By Pastor Sean Hardy, Sr. | June 2025

Let’s be honest—living a life that pleases God requires intentionality. Just like anything worth achieving, walking in holiness demands will, determination, purpose, strategy, prayer, and execution. Avoiding sin isn’t accidental; it’s a daily decision made with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Now, we all know that we are wrapped in flesh. There are unintentional sins—things we do without even realizing—but this isn’t about those. This is about willful sin. Each day, we’re standing at that symbolic tree in the garden, faced with the choice to obey or disobey God. And while we’re being sanctified daily, Scripture never gives us permission to sin—not even a little (Romans 6:12–14; 1 John 2:1). Grace isn’t a license to sin; it’s the power to overcome it.

Here are some spiritual and practical daily strategies that can help you live with intention and resist sin:

Start with a Plan

Start your day—or even the night before—by praying to your Father. Acknowledge the spiritual battle and express your desire to walk in obedience. Ask Him to go before you and prepare your day.

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” — Proverbs 16

Ask the Holy Spirit to Expose Sin

We don’t always see our blind spots. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal patterns and struggles that you might not even notice.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” — Psalm 139:23

Identify Specific Sins and Counter Them with Scripture

Once a struggle is clear, find a Scripture that addresses it. If anger is your battle, hold on to this:

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1

Make that your prayer for the day: “Lord, help me to respond with gentleness. Keep me from situations or people that stir up wrath.”

Know You Can’t Do It Alone

Our flesh is not strong enough. You need God’s grace and power to walk this out.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him.” — 2 Peter 1

The Word is Your Weapon

God’s Word is alive, powerful, and able to break the chains of sin. Meditate on it. Stand on it. Use it.

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.” — Psalm 119:9

Recite Scripture Throughout the Day

Speak the Word over yourself often. This not only sharpens your focus, but also reminds you of God’s expectations and His promises.

Remove Toxic Influences

If your sin is being fed by what you’re watching, listening to, or engaging in—cut it off. You can’t ask God to deliver you from lust while binging on lustful content. Or pray about anger while watching chaotic, combative shows.

“Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” — Romans 13:14

Pray Without Ceasing

It’s not about physical posture—it’s about heart posture. Talk to God at work, at the gym, while driving. Stay connected throughout your day.

“Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Keep Yourself Accountable

You don’t have to fight alone. Confide in a trusted brother or sister in Christ. Accountability brings light to dark places.

“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” — James 5:16

If You Do Sin, Don’t Run—Repent

If you fall, don’t give up. Don’t hide. Run to your Advocate—Jesus. He’s ready to forgive and restore.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9

Be Ready for the Fight

This life of faith is a spiritual battle. You’ll need endurance, focus, and God’s Word as your sword. Keep showing up. Keep pressing in.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7

These strategies aren’t about legalism—they’re about freedom. Christ already won the victory. Now it’s up to us to walk it out, by faith, each and every day.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” — Ephesians 6:14

And remember—you’ve already OVERCOME. Let’s live freely in Jesus Christ. Not just someday, but today.

Pastor Sean Hardy, Sr. – Senior Pastor at Overcame Church. Passionate about teaching biblical truth and addressing real-life challenges through Scripture.