ has done to save humanity from eternal death (annihilation)].” Acts 20:21.

For God says, “If we receive the witness of men [of persons], the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son [Christ]. He that believeth on the [Christ the] Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him [God] a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us [to humanity] eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” 1 John 5:9-11.

How can we have faith in Christ to aid in the struggle against sin? Well, God says, let it not be said of you in truth, “Ye…repented not…that ye might believe him.” Matthew 21:32. For “this is the work of God, that ye believe on him [Christ] whom he [God] hath sent [into the world].” John 6:29.

“Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the [Holy] Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed [abominable]: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit].” 1 Corinthians 12:3.

Here then is a revelation from God that genuine faith in Christ is gift from God, the result of God working in us through His Holy Spirit. And there can be no true faith without repentance through the Holy Spirit. In other words, those who have not repented cannot be among “them that believe [in Christ] to the saving of the soul [saving of their life from eternal death (annihilation)].” Hebrew 10:39.

So, it is that simple. Without repentance, there can be no genuine faith in Christ, and without true faith, there is no possibility of winning the struggle with sin.

Moreover, God says, “So then faith [in Christ] cometh by hearing [the Holy Spirit constantly “speaking” to you supernaturally], and hearing [by which we perceive our sins] by the word of God [“spoken” by the Holy Spirit]. But I [God] say, Have they not heard? Yes verily [surely], their sound [the words of the prophets whom God sent to preach to the world] went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world [through the written words of the Bible].” Romans 10:17, 18.

Therefore, you cannot truly say that God has not provided humanity help that they may receive the gift of faith from God, so that they have victory in the struggle with sin. Examine yourself then and see if you have true faith in Christ. For if you have no faith, the fault is with yourself because you have refused to hear the Holy Spirit.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—The Spiritual Danger of Repentance Without Faith

Now those people who repent of their sins and yet have no faith in Christ are faced with spiritual danger in their quest to win the struggle with sin.

For God says, “When the unclean spirit [either Satan or one of his evil angels] is gone out of a man [a person], he [the unclean spirit, also known as a demon] walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he [the demon] saith, I will return into my house [to the person] from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished [put in proper order].” Matthew 12:43, 44.

“Then goeth he [the unclean spirit or demon], and taketh with himself seven other spirits [demons] more wicked than himself, and they enter in [to the person] and dwell there: and the last state of that man [person] is worse than the first.” Matthew 12:45.

That is, repentance results in the demons that formerly controlled the will of a person being cast out. But if repentance is not followed by faith in Christ, there is a spiritual vacuum in the person which should have been filled with a spiritual connection with God. The result is that many more demons enter into the person, so that their state of sinfulness is worse than it was before.

Be careful then that you do not fall into this spiritual danger so that there is no possibility of your winning your struggle with sin. Take courage though, this state of a person is not hopeless, just that it has become more difficult to have faith in Christ. The only way out this situation is to yield to the Holy Spirit so that you receive God’s gift of faith to help you in your struggle, and to pray to God for victory in the struggle.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Step 5: God’s Grace and Our Justification by Faith

Great news! Instantaneously upon our having “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21) we are justified by God.

That is to say, we are declared righteous by God. That is, by our justification, we have reached the first milestone in getting the victory in our struggle with sin. The second and final milestone is to be sanctified. Isn’t it wonderful to be justified?

Up to this point, though we have been seeking to win the struggle with sin, we have not reached the point of partial success in this struggle which justification brings.

Now then, “being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God…because the love of God is shed abroad [poured into] in our hearts by the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit] which is given unto us [by God].” Romans 5:1-5.

This actual pouring of God’s love into our hearts is the fulfilment of God’s promise: For, Thus “saith the Lord [God]; I will put my laws [of love] into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.” Hebrews 8:10.

So then, we now become “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4) which makes us godly instead of sinful. Furthermore, Christ now becomes our Sin Bearer, in that, God accepts Christ’s death in our place and so God grants us “remission [forgiveness] of [our] sins that are past.” Romans 3:25.

Truly, it can now be said of you in truth, “that Christ…dwell[s] in your hearts by faith; [such] that ye [are] being rooted and grounded in love.” Ephesians 3:17.

Our justification means that God has equipped us with His love in our hearts and made it possible for us to win the struggle and overcome all our sins. It is now possible for us to keep God’s law of love.

