Avoidance of sin

God’s people are to resist sin

1 Peter 2:11 KJV 1900

11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

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The Christian life is a constant struggle against sin

Hebrews 3:13 KJV 1900

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

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God helps his people to resist sin

Release from sin through Jesus Christ’s death

1 Peter 2:24 KJV 1900

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

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The avoidance of sin through new life in Jesus Christ

1 John 3:9 KJV 1900

9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

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Believers co-operate with Jesus Christ to avoid sin

Philippians 2:12–13 KJV 1900

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Believers are to put to death what is sinful in them

Colossians 3:5 KJV 1900

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

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Believers are to exchange sinful for righteous behaviour

The words used here, and in similar passages, are those used for “taking off” old clothes and “putting on” new ones.

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

Romans 12:2 KJV 1900

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

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Practical steps for overcoming sin and temptation

Meditation on Scripture

Psalm 119:11 KJV 1900

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.

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Prayerful dependence upon God

Matthew 6:13 KJV 1900

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

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Active seeking of the good

Romans 6:19 KJV 1900

19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

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Incentives for avoiding sin

The fear of God

Proverbs 16:6 KJV 1900

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: And by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.

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The holiness of God

1 Peter 1:15–16 KJV 1900

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

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The expectation of Jesus Christ’s return

1 Peter 4:7 KJV 1900

7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

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A consideration of the consequences of sin

Galatians 6:7–8 KJV 1900

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

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The need to be a good witness to unbelievers

1 Peter 2:15 KJV 1900

15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

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The role of others in avoiding sin

Bad company is to be avoided

1 Corinthians 15:33 KJV 1900

33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

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A good example is to be followed

1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV 1900

1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

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Believers are to support one another

James 5:19–20 KJV 1900

19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

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