“Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” — John Owen

How to Fight Sin Daily as a Christian

Posted on May 15, 2025 | By [Shecaniah_Grace]

Every Christian knows the internal war between the flesh and the Spirit. Romans 7:23 describes it well: “Waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin.” Yet in Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6). Here’s how to fight it daily in light of God’s Word and grace.

1. Acknowledge the War Within

The first step to battling sin is recognizing it’s ongoing. The Christian life is not one of perfection, but of continual mortification of sin (Colossians 3:5). Don’t ignore or excuse sin—expose it to the light of Christ.

2. Saturate Yourself with Scripture

Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Daily Bible reading is not just a habit—it’s your weapon in this battle. Know the promises of God that outshine the lies of temptation.

3. Cultivate Dependent Prayer

Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Lead us not into temptation.” Fighting sin is not done in self-effort but by reliance on the Holy Spirit. Bring your temptations and struggles honestly before God every day.

4. Kill Sin at the Root

Don’t just manage sinful behavior—get to the heart. Ask: what desire or idol is feeding this sin? Then apply gospel truth. As John Owen said, “Be killing sin or it will be killing you.”

5. Surround Yourself with Gospel Community

Sin thrives in secrecy. Confess your struggles to trusted, mature believers (James 5:16). Accountability isn’t shameful—it’s biblical and healing.

6. Rest in Christ’s Victory

The fight is real, but the war is won. Jesus conquered sin and death. We don’t fight for victory but from victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). This gives us hope, not despair.

Conclusion

Fighting sin daily is part of the Christian life. But we fight in the power of the Spirit, armed with the Word, strengthened by grace, and surrounded by fellow saints. Let your fight be fueled not by guilt but by love for the One who died to set you free.

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Tags: Fighting Sin, Reformed Theology, Christian Sanctification, Daily Devotions, Gospel Living, Spiritual Warfare