To be clear, we can now say of ourselves in truth, “Knowing that a man [a person] is not justified by the works of the law [which is to say, not justified unless we have God’s love poured in our hearts by the Holy Spirit], but [justified] by the faith of Jesus Christ [justified by the faith received from Christ as a gift], even we have believed in [we have exercised (used) the faith received from Christ to believe in] Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ [justified by the faith received from Christ as a gift], and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh [human being] be justified.” Galatians 2:16.

Praise the Lord for equipping us with the gift of faith for our struggle with sin! For even the people that lived before Christ came into the world could say, “Wherefore the [ceremonial] law [which God gave to the Jews and which is described in the Bible] was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ [by pointing to Christ as the promised Deliverer from sin], that we might be justified by faith [in Christ].” Galatians 3:24.

“Therefore we conclude that a man [a person] is justified by faith without the deeds [works] of the law.” Romans 3:28. For “that no man [no person] is justified by the [works of the] law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by [the gift of] faith [from God which they have exercised (used) to believe in Christ].” Galatians 3:11.

So, if we have received God’s grace in being led to repent and His free gifts of faith and love, we can say, we have been “justified freely by his [God’s] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24), “that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7. Hallelujah for progress in the struggle with sin because we have now been justified!

But “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the [works of the] law; ye are fallen from grace.” Galatians 5:4. In other words, we should know that it is only by God’s grace and not by our works that we can make any progress in our struggle with sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Step 6: God’s Grace and Our Sanctification

Now immediately upon their justification, persons enter upon the lifelong process of “sanctification” (1 Corinthians 1:30), which when it is ended gives the person complete success in their struggle with sin.

That is, as Christ says, the justified are to “go on unto perfection” (Hebrews 6:1) so “that they may receive …[an] inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me [Christ].” Acts 26:18.

What is the purpose then of sanctification? Well, as it happened, Christ, when He was on earth, “was in all points tempted like as we [humanity] are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15. Likewise, God says of humanity, especially the justified, “That I [God] may prove [test] them, whether they will walk in my law [of love], or no [or not].” Exodus 16:4.

For the justified, when they are tempted to sin in all points, must win their struggle with sin if they are to receive eternal life from God.

Does God in testing us, tempt us? Absolutely not! God says of the justified, “For the flesh [the sinful nature] lusteth [wars] against the [Holy] Spirit, and the [Holy] Spirit [wars] against the flesh [sinful nature]: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17. This then is nature of the struggle with sin in the justified.

In other words, the justified are tested by the conflict between the two natures which they have after their justification. For, as was said before, the justified have become partakers of God’s divine nature and this then is in constant conflict with their natural sinful nature.

Thus, only to the sanctified, that is, those who have had victory in their struggle with sin, will God grant eternal life, for only these people are safe for God to take to heaven. This is why God speaking of Himself, can say, “He [God] will make an utter [complete] end: affliction [sin] shall not rise up the second time [in the universe].” Nahum 1:9.

So, God is not seeking to punish humanity in the process of sanctification. No, no! Instead, God is seeking to “cleanse…[them] from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9), which is to say, to “purify unto himself [God] a peculiar people, zealous of [fervently desiring to do] good works.” Titus 2:14.

Here we see the wisdom and love of God towards humanity, in that, God helps them to have complete victory in their struggle with sin. Therefore, the struggle with sin is a natural part of the process of sanctification and, in this struggle, God has imparted His divine nature to the justified to help them to have victory over all sin.

But every human being, including the justified, must learn how to cooperate with God in their quest to win the struggle with sin. What do I mean by cooperate with God? Continue reading and I will explain.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—God’s Grace and Our Nothingness

Now Christ says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me [that spiritually connects with me], and I in him [and I am spiritually connected with him], the same bringeth forth much fruit [of good works]: for without me ye can do nothing [good].” John 15:5.

“For if a man [a person] think himself to be something [good], when he is nothing [good], he deceiveth himself.” Galatians 6:3.

Here is a most important teaching from God for us to grasp. Every human being must realise that I am nothing, in that, in my natural sinful condition, I can do nothing good and, so, I am utterly unable to win the struggle with sin. But don’t despair, for as we have seen there is hope that we may receive help from God.

For God says, “But as many as received him [Christ through being led to repent and God’s gifts of faith and love], to them gave he [Christ] power to become the sons [and daughters] of God [that is, to become righteous], even to them that believe on his name [believe in Christ’s character of love]: Which were [spiritually] born [again], not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh [of the sinful nature], nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12, 13.

