Breaking Free from Habitual SinSample

It all starts with true transformation

We start removing habitual sin by recognizing the transformation that has indeed taken place within us as believers. This allows us to start choosing something other than sin as we consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. This is a reminder that in coming to Christ, the power of sin has been broken in our lives. Paul uses the metaphor of slavery to make this point. We were at one time slaves to sin, but now we are slaves to righteousness. The power of sin was broken at the cross and, in becoming Christians, we are set free from sin’s mastery over us. Therefore, we no longer sin out of the necessity of our original nature, but because we have willfully submitted to sin’s dominion. 

At the same time, we recognize our need to rely on the power of God’s Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, to overcome habitual sin. The Christian’s struggle against sin is one in which our ability does not match our desire. That is why we need the power of the Holy Spirit. And we have power through that same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead and who is now dwelling in us. The Holy Spirit, through God’s Word, is changing us as we submit ourselves to Him. This submission and being focused on God’s Word are what enable us to refuse the temptations of the flesh.