From Striving to Abiding—A Better Way to Overcome Sin
Have you ever found yourself saying, “This time will be different. I’ll do better. I won’t mess up again,” only to fall into the same old patterns? Maybe it’s anger, impatience, or a struggle that keeps coming back, no matter how hard you try to resist it.
If that resonates with you, you’re not alone. For years, I thought the key to overcoming sin was simply trying harder. I memorized verses, made promises to myself, and tried to follow every step of “how-to” plans. But instead of finding freedom, I found frustration.
That’s because change doesn’t come from our effort. It comes from living out the life Christ has already given us. The key isn’t in striving harder but in abiding deeper. Let’s explore how this truth can transform the way you think about overcoming sin.
The Problem with Trying Harder
Imagine sitting across from someone who struggles with anger. They want to change, but no matter how much they resolve to “do better,” they keep blowing up at their spouse, kids, or coworkers. A conversation might go something like this:
Counselor: "Let’s look at what Scripture says. Ephesians 4:26 tells us, ‘Be angry, and do not sin.’ Have you been able to follow this verse?"
Counselee: "I’ve tried, but I fail every time. I hate it, but I can’t seem to stop."
Counselor: "Okay, let’s try some steps. Memorize this verse, pray before you respond, and remind yourself to stay calm. Keep practicing, and you’ll get there."
It sounds practical, doesn’t it? But in reality, this approach often leaves people frustrated, feeling like they’re fighting a losing battle.
Why? Because it focuses on outward behavior without addressing the deeper issue: the flesh.
The Root of the Problem
As believers, we know that our old self—what Scripture calls the “old man”—was crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). But while the old man is dead, the patterns and habits we developed before coming to Christ—what Paul calls the “flesh”—remain. These are the coping mechanisms, thought patterns, and reactions we used to navigate life apart from God.
When we try to overcome sin through effort, we’re essentially relying on those same fleshly patterns. And the flesh is powerless to produce real righteousness.
Paul writes in Romans 7:18:
"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find."
In other words, we can’t fix ourselves. But the good news is, we don’t have to.
A Better Way: Living by the Spirit
The Bible offers a completely different approach to overcoming sin—one rooted in abiding in Christ and walking by the Spirit. Instead of striving to obey rules, we’re called to rest in our union with Christ and allow His life to flow through us.
1. Understand Your Identity in Christ
True victory begins with knowing who you are. When Christ died, your old self died with Him. You’re no longer defined by those old patterns of the flesh. You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17):
“For he who has died has been freed from sin” (Romans 6:7).
2. Focus on Relationship, Not Rules
Jesus doesn’t call us to try harder; He calls us to abide in Him:
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4).Instead of focusing on suppressing your sin, focus on deepening your relationship with Christ.
3. Walk by the Spirit
Paul writes, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Walking by the Spirit means yielding to His guidance moment by moment, trusting Him to empower you to live out God’s will.
4. Rest in His Sufficiency
Christ’s victory over sin is complete. When you face temptation, remind yourself: His grace is sufficient for me. His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
A Conversation Transformed by Grace
Let’s revisit that counseling scenario, this time focusing on grace:
Counselor: "When you feel anger rising, remind yourself of this truth: the old you—who reacted out of frustration or fear—was crucified with Christ. Those patterns are not your identity anymore. Instead of trying to suppress your anger, turn to Christ in that moment and say, ‘Lord, I trust You to respond through me.’"
Counselee: "But what if I fail?"
Counselor: "When you fail, let it drive you back to Christ, not into self-condemnation. The goal isn’t perfection in your own strength but resting in His life. Over time, as you yield to Him, you’ll see those old patterns replaced by His peace and patience."
This approach addresses the heart of the issue and empowers the counselee to rest in Christ’s sufficiency rather than striving in their own strength.
Living in Freedom
The grace-oriented approach doesn’t ignore Scripture—it fulfills it in a deeper way. When you rest in Christ and walk by the Spirit, you’re not just suppressing sin; you’re allowing Christ’s life to replace it.
Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20 capture this beautifully:
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Conclusion: From Striving to Abiding
If you’ve been striving to overcome sin in your own strength, take heart. There is a better way. Christ doesn’t ask you to fix yourself; He invites you to abide in Him and trust Him to live His life through you.
The battle isn’t yours to fight. Victory has already been won. Rest in His grace today, and let His Spirit lead you into the freedom and fullness of life He’s promised.
Reflection Question:
Are you striving to overcome sin, or are you resting in the life of Christ within you?
Closing Thought:
The flesh may tug at you with its old patterns, but Christ in you is greater. He is sufficient for every struggle. Abide in Him, and let His life bring the freedom you’ve been longing for.