FRIDAY July 10, 2020

No Longer Slaves of Sin

For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
Romans 6:5-6

Paul has explained sanctification––Christians are set apart. God separates us from sinful living and leads us into a purity of life. When we are born again (John 3), we experience regeneration––a new life in Christ. Again we identify with Christ’s death and resurrection in baptism. Christians are not perfect, but we shall be perfect when we die.

Paul also taught Christians to submit and surrender to God. Sin no longer rules their lives. If a person is in the light, they cannot walk in the darkness. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:20). Sin keeps us in bondage to remain slaves of sin. Sin darkens our lives, grieves the Holy Spirit, and keeps us away from the perfect will of God. Christians are to obey God’s Word, die to themselves, and do the will of God.

Many people have problems with addictions––alcohol, drugs and sexual encounters. Think of all the rehabs that are available to people, there are hundreds. If a person goes into rehab, it will only help them in a limited way. It is not until Christ comes into a person’s life that they can be set free from the bondage of their sin. Apart from Christ’s help and deliverance, a person is basically wasting their dollars and time.

When a person gets out of rehab, there is still a great temptation to take drugs or drink alcohol. People still in that lifestyle will continue to offer them drugs, and invite them to drink––we are only human and susceptible to these vices. Even Christians get tempted to sin every day! Only God can help. He strengthens us. I believe the problem is the will––making a decision to do your will or God’s will.

Christ came out of eternity into time to rescue mankind whose moral folly had made us not only fools of the passing world but slaves of sin and death.
~A.W. Tozer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!