In this newsletter, we’re addressing the lie: “I am unable to overcome sin.” I’m so eager to tell you: this is a big fat lie—don’t believe it! We CAN overcome sin, not by our own strength, power or ability, but by the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Yet, if I’m being honest, even though I know the truth, my life doesn’t always reflect that belief.

I want to respond to my husband and kids with love, kindness, and truth—but sometimes, I respond with anger and harsh words.

I want to forgive my sister-in-Christ who hurt me—but instead, I hold onto bitterness and unforgiveness.

I know I should speak truth to my friend—but I avoid the conversation because it makes me uncomfortable. Rather than obeying the Holy Spirit’s prompting, I “people please,” caring more about what others think of me than what God is calling me to do.

Please tell me I’m not alone. Have you ever felt that same inner struggle between the flesh and the Spirit? You might wonder: If I’m truly a child of God, why do I still struggle so much? Why do I battle with my tongue, with self-control, with greed and comparison, with lust and jealousy, with my temper?

Here’s the truth: We are still in these earthly bodies. And until we see Christ face-to-face, we will be in a daily battle against sin and our flesh. But are we helpless in this fight? Absolutely not. Paul, in the book of Romans, speaks of two spiritual laws at work. The first, Paul calls the law of sin and death—a law that condemns every person: “The wages of sin is death.” This is the law that keeps people bound in sinful habits, broken relationships, and destructive patterns. It’s what Paul wrestles with in Romans 7.

“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate . . . . Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?” (Romans 7:15, 24)

But he doesn’t leave us there. He goes on to say:

“Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord . . . . the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” (Romans 7:25, 8:2)

Our sinful nature has been crucified with Christ. That is the truth. Even though the old self has been put to death, we still wrestle with indwelling sin. It no longer reigns—but it still remains.

And here is our hope: the gospel—the law of the Spirit of life—is at work in us. We are not destined to remain in bondage. We are not doomed to defeat. Through the power of the Spirit, we can overcome sin. The old edict is still written—but a new one, sealed by the blood of Christ, has greater authority. The law of the Spirit doesn’t erase the law of sin and death—it overcomes it. It lifts us from defeat into freedom. The law may try to condemn, but it has no authority over those who are in Christ. Christ's victory gives us power to overcome sin and to live free.

And God has given us resources to help us in this battle. First, the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer, and as we walk in obedience and yield to his leading, he works in our lives, thoughts, and actions. Second, God’s Word equips us, convicts us, renews our minds, and strengthens us for every good work—when we meditate on it, memorize it, and apply it to our daily lives. Third, prayer keeps us connected to the source of our strength; it humbles us, aligns our will with God’s, and invites his help in our weakness. And fourth, the fellowship of other believers encourages us, sharpens us, and provides accountability in our fight against sin.

My prayer for all of us is that we would believe the truth: that we can overcome sin. May we walk by the Spirit, be rooted in the Word, be devoted to prayer, and be strengthened through one another.

Nathalie Richard

For the Women at Grace Newsletter Team

We know that this month’s topic can feel theologically complex: by the power of the Spirit, we are able to overcome sin and, at the same time, we will continue to struggle with sin while we live in this earthly body? It’s hard for me to wrap my head around!

As we reflect on this, there’s no better resource than reading Romans 6–8. I invite you to really spend time meditating on these chapters. It took me less than 10 minutes to read them slowly. Read through them multiple times. Read through them for a few days in a row. And as you read, ask yourself:

What truth from this passage is hard for you to believe and why? Or maybe, if you believe it in principle: What truth is not reflected by your actions?

This exercise was so convicting for me, but it’s so encouraging too. My prayer is that God would transform our hearts and minds to fully believe what Paul says in these chapters. What kind of women would we be if we lived out of this truth?!

Whitney Maness

For the Women at Grace Newsletter Team

1. In what areas of my life do I see the tension between my flesh and the Spirit most clearly, and how am I currently responding in those moments?

In John 15:5, Jesus says, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

1. How does this truth change the way you approach your daily battle with sin? Do you believe that, with the Spirit’s help, you can overcome sin?
2. Which of the resources God has given—his Spirit, his Word, prayer, or fellowship—am I relying on the least, and how can I begin to grow in that area?

Nathalie shared that we can’t do this life alone—we need the fellowship of other believers! Confession of sin is a part of this fellowship and of walking in obedience to God.

1. Can you think of one person whom you confess your sins to? Are you available to others for them to confess their sin to you?

Allie Black

For the Women at Grace Newsletter Team