WALKING IN VICTORY OVER SIN
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Romans 6:1-14
Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Galatians 5:16-25, 1 John 1:9, Hebrews 12:1-4, ú 119:1o1
INTRODUCTION:
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ did not only provide forgiveness of sin but also secured victory over the power of sin. As believers, we are not called to live in defeat or bondage to sinful habits. We are empowered by grace to live righteously and triumph over the desires of the flesh. Victory over sin is not a far-fetched idea; it is the believer’s inheritance in Christ.
Many Christians struggle with recurring sin because they have not fully understood their new identity in Christ. Sin thrives where knowledge is absent. But when we know that sin has no dominion over us, we begin to live in the reality of our freedom. God's grace does not give room for sinful living; instead, it enables holy living.
To walk in victory over sin means to daily appropriate what Jesus has done on the cross, live under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and make deliberate choices that reflect our new nature. Let us explore how to maintain a consistent life of holiness and victory.
1. UNDERSTAND YOUR NEW IDENTITY IN CHRIST
Victory over sin begins with a revelation of who you are in Christ and what His sacrifice has accomplished for you.
a) Romans 6:6 – Our Old Man Was Crucified with Him
You are no longer a slave to sin; your old sinful nature was nailed to the cross.
b) 2 Corinthians 5:17 – If Any Man Be in Christ, He Is a New Creation
In Christ, you have a new nature that desires righteousness.
c) Colossians 3:3 – Your Life Is Hidden with Christ in God
Your real identity is now in Christ, not in your past or weaknesses.
d) Ephesians 2:6 – Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places
You have authority and power in Christ to overcome sin.
Biblical Example: The life of Zacchaeus changed drastically when he encountered Jesus (Luke 19:1–10).
2. WALK DAILY IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
You cannot overcome sin in your strength; it takes the constant help of the Holy Spirit.
a) Galatians 5:16 – Walk in the Spirit and You Will Not Fulfil the Lust of the Flesh
When you yield to the Spirit, the flesh loses its power.
b) Romans 8:13 – By the Spirit You Put to Death the Deeds of the Body
The Holy Spirit helps you mortify sinful desires and habits.
c) 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God Provides a Way of Escape
Every temptation comes with divine provision to overcome it.
d) Ephesians 5:18 – Be Filled with the Spirit
Stay spiritually full and alert to resist sin's allure.
Biblical Example: Joseph fled from temptation because he honoured God and walked in spiritual awareness (Genesis 39:7–12).
3. RENEW YOUR MIND WITH GOD'S WORD
A transformed mind leads to transformed living. The Word of God purifies and empowers.
a) Romans 12:2 – Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind
Your thoughts shape your actions; renew them with truth.
b) Psalm 119:11 – Your Word Have I Hid in My Heart
The Word strengthens you to resist temptation.
c) John 17:17 – Sanctify Them by Your Truth; Your Word Is Truth
God’s Word cleanses and separates us for His use.
d) James 1:21 – Receive the Word Which Is Able to Save Your Soul
Let the Word uproot sin and plant righteousness within you.
Biblical Example: Jesus overcame every temptation in the wilderness by declaring the Word (Matthew 4:1–11).
4. LIVE A LIFE OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND REPENTANCE
Victory is sustained when you walk in humility, honesty, and openness with God and others.
a) 1 John 1:9 – If We Confess Our Sins, He Is Faithful and Just to Forgive.
Confession brings cleansing and restores fellowship.
b) Proverbs 28:13 – He Who Covers His Sin Will Not Prosper
Expose sin to the light and it will lose its grip.
c) Hebrews 12:1 – Lay Aside Every Weight and Sin That Easily Entangles.
Identify and remove spiritual hindrances.
d) James 5:16 – Confess Your Faults to One Another and Pray
God uses godly relationships to help you stay pure.
Biblical Example: David repented after his sin with Bathsheba and was restored by God’s mercy (Psalm 51).
CONCLUSION:
Walking in victory over sin is not just a spiritual theory; it is the reality of the believer who lives by the power of the Holy Spirit, the truth of God's Word, and a heart committed to daily surrender. The chains of sin were broken at the cross, and you now have the grace to say no to sin and yes to God.
This victorious life is a journey, not a sprint. You may fall, but God’s grace is there to lift you. Keep pressing into God, renew your mind, stay accountable, and walk daily in the Spirit. You are not a slave to sin—you are a child of God, empowered to walk in righteousness.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, open my eyes to understand my new identity in Christ.
2. Holy Spirit, empower me daily to overcome temptation.
3. Let Your Word renew and transform my thinking.
4. Father, help me to walk in humility and repentance.
5. Deliver me from every besetting sin and secret weakness.