We see then that “A man [a person] can receive nothing, except it be given him [or her] from heaven.” John 3:27. So, God says, “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.

In other words, if we do not realise our nothingness before God, we cannot correctly cooperate with Him in our struggle with sin. That is, as we have said before, it is only God’s grace leading us to repent and in giving us His gifts of faith and love that can cause us to succeed in the struggle.

Hence, God declares, “But of [by] him [God] are ye in [spiritually connected with] Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us [the justified] wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30. And so we can say of ourselves in truth, “All my springs [of love] are in thee [Christ].” Psalm 87:7. Only in this way can we win our struggle with sin.

What is the wisdom that Christ gives? It is the ability to “discern between good and evil” (2 Samuel 19:35) which is essential if we are to get the victory in our struggle with sin. That is, if we cannot recognise what is sin, we are likely to fall into sin believing that we are doing good.

“For wisdom [from God] is a defence [against sin], and money is a defence [because it can satisfy our physical needs]: but the excellency of [the] knowledge [of God] is, that wisdom [from God] giveth [eternal] life to them that have it.” Ecclesiastes 7:12.

The lesson here then is that we must recognise our nothingness and, hence, come into the position where we cooperate with God by our total dependence upon God’s help in winning the struggle with sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin— Never Giving Up: Prayer and a Love Relationship with God

As one who is justified, you will become aware, if you have not already, and especially if you read the Bible, that what God desires most is to have a love relationship with humanity. So, be assured that God will not leave you to battle alone in your struggle with sin.

Now at the very heart of a us having a love relationship with God is our prayer to God, which is two-way communication with God.

Why do I say that prayer is a two-way communication? Well, God says, “Trust in him [in God] at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him [before God]: God is a refuge for us. Selah [Pause and reflect on this].” Psalm 62:8.

That is, we are to open our hearts to God and speak to Him about everything concerning our lives as we would speak to a loving parent.

If we do so, God says, “Because he [an individual] hath set his love upon me [upon God], therefore will I [God] deliver him [from Satan’s unsleeping malice and from the schemes of wicked people]: I will set him on high, because he hath known my [God’s] name. He shall call upon me [God], and I [God] will answer him: I [God] will be with him in trouble; I [God] will deliver him, and honour him. With long life [eternal life] will I [God] satisfy him, and shew [show] him my salvation [my saving from eternal death (annihilation)]. ” Psalm 91:14-16.

Thus, such two-way communication between us and God will bring to us God’s help in our struggle with sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin— Never Giving Up: Silent Prayers

It is of utmost importance that all our prayers to God be silent. Why? Because no human ear should be able to hear us pour out our hearts to God, for what we have to say to God should be kept private and confidential with God. Neither should any of the “devils” (Leviticus 17:7), also known as demons, who are Satan and his evil angels, be able to hear our prayers to God.

You must understand that God is “the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) and He is present everywhere at the same time. Likewise, the angels are invisible and so you, with your human senses, cannot tell that angels are around you, unless the angels choose to reveal themselves to you.

But you must make a distinction between the holy angels and demons, who are Satan and his evil angels. For God says of His holy angels, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth [by God] to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Hebrews 1:14. On the other hand, the demons’ whole mission and goal is to ensure that you are not saved by God to receive eternal life.

Therefore, since Satan and his evil angels, cannot read our minds we do not ever want to pour out what is in our hearts into their ears. For, if we do so, we are in effect telling these demons, who are ever present, how best to tempt us so that we fall into sin and thus fail in the struggle with sin.

Now God says, “I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.” Ezekiel 11:5. So, there is no need to worry that if you pray silently in your mind that God will not hear your prayer.

You can speak aloud your thanksgiving and praise to God as long as you don’t in the process reveal any of your secrets with God.

Note that prayer is not just for set times such as mornings and evenings, but at every hour of the day, every minute, every moment, you should be speaking to God as if He were visible and constantly by your side.

Thus, you bring God into every aspect of your daily life as an ever present help in your struggle with sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—God’s Grace and Never Giving Up: Prayer

Regarding prayer, God says, “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16.

When we do sin, God says to us, “O…return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity [sin]. Take with you words, and turn to the LORD [God]: say unto him, Take away all iniquity [wickedness], and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips [instead of making a literal sacrifice of calves to God for our sins].” Hosea 14:1, 2.

Yes, it is absolutely necessary that you pray along these lines to seek God’s help in your struggle with sin.

