What practical steps help us resist offering our bodies to sin?

Understanding the Call

Romans 6:12 says, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires.” Paul is speaking to people already united with Christ (vv. 3–11). Because our old self was crucified with Him, we have real power—from the Spirit—to refuse sin’s demands.

Our New Identity Shapes Our Choices

• Dead to sin, alive to God (Romans 6:11)

• Not slaves but free (Romans 6:18)

• Bought with a price; our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Practical Ways to Keep Sin from Reigning

Know and rehearse the truth

• Recite Romans 6:11 when temptation hits: “I am dead to sin; alive to God.”

• Memorize helpful passages (Psalm 119:11; Ephesians 6:17).

Surrender each day

• “Present yourselves to God” (Romans 6:13). Begin the morning acknowledging His ownership of your body, mind, eyes, mouth, and hands.

Walk by the Spirit

• “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Consciously invite His leadership throughout the day.

Avoid spiritual starvation

• Regular, focused Bible reading (Matthew 4:4).

• Consistent prayer—especially in moments of weakness (Matthew 26:41).

Guard your inputs

• Turn away from media or situations that feed sinful desires (Job 31:1; 1 Corinthians 15:33).

• Replace them with what is noble and pure (Philippians 4:8).

Flee when necessary

• Joseph literally ran from temptation (Genesis 39:12). Paul tells Timothy, “Flee youthful passions” (2 Timothy 2:22). Leaving the scene is sometimes the godliest response.

Exchange habits

• “Put off… put on” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Replace gossip with encouragement, laziness with service, lust with genuine love.

Lean on fellowship and accountability

• “Consider how to spur one another on to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

• Share struggles with mature believers who will pray and ask hard questions.

Keep the end in view

• Remember that present choices echo into eternity (2 Corinthians 5:10).

• Long for the day when sin will have no hold at all (1 John 3:2-3).

Rely on God’s power, not mere willpower

• “For it is God who works in you to will and to act” (Philippians 2:13).

• Confidence comes from grace, not grit (Titus 2:11-12).

Encouragement for the Battle

Sin’s reign was broken at the cross; its presence lingers, but its dominion is gone. As we trust the finished work of Christ and actively practice these steps, we prove what Romans 6:14 promises: “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law but under grace.”