By My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.
1 John 2:1
If only it was so easy! We believe that the Bible has been written in part so that we will stop committing sinful deeds. Yet, we still, unintentionally and intentionally, commit sin. How can I stop sinning?
The very next phrase in the verse above continues:
But if anyone does sin
1 John 2:1b
How can I stop sinning when I still sin so often? It won’t be easy, and it won’t be quick, but there is much help in the fight against personal sin.
When you have just sinned, remember that Jesus defends those who are His; He is our advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1c).
When you have just sinned, remember that Jesus absorbs (propitiate) the wrath of the Father against our sin and there is no condemnation for all in the world who believe in Jesus (1 John 2:2).
To keep you from continuing in your sin, preach to yourself what you know to be true about Jesus – how He is your Saviour, your Lord, your example. You know the sinless One; let that keep you from sinning (1 John 2:3).
Every time you sin, you are adding the sin of lying, or deception, to your record. Think about it. God saved you, you claim to know Jesus, but you also continue in sin. That is a contradiction. Think about it. Next time you are tempted to sin, stay pure to the Truth, and abstain from the sin (1 John 2:4).
To flip it all around to the positive side, every time you obey, you are the recipient of God’s love, and not only some of His love, but His complete and perfect love (1 John 2:5).
So, go, obey, becoming a living sample of Christ-like living (1 John 2:6).
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.
1 John 2:1