That is, we should say to God, “For here [on earth] have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come [from heaven to the earth]. By him [God] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his [God’s] name.” Hebrews 13:14, 15.

For God says, “And I will pour upon the house of David [that is, upon the house of Christ which is made up of all the justified]…the [Holy] spirit of grace and of supplications [of earnest prayers]: and they shall look upon me [Christ] whom they have pierced [for it is the sins of every human being which caused Christ to be nailed by His hands and feet to a t-shaped wooden structure called a cross], and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son [who has died], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn [who has died].” Zechariah 12:10.

In other words, “the [Holy] Spirit also helpeth our infirmities [weaknesses]: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the [Holy] Spirit itself maketh intercession [prayers to God] for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26.

So, as we struggle with sin, our nothingness, our utter inability to overcome sin in our own strength, is a place we will have to revisit over and over again. But be assured, even the Holy Spirit makes prayers to God on your behalf. Never give up the struggle. God’s help is sure to give you victory in the struggle.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—God’s Grace and Never Giving Up

As regards temptations to sin, God says, “There hath no temptation [to sin] taken you but such as is common to man [to humanity]: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13.

The way of escape which God provides is for us to pray to God for His help in overcoming sin so that we may win the struggle with sin.

“For a just man [person] falleth [into sin] seven [many] times, and riseth up again [ceases from sin again]: but the wicked shall fall into mischief [evil].” Proverbs 24:16.

This means that, even the justified, will find themselves falling into various sins until they become sanctified, which is to say, victorious in their struggle with sin.

Therefore, God says, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child [of God, who are the justified, by means of their sinful nature]; but the [spiritual] rod of correction [of God] shall drive it far from him.” Proverbs 22:15.

“The LORD’S voice crieth unto the city [unto the individual human being], and the man [the person] of [with] wisdom [from God] shall see [discern] thy [God’s] name [God’s character of love]: hear ye the [spiritual] rod [of God], and [God] who hath appointed it.” Micah 6:9.

So then, as one in the midst of a struggle with sin, you can say, “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy [Satan and his evil angels and wicked people]: when I fall [into sin], I shall arise [and get the victory over my sin]; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [God] shall be a light unto me.” Micah 7:8.

“Let [the] Israel [of God who are the justified] rejoice in him [God] that made him [or her win the struggle]: let the children of Zion [the children of heaven] be joyful in their King [God].” Psalm 149:2.

“For…to this man [person] will I [God] look [with approval], even to him that is poor [in spirit, that is, who recognizes their nothingness before God] and of a contrite [repentant] spirit, and trembleth at [and reverences] my word [the Bible].” Isaiah 66:2.

I say to you then, Never give up the struggle with sin, for if you continue to do battle with sin, you will surely overcome them.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—God’s Grace and Never Giving Up: Obedience

Now God says, “My son [and my daughter], keep thy father’s [God’s] commandment, and forsake not the law [God’s law of love].” Proverbs 6:20. So, we come now to the necessity of obedience to God’s law of love as evidence that we have won the struggle with sin.

But how can we be obedient? Well, first of all, only those who have been justified can truly be obedient to God’s law. Thus, we see the importance of our justification if we are to have any hope of getting victory in our struggle with sin.

Notwithstanding this, God says to every human being, “If any man [any person] will come after me [will be my disciple], let him deny himself, and take up his cross [go against his or her natural, sinful inclinations] daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23. That is, God is saying that we are to deny ourselves and not give in to self-indulgence. Here again we see the importance of setting our will in the right direction.

Moreover, God says, “This I say then, Walk in [live according to] the [Holy] Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh [of the sinful nature].” Galatians 5:16. And “if ye be led of the [Holy] Spirit, ye are not under the [the condemnation of the] law [of God’s law of love].” Galatians 5:18.

For then you will find in your struggle with sin that “the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified [put to death] the flesh [sinful nature] with the [its] affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:22-24.

Also, you should “take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God [the Bible].” Ephesians 6:17. So then the Bible is a defensive weapon against every temptation to sin because it gives us the necessary instruction, as well as comfort and encouragement from God.

Hence, purpose in your heart to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus [and] “let us therefore, as many as be perfect [be justified], be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained [in winning victories in our struggle with sin], let us walk by the same rule [of pressing toward the mark], let us mind the same thing.” Philippians 3:14-16.

By this means, therefore, “fight the good fight of faith [and thereby] lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:12. For faith in, which is to say, belief in, God’s promises and living according to God’s word, the Bible, is guaranteed to give us the victory in the struggle.

