VICTORY OVER SIN
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:
Romans 6:14 – “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
Supporting Texts:
1 John 3:9, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Galatians 5:16-17, Hebrews 12:1-2, Titus 2:11-12
INTRODUCTION:
Sin is one of the greatest challenges that humanity has faced since the fall of Adam and Eve. It is a destructive force that separates people from God, brings guilt and condemnation, and ultimately leads to death (Romans 6:23). However, through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, believers have been given power to overcome sin and live a victorious life.
Many Christians struggle with repeated sins, addictions, and weaknesses, often feeling trapped in cycles of failure. Yet, the Word of God assures us that sin shall not have dominion over us because we are under grace and not under the law. Victory over sin is possible, but it requires a deep understanding of the power available through Christ and a commitment to walk in righteousness.
This sermon will explore the principles that enable believers to overcome sin and walk in victory daily.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF GRACE OVER SIN
Grace is God's divine ability given to believers to live righteously and overcome sin.
- a) Grace Empowers Us to Say No to Sin: Titus 2:11-12 tells us that the grace of God has appeared to all men, teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. Grace does not give us a license to sin; instead, it strengthens us to live in obedience to God.
- b) We Are No Longer Slaves to Sin: Before salvation, we were under the control of sin, but through Christ, we have been set free (Romans 6:6-7). Sin no longer has legal authority over us.
- c) Grace Gives Us a New Nature: When we receive Christ, we are given a new nature that desires righteousness rather than sin (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our old sinful self is crucified with Christ.
- d) Living Under Grace Requires Surrender: Victory over sin comes when we yield ourselves fully to God and allow His grace to work in us (Romans 6:13). We must actively submit to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
- e) Biblical Example: The woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) was shown grace by Jesus. He did not condemn her, but He also commanded her to "go and sin no more," demonstrating that grace empowers righteousness.
2. WALKING IN THE SPIRIT TO OVERCOME SIN
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our victory over sin. Without Him, it is impossible to resist temptation.
- a) The Flesh and the Spirit Are in Constant Battle: Galatians 5:16-17 explains that the flesh desires sinful things, but the Spirit leads us into righteousness. We must choose to walk in the Spirit daily.
- b) The Spirit Convicts and Guides Us: The Holy Spirit warns us against sin and reminds us of God’s commands (John 16:8). A believer who listens to the Spirit will not easily fall into sin.
- c) The Fruit of the Spirit Counters Sinful Desires: When we cultivate love, joy, peace, self-control, and other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), they replace sinful tendencies in our lives.
- d) Praying in the Spirit Strengthens Us: Jude 1:20 says we should build ourselves up by praying in the Holy Ghost. A strong prayer life empowers us to resist sin.
- e) Biblical Example:** Joseph overcame the temptation of sexual sin because he was led by the Spirit and had a deep fear of God (Genesis 39:7-12). His spiritual discipline enabled him to resist Potiphar’s wife.
3. RENEWING THE MIND WITH GOD’S WORD
The battle against sin starts in the mind. The Word of God is a powerful weapon that transforms our thinking and strengthens us against sin.
- a) The Word Purifies Our Thoughts: Psalm 119:9 asks, “How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.” The Word cleanses us from sinful inclinations.
- b) The Word Renews Our Minds: Romans 12:2 commands us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. When our thoughts align with God’s truth, sinful desires lose their power.
- c) The Word Exposes the Enemy’s Lies: Many people fall into sin because they believe the enemy’s deception. Jesus overcame Satan’s temptations by quoting Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11).
- d) Meditating on the Word Builds Spiritual Strength: Joshua 1:8 tells us to meditate on God’s Word day and night. A mind filled with Scripture will not easily entertain sinful thoughts.
- e) Biblical Example: King David declared, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). His deep knowledge of Scripture kept him from many sinful pitfalls.
4. DEVELOPING A LIFESTYLE OF PRAYER AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Prayer and godly accountability are essential tools for maintaining victory over sin.
- a) Prayer Gives Strength to Overcome Temptation: Jesus instructed His disciples to pray so that they would not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41). A strong prayer life keeps us spiritually alert.
- b) Confessing Our Sins Brings Freedom: James 5:16 encourages us to confess our faults to one another. Hiding sin leads to spiritual weakness, but confession brings healing.
- c) Surrounding Ourselves with Godly Influence: 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns that bad company corrupts good morals. We must be intentional about our friendships and spiritual associations.
- d) Accountability Partners Provide Support: Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron.” Having mature believers who can correct and encourage us helps in our journey of holiness.
- e) Biblical Example: The early church devoted themselves to prayer, fellowship, and accountability (Acts 2:42-47). This communal support helped them stand strong in faith.
5. DYING TO SELF AND LIVING FOR CHRIST DAILY
True victory over sin comes when we fully surrender our lives to Christ and allow Him to reign in every area.
- a) We Must Crucify the Flesh Daily: Galatians 2:20 declares, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Victory over sin requires dying to selfish desires.
- b) Living as a New Creation: 2 Corinthians 5:17 affirms that we are new creatures in Christ. Our old sinful nature has passed away, and we must walk in our new identity.
- c) Seeking Eternal Things Instead of Earthly Pleasures: Colossians 3:1-2 commands us to set our minds on things above. The more we focus on Christ, the less power sin has over us.
- d) Offering Ourselves as Living Sacrifices: Romans 12:1 urges us to present our bodies as holy and acceptable unto God. Our daily decisions should reflect a life dedicated to Him.
- e) Biblical Example: Paul’s life exemplifies complete surrender to Christ. He declared in Philippians 3:7-8 that he counted all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ.
CONCLUSION:
Victory over sin is not just a possibility; it is a reality for every believer in Christ. God has given us the necessary tools—grace, the Holy Spirit, His Word, prayer, and godly accountability—to overcome sin and walk in holiness. However, we must be intentional in applying these principles daily. If we remain steadfast in our faith, sin will have no dominion over us, and we will live as victorious children of God.
PRAYER POINTS:
- Lord, give me the grace to overcome every sin in my life.
- Holy Spirit, empower me to walk in righteousness daily.
- Father, renew my mind and transform my thoughts through Your Word.
- Lord, strengthen my prayer life and make me spiritually vigilant.
- Every sinful habit in my life, be broken in Jesus’ name!
- I receive grace to walk in the Spirit and not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.
- Father, connect me to godly mentors and accountability partners.
- Lord, help me to set my mind on things above and not on earthly desires.
- I receive the power to resist every temptation that comes my way.
- I declare that sin shall no longer have dominion over me!
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
- You shall walk in victory over every form of sin!
- The Holy Spirit will guide you daily in righteousness.
- Your mind is renewed, and your heart is purified.
- The power of sin is broken over your life forever!
- You will overcome every temptation that comes your way.
- God’s grace will sustain you in holiness and purity.
- Your testimony will inspire others to live righteously.
- The fire of God will consume every sinful desire in you.
- You will live as a light in a dark world.
- Sin shall never have dominion over you in Jesus name. Amen!
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