Romans 6:11-14 In
the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ
Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you
obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as
instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those
who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your
body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your
master, because you are not under law, but under grace. (NIV)
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Christ has died. And all those who trust Him, claim His death as the final punishment for their sin. Therefore, Paul argues, how can we respond to the call of sin any more? Of course, the human answer is 'all too easily'; but as the Apostle had to teach the Roman church, we also need to think in a new way.
Firstly we need to consider ourselves 'dead to sin'. That is: we died with Christ, and dead bodies cannot respond ... so we should not respond to the call of sin. Secondly we must stop obeying the command to sin, and break the habit of sinning. Thirdly we must decide not to let our bodies do things, say things, see things or go places that would offend our Saviour. Fourthly we should give our bodies clear instructions to serve God instead. Fifthly we must remember our purpose, to be agents of God's righteousness, and refuse to give sin any place in our hearts, our thinking and behaviour.
God has covered us with His grace, but we are not to go back to our old ways. No! We must work with Him to win the daily battles which will show who is really in control of our lives. Alas, our default is to sin unless we choose not to! So we need to discipline our spirit to pray and desire what is right; to discipline our soul to reject the lies of temptation; and discipline our minds and bodies to choose a path which serves our Lord rather than our fleshly desires.
The Word of God will remind us what is right and wrong, the Spirit of God will urge us to choose the right way; but we have to make righteousness our goal, and refuse to allow sin to have control. So, take one area in which sinful living has become a habit, tell the Lord you want to change and work through these principles with Him!
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You for Your amazing grace, counting me as righteous because I have submitted to Jesus. I am sorry when I continue to sin or allow wickedness to become a habit. Please help me to understand the privilege of receiving Your grace, and give me a new desire to work with You so that my lifestyle will glorify You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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