So, God says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith [in Christ]; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you [how you have a spiritual connection to Jesus Christ], except ye be reprobates [be unapproved by God]?” 2 Corinthians 13:5.

We see then that at every point in our struggle with sin, there is a call by God for us to examine ourselves, to search our own hearts, for evil desires and intents and, if there are any, to put them away from us. As was said before, Never give up the struggle. You can be obedient to God’s law of love. Yes, entire obedience is possible for you.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—God’s Grace and Never Giving Up: God’s Help

With regards to our struggle with sin, God’s promise is “when the enemy [Satan] shall come in like a flood [into your mind], the Spirit of the LORD [God] shall lift up a standard against him [will chase him away].” Isaiah 59:19.

Now you may find yourself crying out to God saying. “O wretched man [or woman] that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this [eternal] death [which is annihilation]?” Romans 7:24. Be encouraged for God has put words of confidence in our mouths so that we can say of ourselves in truth, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the [spiritual] mind I myself serve the law of God [God’s law of love]; but with the flesh [sinful nature] the law of sin.” Romans 7:25.

Trust that with God’s help you can “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18. By trusting in God’s promises, you will find that “deep [God’s deep love] calleth unto deep [the depths of our heart] at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows [of your infinite love] are gone over me.” Psalm 42:7.

Believe God’s words when God says, “I will give them [those who seek God] an heart to know me, that I am the LORD [God]: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.” Jeremiah 24:7.

Have faith in God and never give up your struggle with sin and God will surely make you victorious in this struggle.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—God’s Grace and Being Led by God

As we continue to look at how to win the struggle with sin, let us look at what God says, “I [God] will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16.

And “thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.” Isaiah 48:17.

“For as many as are led by the [Holy] Spirit of God, they are the sons [and daughters] of God.” Romans 8:14.

What does all this mean? Well, here is one of the most important things you must do if you wish to have victory in the struggle with sin.

God is saying that we are blind to His ways of love because of our sinful nature, and He proposes to lead in the ways of His law of love. It means then that in everything we do, we are to be found among them who have “asked…counsel at the mouth of the LORD [God].” Joshua 9:14.

That is, we are to consult the Bible for guidance in our everyday lives and pray to God for His direction. God delights in our seeking His counsel and He will surely answer all sincere requests for guidance.

How? God will often direct you to read a particular Bible verse or verses and so God leads you in your daily life.

If you seek God’s counsel at all times you would have made a gigantic step towards winning the struggle with sin. No demon, that is to say, neither Satan and his evil angels or wicked people can overcome you if you live according to God’s leading. They may distress or even cause our death, but be assured that those who die keeping God’s law of love will receive eternal life from God.

But if you fail to let God direct your life, you are in a position where you cannot win the struggle with sin.

So, fear not. Walk in God’s ways of love at all times and you will have victory in the struggle.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—God’s Grace and Being Taught by God

Now God says, “Good and upright is the LORD [God]: therefore will he teach sinners in the way [of God’s law of love].” Psalm 25:8.

“What man is he that feareth [has reverence for] the LORD [God]? him shall he [God] teach in the way that he shall choose.” Psalm 25:12. “And [so] they shall be all taught of God.” John 6:45.

For God says, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.” Matthew 11:29.

Here then is a call once more for self-examination. Are you learning God’s ways of love daily? If not, you cannot win the struggle with sin. Turn around then, seek God in prayer, and read and study the Bible so that God may teach you.

So then, as we follow God’s leading in our lives, we learn God’s ways of love and thus our characters come closer and closer to God’s own character of love. And it is when we have God’s character of love that we are victorious in the struggle with sin. For then we have become sanctified, which is to say, sinless.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Time and Prayer

When Christ was on earth, it happened that as the crushing weight of the sins of the whole human race came upon Him, “Then saith he [Christ] unto them [His disciples], My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry [wait] ye here, and watch [keep awake] with me.” Matthew 26:38.

“And he [Christ] went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup [of guilt and punishment for humanity’s sins] pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt [will].” Matthew 26:39.

“And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch [keep awake] with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit [mind] indeed is willing, but the flesh [humanity’s sinful nature] is [morally] weak [and so inclined to failure in the struggle with sin].” Matthew 26:40, 41.

There is a lesson here for all of us. The implication of Christ’s words is that, when it comes to our prayer to God, we should spend at least one hour in communication with God, both in the mornings and in the evenings. Two hours in the mornings and two hours in the evenings is even better.

