"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:6
Serve: perform duties or services for; work for; obey
Do we know that the work of the cross is completed? To be free from sin is something we can already walk in victoriously! The bible says that our old man (the one who served sin and walked in disobedience) IS crucified with Christ. The bible doesn't say that our old man should be crucified or that it will be crucified, it says that our old man IS crucified! This means that we are presently set free from service to sin! What an encouraging scripture to know that this promise is already available to us.
When temptations arise, we can boldly come against them in prayer and with the Word of God. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. It is our weapon and just like we have to actually do something in order for a physical sword to be useful to us (we have to actually pick it up and fight!), the same is true for the sword of the Spirit! We can use the word by speaking it aloud when temptation to sin arises. Reminding ourselves and the enemy what the Word states, as Jesus did in the wilderness when He was tempted. We can also pray the Word over ourselves and others.
Sometimes, the temptation to sin is stronger than others, but this is what submission and surrender to the Holy Spirit is for! If we spend time in the Word and in prayer consistently, that makes it so much easier to resist temptation (example: again, Jesus in the wilderness). Also, when temptation arises internally or externally, we have to remember that our conscience and the Holy Spirit do convict us to make the right decision, but it's our choice to listen. If we choose to listen to the Holy Spirit, we'll be strengthened to avoid sin and we'll recognize our way of escape.
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13
I want to also stress the importance of continuing in reading the bible. Since everyday is a battle for our souls, then everyday we must prepare ourselves by reading the Word of God. Everyday we need to seek God. I know things pop up: maybe you overslept, you got called into a meeting, you have to wake up at 5 AM to help get your kids ready for school , or any number of other situations arise. God isn't a tyrant saying, "Everyday, if you don't wake up first thing in the morning to read your bible, you're going to hell." No! But what He is saying, and lovingly at that, is, "Spend time with me today. Listen to the bible or to sound biblical teachings (David Wilkerson, Paul Washer, Billy Graham, and Charles Stanley are a few sound teachers that I listen to) on your way way to said meeting or after you drop off your kids. He is saying find time to seek Him daily, because it's the most important thing in the scheme of your life that will help you stay free from sin.
The great thing about the gift of repentance is that we can start today! Even if we fell down yesterday or 5 minutes ago and gave in to serving sin... it's not too late! We can repent and begin to walk in newness of life right now. Confess your sins and God will be faithful and just to forgive you and to cleanse you from all (every ounce!) unrighteousness.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9