How to stop sinning is one of the greatest challenges for believers in this fallen world. This world is full of worldly pleasures that, let’s face it, tempt us on a daily basis.
Our war is against the devil constantly. Worldly things are seductive but they are always against the will of God.
In this regard we need grace if we are going to live the lives that God desired and planned for us especially on How to stop sinning.
God desires that we live righteous lives
1.Reading and understanding the word of God
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
The best way to stop sinning is having the word of God in our hearts. Storing up the word in our hearts is more than just casually reading the bible. It is eating the word, living it and becoming one with it.
When we have the word in our hearts it becomes part of us. So much that we automatically know what it says about every situation in our lives. The bible is like a manual for us. On how to live our lives the way that God intended for us.
The bible is a manual for our earthly lives
When we read a manual for whatever product we have bought. We know exactly what to do and what not to do when operating that appliance if we want it to perform the best way it should.
If we have not read the manual there is a chance that wrong operation may cause that appliance to break down and be destroyed.
The same applies with us.
When we read the word constantly, carefully and obediently. We will know exactly what to do and what not to do in order not to sin. The word of God is the single most important reference on how to stop sinning.
2. Spiritual Renewal and Transformation
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
The bible says that when we are renewed by transforming our minds, we will be able to discern the perfect will of God for our lives in order to know what is acceptable and what is not.
Only when we are renewed to not conform to the worldly standards, are we able to discern. Discernment is an excellent tool for how to stop sinning. Understandably in life, are some things that are vague. Which leave us unsure about whether that is acceptable to God or not.
The gift of discernment helps you to avoid sinning
But the bible says in order for us to be able to know this, we have to NOT be conformed to this world. We have to set our minds to things above. Not things below. That way we can easily see the repercussions of a desired act way before we do it.
When we are renewed and transformed we become like Christ. We think like Christ and behave like Jesus did instead of acting like the rest of the world.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5
When we are transformed our minds will be set on spiritual things. And when we reach that state of mind, then we can discern sin from what may seem to be OK.
So we must be renewed and transformed to be spiritual. And not to continue living in the flesh like we did before salvation. If we do this, we are guaranteed that we will be equipped on how to stop sinning
3. Deliverance
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:13
Most people sin because they are being demonised by demons. That demon will have the characteristics of the sin that will be controlling them. For example, when you are demonised by a spirit of lust. You will find yourself committing sins such as adultery, fornication, pornography, masturbation and so forth. Because all these sins stem from the spirit of lust that will be tormenting you.
Usually the easiest way to know that there is spirit tormenting you is when you try all means possible to stop the sin. But for some reason when the desire overcomes you, you literally lose control and can not help it.
These are some of the symptoms that you may be demonised. When the desire to sin overcomes your desire not to. Because remember
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7
So when you find yourself failing to control yourself no matter how hard you try. It is a demon. This is because God gave us a spirit of self control. Lack of control is demonic from the devil and you need deliverance.
Demons control their hosts
The only way to get rid of a demonic spirit is by getting deliverance. Only deliverance can set you free from that sin. So that you can start to walk in your divine purpose without any form of bondage.
As long as that demon is still there no amount of resistance will work. As the devil will have taken over.
After you are delivered then you are on a path of living a sin free life. So deliverance is an important aspect if you are trying to figure out how to stop sinning.
4. Crucifying the flesh and denying yourself
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
Romans 6:6
As believers, one of the signs of following Jesus is denying yourself. When you really want to follow Jesus you must crucify your flesh. Ignore all the desires of the flesh. And set your mind only on Jesus.
When we are saved we still have our flesh. The flesh doesn’t get saved, only the spirit does. So, the flesh is still the flesh. Still willing to indulge in earthly pleasures because that is its nature.
Our flesh must not control our lives
But as Christians we must crucify our flesh. Refuse for our flesh to control our lives and take over us. We need to deny ourselves. Temptation is not a sin, but giving in to temptation is the sin. So when you feel your flesh wanting to fornicate, deny it. Because you know better. Don’t give in to fleshly desires.
When you do that then how to stop sinning..
Remember God gave us a spirit of self control. This means that we are able to control our flesh. We can not allow the flesh to dictate our lives.
This can be as simple as gluttony, which is overeating. It is a sin you know.
Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
Philippians 3:19
I get that sometimes you would have had dinner but the cake looks so good and you just have to have a piece. But when this happens on a daily basis. Where food becomes your master and controls you. Then you need to start denying yourself.
You can do this especially by fasting. Fasting is a very effective way to deny yourself. Crucify your flesh and draw closer to God.
5. Choose your friends wisely
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
Growing up I used to be annoyed when my mother told me to choose good friends. Because bad friends ruin good morals. I didn’t understand it then as I thought she was just trying to control my life. The way all teenagers think.
Peer pressure causes us to sin
But now that I am grown and am a parent myself. I see the dangers of bad company. Honestly most of the bad decisions that people make in their lives are due to peer pressure from friends. In High school, kids are forced to do certain stuff because “it’s cool” and not doing it means that you are not cool.
And that feeling of wanting to belong will make kids do the same thing that they know is bad. All because their friends are doing it.
So it is very true that the company that you keep determines the person you become. There is a saying that says
Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are
Choosing good, God fearing friends that encourage you in your faith will also help and encourage you in your faith.This is the only way if you want to know how to stop sinning. On the other hand, when you choose friends who do not love God.
It becomes a problem and will potentially cause you to sin.
So if you really want to walk in your purpose you must be intentional about not sinning. If you want to lead a life that is happy and blessed. You must begin to be Holy as God is Holy. by implementing these tips on how to stop sinning.