Why pray so long? Because, first of all, if you love God, you will delight to spend time in His presence and in getting to know God better and better every day. Second, if we are receive God’s counsel, and if God is to teach us, and if we are to pour out our hearts to Him, it takes time. Thirdly, God will not to be rushed.

Now, we should never leave prayer without hearing from God, and it may take more than two hours for us to hear from God. Be not in a rush then to leave prayer for it is only God who can give us victory in our struggle with sin. We are not wise enough of ourselves to win this struggle.

Again we must examine ourselves. What is our prayer life like? Do we spend enough time in prayer to God? If not, how can God help us in our struggle with sin, if we do not come to God and seek to know God’s ways of love which will give us the victory?

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Time and Bible Study

Again, as it regards our struggle with sin, God says, “Till I [God] come, give attendance to reading [the Bible], to exhortation [encouraging and stirring up others to do good works], to doctrine [to my teachings in the Bible].” 1 Timothy 4:13.

Furthermore, God says, “Study [the Bible] to shew [show] thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [interpreting] the word of truth [the Bible].” 2 Timothy 2:15. Note that you should never approach the Bible without prayer to God, for only God can cause you to correctly understand the Bible.

Thus, God is saying that you should spend time in both daily reading and studying the Bible. For this is one way in which we come to learn of God’s ways of love so are equipped to win our struggle with sin.

Here again, I say, look into yourself. How do you spend your time? Do you spend time in daily Bible study and reading the Bible, which are two distinct activities? If not, you will be unable to win the struggle with sin. Reorganise how you spend your time then to make room for God and the Bible in your daily life.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Time and Witnessing

God says to all humanity, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel [God’s plan of saving humanity from eternal death (annihilation)] to every creature [to every person].” Mark 16:15. “Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” Exodus 4:12.

Therefore, every person can pray to God “that utterance [words from God] may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians 6:19.

Figuratively speaking then, God says, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your [fishing] nets for a draught [catch].” Luke 5:4.

We see then that we are called by God to seek out our fellow human beings and to work to draw them to God so that they may receive eternal life. How does this help us in our struggle with sin?

Well, this is not an optional commandment from God. Not only are we to be a blessing, but God plans to bless us in the process because we learn to have a heart of love towards our fellow human beings. Here then is an essential step to take in seeking victory in our struggle with sin.

Here God is calling us to self-examination. Are you seeking to win people to Christ? If not, you are neglecting to obey one of God’s commandments. Also, if you are not teaching the gospel to others, it proves that you have no genuine love in your heart for your fellow human being. In this state or yours, you will not have victory in the struggle with sin.

What to do? Turn away from your disobedience to God’s commandment and pray to God asking Him to put words in our mouth to speak to others, and to give a heart of love for others. If you do so, God will use you to convert people to Christ and reward you with His help in your struggle with sin.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Money

Now this post on how to win the struggle with sin would not be complete without looking at what God has to say about money. For God has much to say on this subject.

God says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith [in Christ], and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10.

Are you saying that God cares about our money? What does this have to do with the struggle with sin?

The answer is that the money and material wealth which God gives us is for our actual needs, and every cent above that is to be used to be blessing to others. Not one cent or one dollar is to be spent to cater to our sinful lusts.

How can our money and material wealth be a blessing? Well, I will now give two main examples of how these can be a blessing.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Money and Caring for Those in Need

Well, God says, “Whoso [whosoever] hath this world’s good [money and material wealth], and seeth his brother [fellow human being] have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” 1 John 3:17. And if you do not have God’s love in your heart, you are destined for eternal death (annihilation), for you have the spirit of Satan.

Furthermore, God says, “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow [what shall be tomorrow]. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:13, 14.

“For that ye ought to say, If the Lord [God] will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James 4:15-17.

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it [will lose eternal life and instead receive eternal death (annihilation) from God]: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it [shall receive eternal life from God]. For what is a man [a person] advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself [lose eternal life], or be cast away [by God]?” Luke 9:24, 25.

So then, if you desire victory in your struggle with sin, do not neglect to care for those in need as God blesses you with money, wealth, and resources.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Money and Supporting the Cause of God on Earth

Here is another call of God upon our money and our material wealth, which if you ignore it, you place yourself in a position where you cannot win your struggle with sin. For, once again, you would have proven that you lack God’s love in your heart.

