You know the nightmare.

You’re running as fast as you can, heart pumping in your chest. You’re too afraid to look over your shoulder, but you already know what’s there. Maybe it’s a wild animal. Or that cackling clown from your childhood friend’s birthday party. Maybe it’s a family member whose betrayal still overshadows your life, or a friend who hurt you.

Whatever is behind you, it’s terrifying—and it keeps getting closer. Even worse, it feels like you’re running in slow motion. You wake up fighting your bedsheets and half expect to feel something grip your shoulder as your worst fears finally catch up to you.

While these nightmares can be scary, I’ve never had one where I’m being chased by the most dangerous enemy in my life: my sin. Maybe it’s because, according to the Bible, sin is part of our spiritual DNA in a broken world: “I have been evil from the day I was born; from the time I was conceived, I have been sinful” (Psalm 51:5 GNT). When you’ve lived with something your entire life, it’s easy to pretend it doesn’t exist.

THE BIBLE HELPS YOU FLEE FROM SIN

God’s Word tells us that our sin is at the root of all the problems we see in our world. Our hearts naturally desire to run toward sin, not away from it. The Bible is full of examples of people who chose to embrace sins like jealousy, pride, lust, and anger instead of God. In the end, their decisions always led to suffering and separation from God. But while “sin pays its wage—death,” God offers us a free gift: “eternal life in union with Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23 GNT).

Because of sin’s deadly consequences, the Bible warns us to avoid it at all costs. Instead, we’re encouraged to put our faith in Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price for our sin through his death on the cross. Through the Holy Spirit, we can find strength in Jesus’s example and wisdom in God’s Word when we face temptations.

Here are four reminders from the Bible to help you flee from sin and grow in faith.

Don’t underestimate your sin—or the enemy behind it.

“Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 GNT

Don’t just run away from sin; pursue righteousness.

“But you, man of God, avoid all these things. Strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.”

1 Timothy 6: 11-12 GNT

When you face temptations to sin, remember that you are not alone.

“But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 GNT

As you flee from sin and grow in faith, praise God that Jesus has already crossed the finish line!

“So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.”

Hebrews 12: 1-2 GNT