8 Bible Passages to Stop Sin In Its Tracks

This is going to be a short post, at least as far as my words go. Because I’m going to let the Bible do the speaking. Below, I’ve meted out eight scripture passages to help you stop sin in its tracks. That’s right, these are the words that will get you through the hour of your greatest temptation.

You’ve been there, standing on the precipice of a choice. On one side is the obviously right thing to do. You already know it’s right so that’s not the problem.

The problem is what’s on the other side: a freefall into something forbidden yet alluring, something that will hurt either you or someone else, something that leads to moral decay within your soul—and you’re going to do it. You know you shouldn’t click into that website, or go that far with your boyfriend, or take that drink, or play that game, or sneak that item from the shelf, or… 

We all have our pet sins, the ones that keep calling our names. And sometimes we do them even when we’re internally screaming at ourselves for doing it.

How can you succeed in such a situation? With the Word of God, of course. Keep these Bible passages handy so you can stop sin in its tracks when temptation strikes.

Fight back! No, I mean for real.

If you’re being attacked in a dark alley in the middle of the night, you don’t just swat your attacker’s arm, do you? No, you fight, you scream, you tear into flesh, cause bruises and inflict real pain. You don’t go down without a fight!

The same should be true if Satan is attacking you with temptation. Fight back with the full arsenal, not just one bullet! God has given you the tools to fight, and he promises to help you. But you have to reach for him. 

If you’re being attacked in a dark alley in the middle of the night, you don’t just swat your attacker’s arm. You fight.

That’s what these eight passages are all about. If you’re on the verge of diving into sin and you don’t think you can withstand it, get out of there and reach for these. And don’t just read one of them. Read them all, and read them multiple times until the temptation has passed.

I’ve highlighted one or two verses from each, but it’s up to you to pick up your Bible or click on the link to read the whole passage so you can really fight back. (And I’ve put them in order so you can move more smoothly through your Bible.)

Stop Sin In Its Tracks With Ammunition From the Word of God

1. Romans 6 “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” (verse 14)
2. Romans 13:11-14 “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” (verse 14)
3. Galatians 5:16-26 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (verse 16) 
4. Colossians 3:1-4 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (verse 2) 
5. 2 Timothy 2:22 “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 
6. Titus 3:3-8 “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us…” (multiple verses) 
7. Hebrews 4:14-16 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (verse 16)
8. James 4:7-8 “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (verse 7) 

It’s through these words that the Holy Spirit will fill you with the strength to overcome that which threatens to take you down.

Stand up to temptation with the Word of God. Fight fire with real fire! 

More Help With Standing Up to Temptation

Self-Control: Draw Your Weapon, Make the Enemy Flee!