Now, as we saw earlier in this post, God’s command to those who are followers of God is, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel [God’s plan for the saving of humanity from eternal death (annihilation)] to every creature [to every person].” Mark 16:15.

And so, God says, “Pray…that the word of the Lord [God] may have free course [may be preached in the world without being hindered], and be glorified [by its converts to Christ].” 2 Thessalonians 3:1.

This then is God’s cause on earth and, among other necessary things, it requires money in order to accomplish its goals.

What do I mean? Well, Christ, when He was on earth, said, “Ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law [of God’s law of love], judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Matthew 23:23.

Thus, Christ is here saying that we should pay, that is to say, return the tithe to God, because the tithe is God’s portion of what He has given to you. That is, God places extra wealth in our hands to teach us that we should not be “covetous” (Psalm 10:3), which is to say, we should not be greedy and selfish. This God does to help us get the victory in our struggle with sin by learning to keep God’s law of love.

What is the tithe? God says, “Concerning the tithe…the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD [God].” Leviticus 27:32. Thus, the tithe is a tenth of all your increase in wealth. Moreover, God expects His followers to make “freewill offerings [from their money and material wealth], which they will offer unto the LORD [God].” Leviticus 22:18.

Therefore, God says to those who neglect this duty to God, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me.” Malachi 3:8, 9.

And to every one of His followers, God says, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse [into the Christian church], that there may be meat [food] in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10.

“And I will rebuke the devourer [Satan] for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground [take away your money and material wealth]; neither shall your vine [trees] cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD [God] of hosts.” Malachi 3:11.

Such are the blessings which God promises to every one who is faithful to Him in their tithes and freewill offerings.

If you struggle with sin, examine yourself to see if you have forsaken covetousness and have been faithful to God with respect to tithes and offerings. If not, here is part of the reason for your lack of victory in the struggle.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Temperance and the Original Diet

Now God gives us this record in the Bible, “And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden [on the sixth day after God created the earth]; and there he put the [first human pair a] man [named Adam and a woman named Eve] whom he [God] had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden.” Genesis 2:8, 9. Now, to eat from the tree of life was to live forever.

“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat [food]. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat [food]: and it was so.” Genesis 1:29, 30.

This then was the original diet which God gave to humanity. You may be asking, What does diet have to do with the struggle with sin? Continue reading and I will explain.

So, note that there was no death in the newly created earth, for both Adam and Eve and the animals all ate plant food. To use today’s terminology, we would say that both Adam and Eve and the animals were all vegan vegetarian. That is, Adam and Eve ate no animal flesh (no meat) nor animal products such as milk, eggs, butter, and cheese.

Moreover, we may ask God, “Didst not thou sow good seed in thy field [in the earth]? from whence [where] then hath it tares [harmful plants]?” Matthew 13:27. God’s answer is, “An enemy [Satan] hath done this.” Matthew 13:28.

What are these harmful plants on earth? Chiefly, those used for food such as tea, coffee, alcohol, and tobacco which is smoked. Now you may be pointing to science which says that these, as well as animal flesh (meat), may be used without any harmful effects on the human body.

But God says, “O…keep that which is committed to thy trust [which is the original diet from God], avoiding profane [irreverent] and vain babblings [fruitless discussions], and oppositions [questions of truth and validity] of science falsely so called.” 1 Timothy 6:20. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims [on earth], abstain from [avoid] fleshly [bodily] lusts, which war against the soul [wars against your gaining the victory in the struggle with sin].” 1 Peter 2:11.

So, God says, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. “The fruit of the [Holy] Spirit is…temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23. What is temperance? It is not taking into the body anything that is harmful and also the taking in of healthy foods in moderate amounts.

Hence, God warns us, “Little children [all humanity], keep yourselves from idols [of any kind, including foods]. Amen.” 1 John 5:21. Here then is a reason why so many fail in their struggle with sin, for temperance is absolutely necessary to getting the victory in the struggle.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—The Language of the Heart and God’s Approval

If you follow all that I have said in this post, you will come into a close, loving relationship with God in your struggle with sin.

Therefore, the language of your heart will be “Enter into his [God’s] gates [in your heart] with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4. “Because thy [God’s] lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” Psalm 63:3.

“As the hart [deer] panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” Psalm 42:1.

“Intreat [Entreat] me not to leave thee [God], or to return [to turn back] from following after thee [God]: for whither [where] thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God [the members of the Godhead] my God.” Ruth 1:16.

