For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. Romans 6:14 (NIV)My Bible titles this section of Scripture, "Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ." I think another title can be extracted from verse 14, "Under Grace Because of Christ." Jesus has done everything needed in order for us to live under grace. We, however, still have things to do.
For example, verse one asks a pointed question, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" Seems to me like a simple question with a simple no for the answer. Yet, even today, some Christians struggle with sins while others try to justify their sin by saying that God's overwhelming grace will cover it (remember justification only originates from God - not from us).
The problem I see with this is that many, including myself, miss the point that grace is not permission to sin but power to dismiss sin from our lives. Grace covers all transgression. Grace is poured out among all flesh. Yet grace is conditional on our choice to die to sin with and through Jesus.
Will I make mistakes along the way? Yes. Does grace still cover me? Yes, but that is not the question asked by Paul. Paul is asking if we should change or not. The answer is yes, we should change, and the Holy Spirit equips and empowers us for this transformation through grace. The Holy Spirit helps us to conform to the will of God.
Paul says Christ died and this death is symbolically represented in us when we are baptized in water. Water baptism shows a departure from the old way of life and an entrance into a new life. Living a new sin-free lifestyle shows our belief in His resurrection. Our spiritual death frees us from the slavery we suffered under sin's control.
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Romans 6:6-7 (NIV)If we "died with Christ" (v. 8), then we should believe that we now live through Him with a new life and new choices. Those choices should be God honoring because sin cannot be master over any who are in Christ.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Romans 6:12 (NIV)Not only should we cease to continue in sin, we should also maintain control of our bodies through the power of the Holy Spirit. Our hands, feet, mind, thoughts, private places, and even our unruly tongue are ours to control ("The devil made me do it" is no longer a viable excuse). Beware, sin's power is intoxicating and can capture an unguarded heart. Sin can again reign if we persist in it. We have to make the decision to change. Change does not always come easily nor is change always something we can do alone. This is why the community of the church exists - to help and not judge!
We change first by accepting our new life in Jesus. Second, we take control of our lives by taking responsibility for our actions; we can then focus on Jesus and offer ourselves to Him fully. Sin is a distraction but Jesus didn't ask you to get right first. He said to come as you are and let Him complete the work; He never stops what He starts!
Sin is not our master when we submit ourselves to God's grace. When we do, we are under His love, His passion, His blood, His compassion, His guidance, and so much more!
- Are there areas in your life that you have not surrendered to God? Why?
- Why do people feel uncomfortable with seeking help with troubled areas in their lives?
- Does God's grace cover those who fight addictions and other mental problems?
- Is sin an option in a believers life? Why or why not?
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