Sin, avoidance of

God calls his people to avoid sin, and through Jesus Christ gives them the inner power to be victorious over it.

God's people are to resist sin

1 Peter 2:11 See also Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 4:23–27; 1 Corinthians 15:34; Ephesians 4:25–5:20; James 1:21

Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.

The Christian life is a constant struggle against sin

Hebrews 3:13 See also Acts 20:28; Romans 7:14–25; Ephesians 6:10–18; 1 Peter 5:8–9

But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

God helps his people to resist sin

Release from sin through Jesus Christ's death

1 Peter 2:24 See also Romans 6:1–7; Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:24; Colossians 2:11–12

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.”

The avoidance of sin through new life in Jesus Christ

1 John 3:9 See also 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:6, 1 John 5:18

Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.

Believers co-operate with Jesus Christ to avoid sin

Philippians 2:12–13

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

Believers are to put to death what is sinful in them

Colossians 3:5 See also Romans 6:11–14, Romans 8:13

Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.

Believers are to exchange sinful for righteous behaviour

Romans 13:12–14 The words used here, and in similar passages, are those used for “taking off” old clothes and “putting on” new ones. See also Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:7–10; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22

The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

Believers are to allow the Spirit to inform and direct their conduct

Romans 12:2 See also Romans 8:5–8; Galatians 5:16–25

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Practical steps for overcoming sin and temptation

Meditation on Scripture

Psalm 119:11 See also Psalm 18:22–23; Matthew 4:1–11 parallel Luke 4:1–13; 2 Timothy 3:16–17

I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

Prayerful dependence upon God

Matthew 6:13 parallel Luke 11:4 See also Psalm 19:13; Matthew 26:41; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15–16

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Active seeking of the good

Romans 6:19 See also Psalm 34:14; Isaiah 1:16–17; Amos 5:14–15; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 3 John 1:11

I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to escalating wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.

Incentives for avoiding sin

The fear of God

Proverbs 16:6 See also Exodus 20:20; Proverbs 3:7, Proverbs 8:13

By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.

The holiness of God

1 Peter 1:15–16 See also Leviticus 11:44–45, Leviticus 19:2, Leviticus 20:7; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20; 1 Thessalonians 4:7

But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

The expectation of Jesus Christ's return

1 Peter 4:7 See also 2 Corinthians 5:9–10; 1 Thessalonians 5:4–6; 2 Peter 3:10–14

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.

A consideration of the consequences of sin

Galatians 6:7–8 See also Mark 9:42–48; Romans 6:21–23; Hebrews 6:7–8, Hebrews 10:26–31

Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

The need to be a good witness to unbelievers

1 Peter 2:15 See also 1 Peter 3:1–2, 1 Peter 3:15–16

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.

The role of others in avoiding sin

Bad company is to be avoided

1 Corinthians 15:33 See also Deuteronomy 7:1–4; Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 1:10; 1 Corinthians 5:1–13

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

A good example is to be followed

1 Corinthians 11:1 See also Philippians 3:17, Philippians 4:9; Hebrews 12:1–3; 1 Peter 4:1–3

You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

Believers are to support one another

James 5:19–20 See also Matthew 18:15–17; Galatians 6:1–2; 1 Timothy 5:20; Hebrews 3:12

My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.