Overcoming Sin — Filling the Empty Spaces with God

“Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself… and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

— Matthew 12:44–45

The Danger of an Empty Heart

Jesus’ parable of the unclean spirit teaches a powerful truth: it is not enough to remove sin from our lives. If we do not replace it with God’s Word, sin will return stronger than before. Many in Jesus’ day had the truth but rejected it, leaving their hearts “swept and garnished” yet empty. The result was destruction.

Step 1: Recognize the Problem

Spiritual blindness is one of the greatest dangers for Christians. Like the Laodiceans who thought they were rich but were actually poor and naked (Revelation 3:17), many fail to see their need. That is why we must keep God’s Word close to our hearts: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).

Step 2: Cultivate the Desire to Quit Sin

We cannot overcome sin unless we genuinely want to. Others may help for a time, but victory requires personal conviction. Paul reminds us: “They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5–6). Real change comes when our thinking shifts from pleasing self to pleasing God.

Step 3: Seek God’s Help

Overcoming sin is impossible without God’s strength. He commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30) and has provided the resources we need. Paul declared, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). Prayer keeps us connected to that strength: Jesus said men ought “always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).

Step 4: Lean on the Church

God designed the church to provide accountability, support, and encouragement. James wrote: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16). When we isolate ourselves, we rob both ourselves and others of the encouragement God intended. A united, caring church is a powerful aid in overcoming sin.

Step 5: Replace Sin with Godly Virtues

The man in Jesus’ parable failed because he left his life empty. We cannot just remove sin—we must replace it with godliness. Peter exhorts believers to add virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to their faith (2 Peter 1:5–7). If we continue to grow in these, we will never fall.

Conclusion

Overcoming sin is not about temporary fixes—it is about transformation. It requires self-awareness, a strong desire for change, God’s help through prayer, the support of the church, and the replacement of sin with godly virtues.

Sin leaves emptiness. God fills it with life.