Such a relationship with God guarantees that you will win in the struggle with sin.

For God will say that you are “a man [or woman] after his [God’s] own heart.” 1 Samuel 13:14. “How fair [beautiful] and how pleasant art thou, O love, for [God’s] delights!” Song of Solomon 7:6.

And, speaking of Himself, God will say, All they who like you have a loving relationship with me, “they shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness [abundance] of thy [God’s] house; and thou [God] shalt make them drink of the river of thy [God’s] pleasures.” Psalm 36:8.

Winning the Struggle with Sin—Victory Over Sin and The Reward from God

One day, and only God knows how soon, you will have complete victory in the struggle sin, in that, you have become sanctified.

God will then say of you in the fullest sense, for this is also true of the justified, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace [with God]; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” Isaiah 32:17.

“And such were…you [like the wicked]: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified [made holy by God], but ye are  justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the [Holy] Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11.

Such individuals do not struggle with sin. Yes, they certainly will be tempted to sin, but “iniquity [sin does not] have dominion over [them].” Psalm 119:133.

That is, for such persons the struggle with sin has been won for they have become sinless. They can say, as Christ did when He was on earth, “The prince of this world [Satan] cometh [with his temptations], and hath nothing [that yields to his temptations] in me.” John 14:30.

And again, in the fullest sense, because it is also true of the justified, God will say of you, Heaven has “therefore became…[your] inheritance…because that…[you have] wholly [fully] followed the LORD God [fully followed His law of love].” Joshua 14:14.

Conclusion

So, we have come to the end of this post, where our Bible verse of focus was “For the good that I would [that I want to do] I do not: but the evil which I would not [that I do not want to do], that I do.” Romans 7:19. This verse summarises the individual’s struggle with sin.

But as we have seen there is hope that you can win this struggle, because God has provided His helping grace and much instruction in the Bible on how to make war with sin.

My word to you is to engage in a struggle with sin according to God’s way, if you have not done so already and never give up the struggle. For those who “strive lawfully [according to God’s law of love]” (2 Timothy 2:5), victory is guaranteed by God.

The Bible Teaches Us How to Obtain Eternal Life from God

“In the beginning was the Word [Christ], and the Word [Christ] was with God, and the Word [Christ] was God.” John 1:1. “And the Word [Christ] was made flesh [was born as a baby boy named Jesus], and dwelt among us [human beings], (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father).” John 1:14. Thus, Christ, whose “name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13) is the One who gave the whole Bible to humanity, from the Bible’s beginning to its end. Further, “God is love.” (1 John 4:8), which is to say, Christ is love.

And every one of you as a human being are to “lay apart [put away] all filthiness and superfluity [abundance] of naughtiness [of wickedness], and receive with meekness the engrafted [the implanted] word [from God, which is the Bible and], which is able to save your souls [from annihilation by God as the penalty for sin].” James 1:21. For the word of God, the Bible, being implanted in us means that “the love of God is shed abroad [is poured] in our hearts by the Holy Ghost [the Holy Spirit] which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5. So then, “love is of God; and every one [every human being] that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” 1 John 4:7. This is known as “justification” (Romans 4:25) which is accomplished by our repentance, that is, our deep sorrow for our sins and the gift of faith from God, which when exercised to believe God’s promise of forgiveness of sins and cleansing from sin brings us the gift of love from God. Note that everyone receives the gift of faith from God but without repentance people have a superficial faith and not saving (correct) faith that takes proper hold of God’s truth by the working of the Holy Spirit.

Immediately upon our justification, God tests our character to see if we will successfully resist all temptation to sin. Our success depends on our exercising faith in Christ’s keeping power through the Holy Spirit and, hence, we become sanctified (made holy) and thus receive eternal life from God.

And this is life eternal [everlasting life], that they [as human beings] might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent [to the earth as a Deliverer from sin].” John 17:3. Thus, when the whole Bible makes our character a character of perfect love, it means that we know God and, hence, we will receive eternal life from God.

How This Blog Teaches Bible Study

My blog posts take one or more Bible verses and unpack what is often the hidden meaning in them, to help you to gain in your understanding of the Bible, and to receive insights into how to study it. For God says, “Study [the Bible] to shew [show] thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [interpreting] the word of truth [the Bible].” 2 Timothy 2:15. There are new blog posts every two weeks on a Monday at 12:01 a.m. in timezone UTC-5 (GMT-5).

Further Reading

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