13 Tactical Steps to Take in Your Battle Against Sin

Mortification of Sin It is both relief and heartache to know that all true believers have sin remaining in them in this life. The apostle Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12). In another place he says, “I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin which dwells in my members” (Rom. 7:23 RSV). And Jesus tells us to pray daily, “Forgive us our debts” (Matt. 6:12 RSV). This does not mean we should become complacent about sin. It means we must fight it daily. We are commanded to constantly kill the sin that remains in our lives: If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. (Rom. 8:13 RSV) Put to death therefore what is earthly in you. (Col. 3:5 RSV) This is not optional. This is mortal combat: Sin dies or we die. Not that we would ever become perfect in this age, but we go on killing sins as they attack us from day to day. We do not settle in with sin. We fight and we kill it. A Godward Life John Piper...