As an introduction to this Bible study, please read the 1-minute devotion Believing Both Verses.
Scripture tells us God is the only one who can change us spiritually, but we have an important role in that process:
Philippians 2:12-13: Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Romans 8:5-6.12-14: Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ... 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
Below are some practical ideas to help us "work out our salvation" and fulfill "our obligation" to overcome sin. Read through them and ask God which you can apply to your situation.
1. Read, recite, memorize, or write Scriptures that apply to your sin problem.
God's Word is alive and it can help us understand our sins and overcome them.
2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Using Scripture to overcome sin is explained in I Can't Change. And you can find specific Bible verses to use in Scriptures and Resources for Conquering Anger and Scriptures for Developing Self-Control.
2. Start your day with Scripture promises.
Colossians 3:16: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
See Eight Statements Christians Should Make Each Day.
3. Don't let problems get you off course with the Lord. Process them biblically.
See 5 Ways to Process Problems.
4. Start by transforming your thought life because sins usually start in our thoughts.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Romans 12:2:Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
See Take Your Thoughts Captive, 2 Steps to Sexual Sin, and Do You Have a Happiness Diary?
5. Avoid influences that cause you to sin.
Psalm 101:3: I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.
1 Corinthians 15:33: Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
See What About Bad TV and 4 Types of People God Tells us to Avoid.
I pray that some of these practical suggestions will help you overcome sin in your life so that you can enjoy the freedom and grace of Christ more fully.
copyright, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com
Bite Size Bible Study
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