OVERCOMING PART 1 - SIN

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)

Every human being wrestles with sin. It is the silent tyrant of the heart, the invisible chain that binds men and women, young and old. Sin promises freedom but produces slavery. It offers pleasure for a season but leaves wounds that linger for a lifetime (Hebrews 11:25). One need only glance at today’s headlines—violence, addiction, corruption, broken families—to see the destructive power of unchecked sin.

Yet for the believer in Christ, sin no longer reigns as king. Romans 6:14 makes a bold declaration: “For sin shall not have dominion over you.” This is not mere wishful thinking—it is God’s promise of victory.

Modern data confirms the desperate need for such victory. Studies show that over 70% of adults admit to feeling “trapped in destructive habits” (YouGov, 2022). People desperately seek deliverance—through self-help, psychology, or medication—but the Bible teaches that lasting freedom comes only through grace.

Paul’s words in Romans 6 come after his discussion of baptism and union with Christ. He explains that when we trust Christ, we are spiritually buried with Him in death and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).

The key phrase here is “sin shall not have dominion.” The Greek word kurieuo means “to exercise lordship or authority over.” In other words, sin used to be your master, but in Christ, it has been dethroned.

Paul contrasts “law” and “grace.” Under the law, the command was given but no power was supplied; under grace, the Spirit provides both the command and the power to obey. Grace does not excuse sin—it empowers victory over it.

We already have the victory: John 8:36 “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Paul gives us clear understandable words that no temptation is beyond what we can bear; because God provides a way of escape. We read in I Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 

We also have assurance from Galatians 5:16 “Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

Charles Spurgeon once preached: “Sin may drag thee where it will, but if thou art God’s child, it shall never make thee its slave.” The great Baptist preacher knew that temptation is real, but grace is stronger.

Consider John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. His character Christian carried the heavy burden of sin upon his back until he reached the cross, and there the burden rolled away. That is not fiction—it is the reality for every believer who surrenders to Christ.

How Do We Overcome Sin?

1. By Feeding on the Word of God

   Psalm 119:11 declares: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” The believer who fills their heart with God’s truth arms themselves with a weapon sharper than any sword. Temptation loses its power when confronted with the promises and warnings of Scripture.

2. By Walking in the Spirit

   Romans 8:13 teaches that if we “through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, we shall live.” Self-will cannot conquer sin, but Spirit-will can. Each morning, we must consciously yield to the Spirit’s control, praying, “Not I, but Christ in me.”

3. By Guarding Our Associations

   Paul warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” Many Christians remain in bondage to sin because they keep close fellowship with people and places that feed temptation. To overcome, we must not only pursue holiness but also flee from compromise.

4. By Living in Accountability

   James 5:16 tells us to confess our faults one to another and pray for one another. Sin thrives in secrecy; it dies in the light of accountability. Trusted friends, spiritual mentors, and church fellowship are God’s gifts to help us fight sin.

Today, pornography enslaves millions, anger destroys families, and addictions ravage health. Secular counsellors often focus on symptom management, but Christ deals with the root—sin itself. A 2021 Barna study revealed that Christians who daily read Scripture and pray were 57% more likely to report freedom from addictive habits than those who rarely did. The Word and prayer are not rituals; they are lifelines.

Our Closing Challenge

Sin no longer has dominion over you. That is not a motivational slogan; it is the authority of God’s Word. Live in that truth. When temptation comes, remind yourself of your position in Christ. When guilt whispers lies, remember the cross has declared you free.

“The Christian is not fighting for victory, but from victory.” – Watchman Nee