Avoidance of sin

God’s people are to resist sin

1 Peter 2:11 NKJV

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

See also Ps 97:10; Pr 4:23–27; 1 Co 15:34; Eph 4:25–5:20; Jas 1:21

The Christian life is a constant struggle against sin

Hebrews 3:13 NKJV

but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

See also Ac 20:28; Ro 7:14–25; Eph 6:10–18; 1 Pe 5:8–9

God helps his people to resist sin

Release from sin through Jesus Christ’s death

1 Peter 2:24 NKJV

who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

See also Ro 6:1–7; Ga 2:20; Ga 5:24; Col 2:11–12

The avoidance of sin through new life in Jesus Christ

1 John 3:9 NKJV

Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

See also 2 Co 5:17; 1 Pe 1:23; 1 Jn 3:6; 1 Jn 5:18

Believers co-operate with Jesus Christ to avoid sin

Philippians 2:12–13 NKJV

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Believers are to put to death what is sinful in them

Colossians 3:5 NKJV

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

See also Ro 6:11–14; Ro 8:13

Believers are to exchange sinful for righteous behaviour

Ro 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 Eph 4:22–24; Col 3:7–10; 1 Ti 6:11; 2 Ti 2:22

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

Romans 12:2 NKJV

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

See also Ro 8:5–8; Ga 5:16–25

Practical steps for overcoming sin and temptation

Meditation on Scripture

Psalm 119:11 NKJV

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

See also Ps 18:22–23; Mt 4:1–11; 2 Ti 3:16–17

Prayerful dependence upon God

Matthew 6:13 NKJV

And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

See also Ps 19:13; Mt 26:41; 1 Co 10:13; Heb 4:15–16

Active seeking of the good

Romans 6:19 NKJV

I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

See also Ps 34:14; Is 1:16–17; Am 5:14–15; 1 Th 5:22; 3 Jn 11

Incentives for avoiding sin

The fear of God

Proverbs 16:6 NKJV

In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.

See also Ex 20:20; Pr 3:7; Pr 8:13

The holiness of God

1 Peter 1:15–16 NKJV

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

See also Le 11:44–45; Le 19:2; Le 20:7; 1 Co 6:18–20; 1 Th 4:7

The expectation of Jesus Christ’s return

1 Peter 4:7 NKJV

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

See also 2 Co 5:9–10; 1 Th 5:4–6; 2 Pe 3:10–14

A consideration of the consequences of sin

Galatians 6:7–8 NKJV

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

See also Mk 9:42–48; Ro 6:21–23; Heb 6:7–8; Heb 10:26–31

The need to be a good witness to unbelievers

1 Peter 2:15 NKJV

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—

See also 1 Pe 3:1–2; 1 Pe 3:15–16

The role of others in avoiding sin

Bad company is to be avoided

1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

See also Dt 7:1–4; Ps 1:1; Pr 1:10; 1 Co 5:1–13

A good example is to be followed

1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

See also Php 3:17; Php 4:9; Heb 12:1–3; 1 Pe 4:1–3

Believers are to support one another

James 5:19–20 NKJV

Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

See also Mt 18:15–17; Ga 6:1–2; 1 Ti 5:20; Heb 3:12