A collection of the most brilliant, inspired men who wrote timeless classics on prevailing over sin. And a small outline of the famous 7 Steps to Overcoming Sin highlighting some of the important steps.
There is no “wrong way” to overcoming, or rather there is not “single way” to overcoming… but its more like a garden, you pull the weeds, till the soil, plant seed, water it and chase the birds away. Over time those seeds will sprout and God who gives the growth will produce its fruit in its due season.
Sin will take you further than you wanted to go
Make you stay longer than you wanted to stay
Make you pay more than you wanted to pay
~Ravi Zacharias
Overcoming sin is a journey that requires spiritual discipline, reliance on God’s grace, and a deep commitment to following Christ. Here are seven steps that can guide you on the Ancient Path as the Holy Spirit gives light:
1. Acknowledge and Confess Your Sin
- The first step to overcoming sin is to recognize it and confess it to God. Acknowledge your wrongdoing, and repent sincerely. Psalm 32:5 says, “I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
2. Seek God’s Forgiveness
- After confessing your sins, seek God’s forgiveness through prayer. Believe in His promise to forgive and cleanse you. 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
3. Rely on the Holy Spirit
- You cannot overcome sin in your own strength. Depend on the Holy Spirit to empower you to resist temptation and to live righteously. Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
4. Immerse Yourself in Scripture
- God’s Word is a powerful tool for overcoming sin. Regularly read, study, and meditate on Scripture to renew your mind and strengthen your spirit. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
5. Cultivate a Life of Prayer
- Maintain a strong prayer life to stay connected to God. Prayer helps you to seek God’s guidance, find strength in times of temptation, and remain aligned with His will. Jesus taught in Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
6. Avoid Situations of Temptation
- Be mindful of your surroundings and the situations that may lead you to sin. Remove yourself from environments that tempt you, and replace sinful habits with godly ones. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that God will provide a way out of temptation if we are willing to take it.
7. Seek Accountability and Support
- Surround yourself with fellow believers who can support you in your journey. Accountability partners, mentors, or small groups can provide encouragement, guidance, and prayer support. James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
Final Thoughts:
Overcoming sin is a continuous process that involves daily surrender to God, ongoing repentance, and a deepening relationship with Christ. Remember that while the journey may be challenging, God’s grace is sufficient, and He will guide you toward victory.
“Steps to Christ” (1892) by Ellen G. White
“The Mortification of Sin” by John Owen (1656)
This Puritan classic deals with the believer’s responsibility to put to death the deeds of the flesh. Owen provides deep insights into the nature of sin and the necessity of actively pursuing holiness.
“The Spiritual Man” by Watchman Nee (1903-1972)
Watchman Nee, Ni Tuosheng, or Nee T’o-sheng, was a Chinese church leader and Christian teacher who worked in Red China during the 20th century. The Jewish Communist of China imprisoned him for 15 years and finally executed him for his faith. He suffered greatly for the Gospel. His evangelism was influenced by the Plymouth Brethren.
“The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence (1692)
A collection of conversations and letters, this work emphasizes the importance of continually focusing on God’s presence in daily life as a means of overcoming sin and growing in spiritual health.
“The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas à Kempis (1418-1427)
This work has remained a spiritual classic, emphasizing the need to imitate Christ in all aspects of life, particularly in the fight against sin and the cultivation of virtue.
“Holiness” by J.C. Ryle (1877)
A foundational text on the doctrine of sanctification, Ryle’s work explores the necessity of holiness, the struggle against sin, and the means by which believers can grow in grace.
“The Christian in Complete Armour” by William Gurnall (1655-1662)
This extensive work, based on Ephesians 6, is a detailed exposition of the believer’s spiritual warfare. It provides practical advice on how to overcome sin and stand firm in the Christian faith.
“The Calvary Road” by Roy Hession (1950)
A book that emphasizes the importance of brokenness, repentance, and revival, The Calvary Road provides a path for believers to experience victory over sin through surrender to Christ.
“Thoughts for Young Men” by J.C. Ryle (1865)
Although aimed at young men, this book provides timeless advice on resisting temptation, overcoming sin, and living a life of holiness. Ryle addresses practical issues with a deep spiritual insight that is applicable to all believers.
“How YOU Can Overcome Sin” by Dr. Bob Till
Bible verses and practical advice on overcoming sin. Graduate from Ambasador College in East Texas and long time minister in the Church of God.
Fred Coulter
Contemporary minister, graduated from Ambassador College in 1970s with a degree in Greek. Studied under Herbert Armstrong. Translator of “A Faithful Version”.
Seven Steps of Sin
Acknowledge Your Sin
Nature Of Sin
Sin That Entraps Us
Human Nature, Sin, Conversion
“The Almost Christian” by John Wesley (1741)
Emphasized true conversion and the pursuit of Christian perfection.
“Sinners Bound to Change Their Own Hearts” by Charles Finney (1834)
Focused on the necessity of repentance and holiness in the Christian life.
“The Way of Holiness” by Phoebe Palmer (1850)
Advocated for immediate sanctification through faith.
A short introduction to Phoebe Palmer, she is NOTHING like the “Pentecostal” movement of today. She was a founder of “the Holiness Movement”
Exegesis about the “Sermon on the Mount” by Eddie Parrish (Church of Christ)
19 part series, half hour each. A deep dive into the Sermon given by Jesus on the Mount of Olives.
Brother Mike Desario of Holding Firmly
Departing from Iniquity
Let the wicked forsake his ways (Part 1) (Part 2)
Self Control
Patient Continuance
Other resources
Christian Sermons and Audio Books
Herbert W Armstrong Library