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UNPACKED: Why Do We Struggle With Sin?
As we continue exploring this topic, we’re unpacking a key tension in the Christian life: why we still struggle with sin even though Jesus has already defeated it. Read the notes below to understand what Christ has done at the cross, what we experience today, and how God is shaping us through the ongoing journey of sanctification.
The Power of Sin
- Overview
- The Defeat of Sin’s Power
- The Struggle with Sin’s Influence
- Why We Still Struggle With Sin
- The Victory We Can Have Over Sin
- Conclusion
Overview
Many of us understand that when Jesus gave His life on the cross, He defeated the power and authority of sin. He became sin in our place so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Yet, it’s clear that sin is still present in the world, and many Christians still struggle with temptation and sinful habits. This can feel confusing. If sin has been defeated in Christ, why do we still struggle with it?
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- The defeat of sin’s power at the cross
- The ongoing influence of sin
- Why believers still struggle today
- How we can walk in victory over sin
The Defeat of Sin’s Power
At the cross, Jesus didn’t just deal with sin emotionally or symbolically. He broke its authority and dominion over believers completely.
We are no longer slaves to sin.
Romans 6:6–11 explains this clearly:
Our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
This is a decisive spiritual reality for everyone in Christ:
- Sin no longer rules over us
- We are no longer under its authority
- We are now alive to God in Christ Jesus
Before salvation, sin wasn’t just something we did. It was something that ruled us. Paul uses the image of slavery to explain this:
“You were once slaves of sin…” (Romans 6:17–18)
A slave does not have full autonomy. In the same way, sin shaped our desires, decisions, and direction before Christ.
Freedom through Christ’s exchange.
Jesus broke that system through His death and resurrection:
“For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin…” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Through Christ’s sacrifice:
- We are freed from sin’s power
- We are transferred into righteousness
- Sin is no longer our master
But this leads to an important question: If sin is defeated, why do we still struggle?
The Struggle with Sin’s Influence
Although sin’s power has been broken, its presence and influence remain in the world.
Sin is no longer our master, but it still tries to tempt, lure, and influence us. We still live in a fallen world where spiritual battle is real.
Even Jesus experienced temptation, yet He never sinned.
Scripture is clear that believers must still actively resist sin:
- Ephesians 6:10–12 – We wrestle against spiritual forces
- 1 Peter 5:8 – The devil seeks to devour
- James 1:13–14 – Temptation comes through desire
We are still in a spiritual battle
While sin no longer rules us, it still:
- Appeals to our flesh
- Uses external influences
- Seeks to draw us away from God
However, sin will not always remain. Scripture promises a future where it will be completely removed:
“He will wipe away every tear… death shall be no more…” (Revelation 21:4)
Why We Still Struggle With Sin
To understand the tension we live in, we need to understand the three stages of salvation (Ordo Salutis):
- Justification
We are saved instantly
- Freed from sin’s power
- Declared righteous in Christ
2. Sanctification
We are being saved progressively
- Freed from sin’s influence over time
- Becoming more like Christ
3. Glorification
We will be saved fully in the future
- Completely free from sin’s presence
Where we live now
We currently live in sanctification:
- Sin’s power is broken
- Sin’s influence is still present
- Sin’s presence will one day be removed
State of sin vs acts of sin
A helpful distinction:
- State of sin: We are no longer separated from God
- Acts of sin: We still sometimes fall and miss the mark
Being saved does not mean we never sin again. It means sin no longer defines our identity or separates us from God.
We are:
- Fully forgiven in Christ
- Still being transformed in daily life
The Victory We Can Have Over Sin
We are not powerless against temptation. Scripture gives us practical ways to walk in victory.
1. Identify the sin
You cannot overcome what you refuse to acknowledge.
2. Understand there is no condemnation
“There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
Conviction leads us to God. Condemnation pushes us away from Him.
3. Recognise triggers
Identify patterns and remove environments that fuel temptation.
4. Repent quickly
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just…” (1 John 1:9)
Don’t delay restoration.
5. Bring sin into the light
Confession breaks secrecy. Sin grows in darkness and weakens in the light.
6. Remember your identity
You fight sin from freedom, not for freedom.
“Be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” (Romans 12:2)
7. Rely on the Holy Spirit
Change is a process empowered by God, not human willpower alone.
“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…” (Philippians 1:6)