Romans 6:7 declares that the person who has died is freed from sin. What an intriguing concept! Imagine being completely immune to the allure of sin. But how is this possible? Well, let’s delve into the secret of this extraordinary transformation.
To truly grasp this, we must first understand what it means to “die.” It’s not about physical death but rather killing or rendering inactive that part of ourselves that gravitates toward sin—our flesh, our body. Sounds challenging, right? Yet, there are four profound ways to achieve this liberation.
Firstly, we must genuinely view ourselves as dead to sin, not just pretending, but embracing the reality of it. Secondly, we need to be unresponsive to sin’s enticing appeal. We will face temptations, no doubt, but we can resist without succumbing, just as Jesus did when tempted (Hebrews 4:15).
Next, we must stop giving sin any foothold to rule or control us. We must steer clear of situations that lure us into temptation. Instead, we should seek to live every day for God’s pleasure in union with Jesus, the Anointed One.
Now, don’t be deceived; this journey won’t be easy. It requires a conscious and voluntary death to our sinful inclinations. But take heart, for the rewards are worth the effort. And here’s how you can make death to sin possible and stay dead:
- Cultivate a deep fellowship with God through the Spirit and His Word. Let His presence guide your every step (Galatians 5:16).
- Engage in prayer and fasting. There’s something powerful about communing with God in this way, especially when praying with the Spirit.
- Surround yourself with the right company. The people you spend time with can influence you greatly, so choose friends who uplift and encourage godliness (1 Corinthians 15:33).
- Avoid anything that even remotely resembles evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Sometimes, a seemingly innocent indulgence can be a slippery slope.
Now, here’s the incredible part—your dominion over sin is established through grace! Romans 6:14 proclaims that sin cannot dominate you because you are not under the law but under grace. Grace empowers you to overcome sin and live a victorious life.
So, embrace the power of grace and embark on this journey of transformation. Allow the Spirit of God to work in you, breaking the chains that bind you to sin. Through fellowship, prayer, godly company, and avoiding evil, you will witness a remarkable shift in your desires and actions.
Remember, the taste for sin can be reactivated, so stay vigilant. But fear not, for with the grace of God, you have what it takes to conquer sin and embrace a life of freedom and victory!